Is it normal for my sternum to be visible?

October 2, 2025 •

6 min read

While the cause is often a normal part of anatomy, with the sternal angle commonly visible, a protruding or sunken breastbone can be noticeable, particularly in those with low body fat. Understanding the factors behind a visible sternum can help determine if it is a sign of a normal body type or a medical condition requiring attention.

Quick Summary

A visible sternum can be normal due to natural anatomy, low body fat, or posture, particularly the palpable sternal angle. In some cases, it can indicate conditions like pectus carinatum (protruding) or pectus excavatum (sunken), which are chest wall deformities. Understanding the causes is key to knowing whether it is a cosmetic concern or requires medical consultation.

Key Points

Visible Sternum is Often Normal: For many individuals, especially those with a low body fat percentage, a prominent or visible sternum is simply a result of natural bone structure and body composition.
Sternal Angle is a Landmark: The easily palpable and often visible ridge where the two main parts of the sternum meet (the sternal angle) is a normal anatomical feature and not a deformity.
Look Out for Pectus Deformities: A visible sternum can be caused by pectus carinatum (protruding) or pectus excavatum (sunken), which are chest wall deformities that often appear or worsen during adolescence.
Evaluate for Accompanying Symptoms: A doctor should be consulted if a visible sternum is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, or extreme self-consciousness.
Bracing is a Common Treatment: For adolescents with pectus carinatum, wearing a chest brace is a common and effective non-surgical treatment to reshape the chest.
Low Body Fat Increases Visibility: People with naturally lean physiques have less subcutaneous fat covering their bones, making the sternum and ribs more visible.
Exercise Improves Appearance and Confidence: Building chest muscles and practicing good posture can help improve the appearance of the chest and boost self-confidence for those with body image concerns.

Understanding the anatomy of the sternum

Your sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone at the center of your chest that connects to your ribs via cartilage. It provides protection for the heart and lungs and serves as an anchor for the rib cage. The sternum is composed of three main parts: the manubrium (the top part), the body, and the xiphoid process (the small, pointed tip). The junction between the manubrium and the body forms a distinct ridge known as the sternal angle, or Angle of Louis, which is easily visible and palpable, especially in thinner individuals. This normal anatomical landmark is often what people notice and question. Visibility of this angle and the bony structure overall is significantly influenced by a person's body composition and genetics.

Body fat and composition: A key factor

One of the most common reasons for a prominent or visible sternum is a low body fat percentage. In individuals with less subcutaneous fat, the bone structure beneath the skin becomes more apparent. This can be normal for naturally thin individuals or those who are very athletic. It is important to distinguish between a visible sternum in an otherwise healthy individual and a prominent sternum caused by an underlying issue. A person at a healthy weight whose sternum is visible is typically not a cause for medical concern. Their ribcage and sternum are simply more defined due to less body tissue surrounding the bone.

Pectus conditions: When the visibility is a deformity

While a visible sternum is often normal, certain chest wall deformities can cause the breastbone to protrude or appear sunken. These conditions are called pectus deformities and are often noticed during adolescent growth spurts.

Pectus carinatum (pigeon chest)

Pectus carinatum is a condition where the sternum and ribs protrude outward, giving the chest a bowed-out or 'pigeon chest' appearance. This is caused by an overgrowth of the cartilage connecting the ribs and breastbone.

Often hereditary: A family history is common.
More common in males: Affects boys more frequently than girls.
Worsens with puberty: Often becomes more noticeable during adolescent growth spurts.
Usually cosmetic: Most cases are mild and do not cause physical symptoms, but can affect self-esteem.
Symptoms in severe cases: May cause shortness of breath during exercise or chest pain.
Treatment: Can include non-surgical bracing for children and adolescents with flexible chests, or surgery for severe cases.

Pectus excavatum (sunken chest)

Pectus excavatum is the opposite of pectus carinatum, causing the sternum to appear sunken or caved inward. This can also draw attention to the sternal area. It can sometimes affect heart and lung function in severe cases.

Comparison of causes for a visible sternum


Feature	Normal Anatomy & Low Body Fat	Pectus Carinatum	Pectus Excavatum
Appearance	Subtle visibility of sternum, especially the sternal angle. Overall bone structure is defined but symmetrical.	Sternum visibly protrudes outward, sometimes unevenly, giving a bird-like chest appearance.	Sternum appears sunken or caved inward, creating a depression in the chest.
Commonality	Very common, influenced by genetics and body composition.	Less common, affecting 1-2 children per 1,000.	Most common chest wall deformity, affecting around 1 in 400 people.
Underlying Cause	Lack of subcutaneous fat to obscure the normal bone structure.	Overgrowth of cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum.	Abnormal growth of the sternum and ribs, also linked to cartilage issues.
Physical Symptoms	No associated physical symptoms.	Often none, but severe cases can cause chest pain or shortness of breath.	Mild cases may have no symptoms, but severe cases can cause chest pain, fatigue, or breathing issues.
Associated Concerns	Primarily cosmetic or body image concerns.	Can lead to self-esteem issues due to physical appearance.	Can lead to self-esteem issues and may impact heart/lung function in severe cases.

When to consult a healthcare provider

While a visible sternum is often benign, it is wise to consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

Associated pain: Especially if the pain worsens with breathing deeply, coughing, or physical activity.
Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath or persistent respiratory infections could indicate an issue affecting the lungs or heart.
Rapid heartbeat or palpitations: Severe pectus excavatum can place pressure on the heart.
Body image concerns: If the visibility of your sternum is causing significant distress, anxiety, or low self-esteem, a professional can provide guidance and discuss potential treatments, even if the condition is mild.
Uneven chest wall: If the protrusion or depression is asymmetric.
Lingering discomfort after direct trauma to the area.

Conclusion: Most visible sternums are normal

In most cases, a visible sternum is simply a result of normal anatomy and low body fat. The sternal angle is a natural, visible anatomical landmark, and overall bony prominence is to be expected in individuals with less body mass. However, conditions like pectus carinatum (protruding sternum) and pectus excavatum (sunken sternum) are important to recognize, particularly if they are causing physical symptoms or emotional distress. Early diagnosis of pectus deformities during adolescence allows for the most effective non-surgical treatments like bracing. If you have concerns about the appearance or have symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and peace of mind. Many people find that strengthening their chest muscles can also help improve the appearance and their confidence. For more information on chest wall deformities, see resources like the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

How to address self-consciousness

For those who are self-conscious about a prominent sternum, several strategies can help boost confidence and improve appearance:

Exercise and muscle building: Strength training, particularly targeting the chest muscles (pectorals), can help build muscle mass around the sternum. This can create a fuller appearance and make the sternum less noticeable.
Maintain good posture: Practicing good posture can help reduce the appearance of a sunken or protruding chest associated with pectus excavatum or carinatum, respectively.
Focus on overall health: A healthy lifestyle with regular cardiovascular exercise, like swimming or running, improves overall well-being and can indirectly improve body image.
Supportive clothing: Choosing clothing that fits well can help minimize focus on the area. Loose-fitting shirts and comfortable fabrics can provide confidence.
Speak to a therapist: For those experiencing significant anxiety or self-esteem issues related to their body image, talking to a mental health professional can provide valuable coping strategies and support.
Seek medical evaluation: As noted above, if the condition affects your self-esteem, talking to a doctor about potential treatment options, like bracing, can be beneficial.

Diagnostic methods and treatment options

If you or your child visit a doctor for a visible sternum, they will typically begin with a physical examination. They will assess the extent of the visibility or deformity and ask about any accompanying symptoms. Depending on the findings, they may recommend further tests to determine the severity and rule out other issues.

X-rays or CT scans: These are used to get a detailed image of the bones and chest wall structure, assessing any potential pressure on the heart or lungs.
Lung function tests: These measure how well the lungs are working, which is important for evaluating severe pectus conditions.
Echocardiogram: An ultrasound of the heart may be performed to see if a sunken chest is affecting heart function.

Based on the diagnosis, treatment for pectus carinatum often involves non-surgical bracing for flexible chest walls in adolescents. Bracing works like dental braces, applying gentle, continuous pressure to reshape the chest over time. Severe cases of either pectus carinatum or pectus excavatum may require surgery, such as the Ravitch or Nuss procedures, to correct the chest wall. However, for most people with a visible sternum, no medical intervention is necessary, and managing any related self-consciousness is the primary focus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your sternum may be visible due to a naturally low body fat percentage, which offers less padding over your bones. It is also common to see the sternal angle, a normal bony landmark on the breastbone.

A visible sternum is not inherently unhealthy. It is often a normal characteristic of your body type, especially if you have a lower body fat composition. Health concerns only arise if it's accompanied by other symptoms like pain or breathing issues.

Pectus carinatum, or 'pigeon chest,' is a chest wall deformity where the sternum and ribs protrude outward, becoming more noticeable during adolescent growth spurts.

Pectus excavatum, also known as 'funnel chest,' is a condition where the breastbone and ribs grow inward, creating a sunken or caved-in appearance.

You should see a doctor if your prominent sternum is accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, or if it causes significant self-esteem issues. A medical professional can rule out any underlying health problems.

While exercise can't change your bone structure, building muscle in the chest area through strength training can increase mass around the sternum, making it appear less prominent and potentially reducing self-consciousness.

The visibility of the sternum is largely dependent on body composition and genetics for both men and women. However, conditions like pectus deformities are more common in males.