- How much correction of my PC can I expect from this program?
The amount of correction of your PC varies depending on age, type of PC, severity of your PC and compliance with the wearing schedule. If you are still growing and your PC is not severe than most people will see 100% correction. Those with a severe PC, as long as they follow the wearing schedule, can also usually see close to 100% correction. The ones that prove most challenging are the sever cases that have drifted noticeably to the side of the torso.
- What is the difference between the LA Pectus Brace and the simple Pectus brace I can purchase at Amazon?
There are 7 variations of Pectus Carinatum as detailed in our PC Types page. For a successful outcome, a Pectus brace should be customized for the individual and the treatment program designed for their specific needs. The probability of an “Off-The-Shelf” brace with generic wearing details proving a successful outcome is very low.
- What is the difference between the LA Pectus Brace Treatment Program and other braces/treatment programs provided by local clinics?
The LA Pectus Brace Treatment Program has been developed over many years for both maximum effectiveness and maximum aesthetics. In many locations access to a specialist is limited OR the local bracing provider has minimal experience with Pectus bracing and/or provide a bulky/ugly brace that kids refuse to wear. However we do not discourage you seeing a specialist prior to starting with The LA Pectus Brace Treatment Program and many of our clients do begin our program after being prescribed a brace by a thoracic surgeon.
- I would like to order a brace. What do you need from me?
- A picture of the front of the chest
- A picture of the side of the chest
- Girth: A girth measurement around the center of the chest at the apex of the deformity
- User’s Age
- User’s Height
- User’s Weight
- For girls only: A second girth measurement around the ribs just below the breasts.
Email these to Support@PectusBrace.com so we can review and confirm you are a candidate.
- Is each brace personalized?
Yes, each brace is customized to the individuals size and type of PC.
- What will be the daily wear hours? What will be the treatment length of time?
This varies from patient to patient and is determined once we receive your order and payment. There will be a period of time when you must wear the brace full-time but most of the time the brace will be worn part-time. the total wear time is usually 12-18 months.
- Who creates the customized treatment program?
Your order is reviewed by an orthotist skilled in the art of Pectus bracing treatment with the LA Pectus brace who then tailors the treatment plan to your specific needs.
- How do I know if my son is a good fit for your program?
We can treat 95% of PC cases. However we ask that you send us 2 pictures along with the measurements and user’s age prior to you making a payment. This way we can review your case and confirm he is a good fit.
- How long during the day can he take the brace off?
There will be a period of time when you must wear the brace 24/7. How long this period of time will be varies and will be determined based upon your age, type of PC and severity of the prominence. For all other times he will be wearing the brace on a part-time basis.
- Does this treatment work for girls too?
Yes. While PC is more common in boys, girls can also have a PC and the same principle of treatments apply. However if a girl has a lateral PC and has developed breasts it may not be possible to effectively apply pressure to the apical point of the PC.
- Does it come with instructions?
Yes, it will come with personalized instructions specific to your individual needs.
- Do you provide any kind of support during the treatment?
Yes, we will be guiding you through the Treatment Program and answer any questions you may have.
- My son is concerned about the bulk of the brace. How noticeable is the brace under clothing?
All braces are somewhat noticeable but braces vary considerably in how bulky they are. The LA Pectus Brace was specifically designed to be less bulky and less “clinical” looking than all other braces. Initially a brace is more noticeable as it must avoid pressure in specific areas. However, once the deformity reduces in size (which happens quickly), it becomes less visible and if wearing a loose over-shirt, most people would not know he is wearing a brace.
- Do I need to wear shoulder straps with the LA Pectus Brace?
We provide a set of shoulder straps with the brace but they are not required. We request you use them only if you have significant slippage problems during the day and/or you find the brace moves out of position at night.
- He has been wearing the brace for 8 weeks and the results are amazing but his chest now seems to go slightly in rather than out. Is this a concern?
This is not an uncommon scenario. The LA Brace is very effective at reducing a PC and often to the point where the chest starts to look slightly sunken. This is rarely a concern but it may necessitate that we change the wearing schedule. Please email us with a picture of the chest so we can revise your wearing schedule.
- Do you make braces and ship to international customers?
Yes we can ship to most countries. The cost of the brace with shipping to the UK and most other countries is $590 (~480GBP)
- How can I confirm you will be able to ship to my international address?
Please send us your address to Support@PectusBrace.com. We will enter your address into our hipping portal to confirm it can be shipped to your address.
- How long does it take to make the brace?
Each brace is custom made and typical fabrication time is 2-3 days. Shipping time will vary from 1-4 days in the continental US and 3-7 days for international orders.
- I am 24 years old, am I still a candidate for bracing treatment?
PC Bracing is most effective on a growing child where we can usually achieve 100% correction. We do make braces for adults but we find the best you can hope for as an adult is 20% correction. Please note it does require a period of 24/7 brace wear time.
- Who will be providing the education and customized wearing schedule?
This program has been developed over a period of 15 years by a pediatric orthotist in LA county who fits ~ 30 LA Pectus Braces/year with consistently great results. Having seen how limited most orthotists knowledge of Pectus bracing is and how other braces are often very bulky and/or badly designed we decided to make it more widely available through this website.
- If I have a prescription for a Pectus brace do I need to pay the CA Sales Tax?
No. If your brace is prescribed by a US physician then it is considered a service and we do not need to collect California Sales Tax. You will need to email us a picture of the prescription then we will send you a payment link to pay the amount with the CA Sales Tax removed ($450).