Is it normal to have a dip in the middle of your chest? Causes and answers

September 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Cleveland Clinic, pectus excavatum, also known as sunken or funnel chest, is the most common congenital chest wall abnormality. The presence of a dip in your chest, however, can range from a completely benign anatomical variation to a medical condition. This guide will explore whether it is normal to have a dip in the middle of your chest and what you should know.

Quick Summary

Many individuals have a slight or pronounced indentation in their chest, often caused by the congenital condition pectus excavatum or simply due to genetic differences in chest anatomy. The severity of the indentation and presence of symptoms determine if it is a medical concern or merely cosmetic.

Key Points

Normal Variation or Condition: A dip in the chest can be a harmless anatomical feature or a medical condition called pectus excavatum, depending on severity and symptoms.
Genetic Factors: Pectus excavatum is often hereditary, with a significant percentage of those affected having a family history of the condition.
Mild vs. Severe: Mild cases may be only a cosmetic concern, while severe cases can compress the heart and lungs, causing physical symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
Treatment Options: Nonsurgical treatments include physical therapy and vacuum bell therapy, while severe cases may require surgery to correct the deformity.
When to See a Doctor: It is important to consult a healthcare provider if the dip is accompanied by chest pain, breathing difficulties, or significant body image concerns.
Psychological Impact: Beyond physical symptoms, the cosmetic appearance of a sunken chest can affect self-esteem and body image, warranting emotional support or professional help.

What Causes a Dip in the Middle of the Chest?

A dip in the middle of the chest, often called sunken chest or funnel chest, is primarily associated with a condition known as pectus excavatum. Pectus excavatum is a congenital deformity that causes the breastbone (sternum) and attached rib cartilage to grow inward. The exact reason for this abnormal growth is not always clear, but genetics often play a role, as it can run in families. In some cases, a mild indentation is simply a normal anatomical variation and nothing to be concerned about.

Pectus Excavatum: More Than a Cosmetic Concern

While mild cases of pectus excavatum may present no symptoms other than the appearance of a sunken chest, more severe cases can lead to significant health issues. The inward-growing sternum can compress the heart and lungs, reducing the amount of space they have to function properly. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, especially during physical activity.

Associated conditions can also arise alongside pectus excavatum, such as scoliosis or certain connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome.

Is the Dip in Your Chest Caused by Genetics?

Yes, a genetic component is strongly suspected in many cases of pectus excavatum. Research has shown that up to 53% of individuals with the condition have a family member who also has it. The specific inheritance pattern is still being studied, but the familial link is clear. This means that if you have a slight dip or a more pronounced condition, it may be something you inherited from your family.

Mild vs. Severe Pectus Excavatum: Key Differences

The most important distinction is between a mild, asymptomatic dip and a severe case causing physical complications. Here is a comparison to help illustrate the differences.


Feature	Mild Pectus Excavatum	Severe Pectus Excavatum
Physical Symptoms	Often asymptomatic, minor discomfort possible.	Shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, heart palpitations.
Effect on Organs	Minimal or no compression of heart and lungs.	Significant compression or displacement of heart and lungs.
Body Image Impact	May cause self-consciousness and social anxiety.	Pronounced indentation can lead to more significant psychological distress.
Medical Intervention	May not require treatment; physical therapy is an option.	Often requires surgical intervention to correct the deformity.
Diagnosis	Based on physical examination; Haller index < 3.25.	Confirmed via CT scan with Haller index > 3.25.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

For those with mild to moderate pectus excavatum, or who prefer to avoid surgery, there are several non-invasive options to consider.

Physical Therapy: Exercises focused on improving posture and strengthening chest and back muscles can help reduce the appearance of the dip. This can also improve overall chest expansion and alleviate some symptoms.
Vacuum Bell Therapy (VBT): This device is placed over the chest and uses suction to gently pull the sternum forward. It is most effective in children and adolescents whose chests are still pliable. Consistency is key, with the device worn for several hours a day over many months.
Orthopedic Bracing: For associated rib flare, a custom-fitted brace may be used to provide support and help correct the chest wall over time.
Cosmetic Fillers and Implants: For mild, aesthetic concerns, silicone implants or dermal fillers can be used to fill in the sunken area of the chest.

When to See a Doctor

While a mild dip is often benign, it is crucial to seek a professional medical opinion, especially if you or your child experiences certain symptoms. A doctor can perform a physical examination and, if necessary, order diagnostic tests like a CT scan or echocardiogram to assess the impact on the heart and lungs.

It is important to contact a healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

Shortness of breath or decreased exercise endurance
Chest pain or heart palpitations
Dizziness or fainting
Persistent fatigue
Significant psychological distress or body image concerns

Conclusion: Finding the Right Path for You

Ultimately, knowing whether it is normal to have a dip in the middle of your chest depends on the specific circumstances. For many, it's a harmless, genetically-determined anatomical trait. For others, it's a condition called pectus excavatum that, in severe cases, can pose medical concerns. The key is to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice if any physical limitations or emotional distress arise. Whether through non-surgical management or surgical correction, many effective options are available to improve both the function and appearance of the chest. It is always wise to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, ensuring your best path forward for health and peace of mind. For more detailed information, consult authoritative sources like the Mayo Clinic on Pectus Excavatum.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, pectus excavatum is a congenital condition, meaning it is present from birth, although it may become more noticeable during pubertal growth spurts. Exercise cannot cause it, but certain exercises can help improve posture and strengthen muscles to potentially minimize its appearance.

While gaining pectoral muscle mass cannot change the bone structure, it can help fill out the area and make the indentation less prominent or noticeable. Combining weight training with good posture exercises can be effective for cosmetic improvement in mild cases.

The most visible sign is a sunken or caved-in appearance of the chest, which may be present at birth but often becomes more apparent during puberty. In mild cases, this may be the only sign. In more severe cases, symptoms like reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, or chest pain may also occur.

Mild pectus excavatum is generally not dangerous and does not affect life expectancy. However, severe cases that cause significant heart and lung compression can be serious and may impact cardiac and pulmonary function over time. Medical evaluation is necessary to determine the severity.

Yes, surgical repair for pectus excavatum can be performed on adults, though it is often considered easier in younger patients due to more pliable cartilage. Procedures like the Nuss or Ravitch technique can be used to correct the deformity and relieve symptoms in adults.

The Haller index is a measurement used to determine the severity of pectus excavatum. It is calculated from a CT scan and compares the transverse chest diameter to the distance between the sternum and spine. An index over 3.25 is typically considered severe.

Vacuum bell therapy is a non-surgical option that uses suction to pull the chest outward. While it can provide significant improvement in many patients, especially younger ones with flexible chests, the permanence of the correction depends heavily on consistent use. It is generally not considered a permanent 'fix' like surgery.

Poor posture, such as rounded shoulders or a hunched-forward stance, can accentuate the appearance of a sunken chest. Strengthening back muscles and improving posture through physical therapy can help improve the cosmetic appearance in some cases.