We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
Pectus excavatum treatment
Leading experts in non-surgical treatment for pectus excavatum and rib flaringOur modern, comprehensive treatment package can correct your chest shape without surgery with a combination of bespoke exercises, the vacuum bell and rib flaring brace.
We’re proud to have pioneered this treatment in the UK since 2010 and have achieved outstanding results for our patients.
Pectus excavatum is a chest wall deformity that causes the breastbone (sternum) to appear sunken inwards. At LOC, we’ve been pioneering advanced non-surgical pectus excavatum treatment since 2010, achieving life-changing results for patients of all ages.
Our treatment approach is completely tailored to your individual needs and considers:
- the flexibility of your chest: the more flexible your chest wall, the better it responds to non-surgical correction
- your age: while younger patients, particularly teenagers, tend to have more flexible chests and may see quicker results, we have also achieved excellent outcomes for adult patients
- how severe your pectus excavatum is: while some cases may require surgery, most patients see remarkable results with non surgical treatment
Our comprehensive treatment package
Our non-surgical treatment package involves:
- vacuum bell therapy: a device that gently lifts the sternum over time and reduces the indent of the chest
- a bespoke exercise and breathing programme: designed to enhance treatment results and support long-term posture
- a rib flaring brace: an innovative brace that corrects flared ribs, ensuring a balanced, natural chest shape when used alongside the vacuum bell.
The best way to find out if our treatment package is right for you is to book a free virtual consultation with one of our specialist pectus clinicians.
Patient success story
Ollie's vacuum bell treatment experience
Ollie came to see us when he was 16 years old. The sunken area of his chest measured 5.7cm and he was diagnosed with severe pectus excavatum and rib flaring. We gave him a bespoke rib flaring brace and a vacuum bell device and after only six months of treatment, the dent in his chest went down to 2.5cm.
“Oliver had really closed down in the months before we found LOC. He used to play football regularly with a group of friends, and he’d given that up. He now goes to the gym four times a week, he feels different, more confident.” – Rachel, Ollie’s mum
Vacuum bell treatment
The vacuum bell is a device designed to gently lift the sunken area of the chest over time. By creating a vacuum over the indentation, it gradually encourages the sternum to move outward, improving the chest’s shape.
Teenage patients and those with flexible chest walls can expect to see dramatic changes in their chest shape when using the vacuum bell in conjunction with targeted breathing exercises, especially when used with a rib flaring brace.
Rib flaring brace
Many patients with pectus excavatum also experience rib flaring, where the lower ribs protrude outward. The rib flaring brace helps gently guide the ribs into a more natural position by applying targeted pressure over time.
At LOC, we’ve developed and refined this brace to work alongside vacuum bell therapy, helping to improve overall chest appearance and balance.
The rib flaring brace is a type of dynamic chest compressor that corrects the chest shape by applying pressure to the lower rib cage. This gradually guides them into a more natural position over time and can significantly improve the appearance of the chest.
Slimline rib flaring brace
Fix flared ribs without surgery-
Slim, low-profile design
A discreet, streamlined fit makes the brace less noticeable under clothing. Making it easier to wear and helping you feel more confident during treatment.
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Lightweight and comfortable
Our new design uses lighter-weight aluminium bars, making it easier to wear, carry about, and integrate into your daily life.
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Easy to take on and off
Fabric straps make it easy to put the brace on and take it off quickly and by yourself.
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Adjustable fastening system
The new fastening system allows you to tighten the brace more easily should you wish. This allows you to increase or decrease the pressure depending on your comfort levels.
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Removable 3D-printed foam pads
The brace’s soft, removable foam pads are easy to clean and swap out during treatment. This means we can increase the pressure points and optimise the brace as your chest shape responds to treatment.
Results: before and after
Why choose us for your pectus treatment
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Unrivalled expertise
LOC has pioneered this treatment method in the UK since 2010. Since then, we have continued to improve and iterate our brace design for optimal results.
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Personal support
Regular communication and check-ins with your dedicated orthotist keep patients and parents motivated throughout treatment.
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On-site workshop facilities
Which means our clinicians can make any necessary adjustments or tweaks to the brace to make sure it’s comfortable and working optimally.
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Holistic approach to treatment
We treat more than just pectus conditions. That means we can address any underlying factors and offering postural and biomechanical assessments as needed.
Treatment length
We understand that most patients come to us because they’re unhappy with their chest shape, and our goal is to help you feel happy with the results.
The timeline for your treatment depends on how you feel about your chest’s appearance. Whether it’s feeling comfortable enough to go shirtless in public or simply not noticing the deformity anymore, we’ll help you achieve your goals.
For patients with flexible chest walls, improvements can happen quickly, so we monitor your progress closely, especially in the early stages. It may take adult patients longer to see results, but we’ve had excellent outcomes with patients over the age of 30.
Our pectus treatment package
Tailored pectus exercise classes
As part of our core treatment package, we offer tailored pectus exercise classes with Alva Yoga specifically designed to complement our patients’ non-surgical chest bracing treatment.
Alva runs two online classes a week, one flexibility class and one muscle loading class.
Flexibility class: Focuses on opening the shoulders and chest, building strength in these areas, as well as in the legs and back muscles. The objective is to lengthen the spine, increase flexibility, and improve mobility, all of which contribute to promoting a better posture.
Loading class: Concentrates on building up chest muscles through a combination of strengthening and flexibility exercises. This class aims to enhance overall strength and structural support in the chest area.
Learn more about how tailored exercises can improve treatment outcomes
Pectus excavatum treatment pricing
We’re committed to always being as transparent as possible with our treatment costs. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
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Online consultation
Free -
Pectus excavatum consultation with an orthotist
£200 -
Pectus excavatum treatment package (Under 18)
£2,805- 3D topographical chest scan, measurements, and clinical photography of your chest
- a custom vacuum bell device
- fitting and up to two years of review appointments
- a bespoke stretching and exercise regime
- a sports therapy session to guide you through the exercise regime
- access to online strength and flexibility classes specifically designed for patients going through treatment
- any repairs required
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Pectus excavatum treatment package (Adult)
£3,225- 3D topographical chest scan, measurements, and clinical photography of your chest
- a custom vacuum bell device
- fitting and up to two years of review appointments
- a bespoke stretching and exercise regime
- a sports therapy session to guide you through the exercise regime
- access to online strength and flexibility classes specifically designed for patients going through treatment
- any repairs required
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Bespoke rib flaring brace (if required)*
£935
*Not all patients require a rib flaring brace. As a result, they are not included in the treatment package prices and are charged for separately.
The LOC Promise
We believe in the power of bespoke orthotics to change lives. That’s why we’re committed to providing the best possible treatments for our patients.
Patient success stories
View all patient stories-
- Patient name: Alex
- Treatment: Pectus excavatum treatment
- Age: 14
- Orthotist: Sam Walmsley
- Travelled from: United Kingdom
"Sam was great, always supportive, and would sort out any issues I had with my brace quickly. I am so pleased with how my chest looks now.”View patient story -
- Patient name: Oliver
- Treatment: Pectus excavatum treatment
- Age: 17
- Orthotist: Anna Courtney
- Travelled from: United Kingdom
“It has made a massive difference to our family,” says mum Rachel, “Oliver had really closed down in the months before we found LOC; he used to play football regularly with a group of friends, and he had given that up. He now goes to the gym four times a week, he feels different, more confident."View patient story -
- Patient name: Charlie
- Treatment: Pectus excavatum treatment
- Age: 31
- Orthotist: Connor Mumford
- Travelled from: United Kingdom
“I would give 10/10 to Connor for his straightforward approach and help throughout treatment. He didn’t over-promise and was completely up-front about what I had to do in terms of the wearing regime and exercises. I’m very pleased with the improvement in the appearance of my chest shape."View patient story
Frequently Asked Questions
View some of the most asked questions about Pectus excavatum treatment here, or search below for a question you might have.
Don’t forget you can always send us a message or give us a call on 020 8974 9989 if you’d prefer.
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Yes, mild bruising is nothing to worry about and can differ from patient to patient. Usually, it’s a good sign as it indicates that you have been committed to wearing the brace and that you are applying sufficient pressure to remodel your chest shape. Your clinician will keep an eye on this throughout treatment and will be able to tell you if your brace is too tight.
If you notice significant bruising or skin irritation, consult your clinician, as it may mean the brace is too tight and needs adjustment by your orthotist. -
For many patients, particularly those treated early, bracing can significantly improve chest wall deformities and may eliminate the need for surgical intervention. For older patients or those with severe deformities, bracing can still provide substantial improvement and may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, sometimes alongside surgical options
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Consistency is key for effective treatment. Not wearing the brace as prescribed can slow down progress or lead to regression of the correction achieved. It’s important to follow the clinician’s guidelines to get the best results.
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The duration of daily wear varies depending on the severity of the condition and the stage of treatment. Typically, patients are advised to wear the brace for 16-23 hours a day in the initial stages. As treatment progresses and improvement is seen, the wearing time may be gradually reduced.
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It’s normal to feel a little uncomfortable at first as your body adjusts to the brace. Most people find this goes away after the initial adjustment period. If you’re experiencing ongoing pain or irritation, let us know right away so we can make adjustments.
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• Pectus excavatum: The chest wall sinks inwards, creating a “caved-in” look.
• Pectus carinatum: The chest wall sticks outwards, often called “pigeon chest.”
Both conditions are chest wall deformities that can be treated with orthotics.