Dr. Marco Ha · author and medical reviewer
Paediatric surgery, trauma surgery, hyperbaric and diving medicine · Last medically reviewed
Direct answer
Will Pectus Excavatum Go Away? Growth, Monitoring and When to See a Surgeon
Does a sunken chest improve with growth? Learn how pectus excavatum changes during adolescence, what symptoms matter, and when evaluation is appropriate.
The full guide below explains assessment, options and warning signs. Online information cannot replace an examination.
Pectus excavatum usually does not disappear simply with growth
Pectus excavatum is a structural depression of the sternum and costal cartilage. Mild cases can look different as the child grows, but a clear bony depression usually does not completely correct itself just because the child becomes taller.
The deformity may become more noticeable during the adolescent growth spurt, so appearance in early childhood does not reliably predict the final severity.
When observation is reasonable
A child with a mild depression, no chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness or reduced exercise tolerance, and little body-image concern may be monitored over time.
Monitoring still matters. Earlier review is appropriate if the chest becomes deeper, more asymmetric or symptomatic.
When a full evaluation is appropriate
Evaluation is reasonable when there is exercise intolerance, chest discomfort, palpitations, shortness of breath, or significant avoidance of swimming, changing clothes or social activities.
Testing may include chest imaging, echocardiography, electrocardiography or pulmonary function tests. Not every child needs every test.
The role of exercise and posture
Chest-opening, back and core exercises may improve posture, mobility and appearance, but they cannot reliably remodel a significant structural depression. Exercise supports care; it does not replace medical assessment.
Observation needs a comparison point
Families can record front and side views at sensible intervals using a similar stance, distance, and lighting, while noting growth spurts, exercise tolerance, chest pain or palpitations, and avoidance driven by appearance. Measuring depth every day is unlikely to help.
Which changes should trigger reassessment?
- Depression, asymmetry, or rib flare clearly increases during rapid growth.
- Running, stairs, or physical education becomes harder relative to peers.
- New pain, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, or persistent body-image distress affects daily life.
- The family is considering vacuum bell therapy or surgery and needs flexibility and goals assessed first.
Where should reassessment lead?
For symptoms, go to the heart and lung function page. For observation, vacuum bell therapy, or surgery, use the criteria and shared-decision page.
Related guide: When appearance, symptoms or function change during growth, read Does pectus excavatum always need surgery?
Frequently asked questions
Can pectus excavatum become worse?
It may deepen during rapid adolescent growth, although progression is not universal. Serial clinical review can document change.
Should an asymptomatic child be evaluated?
A routine consultation is reasonable if the deformity is progressing, asymmetric or causing body-image distress.
References and source topics
Original educational content based on publicly available professional guidance. It does not replace clinical examination.
How sources are selected, reviewed and corrected: medical editorial and source policy.
Pediatric surgery, trauma surgery and hyperbaric medicine. Last updated: October 3, 2026.