At what age does pectus excavatum normally become noticeable?

Often at birth: Pectus excavatum, or concave, funnel, or sunken chest is usually a congenital condition so it is present at birth. The diagnosis is usually obvious by the appearance of a sunken central chest and is more common in boys than girls by about 3 to 1. The appearance can become more obvious with growth and is usually readily apparent well before puberty. Treatment is surgical and often just cosmetic.

Commonly at birth: While evidence of pectus excavatum is commonly present at birth, it can also develop in early childhood. The most significant changes in the chest wall occur during puberty, at which time the deformity is quite noticeable. With stiffening of the chest wall during puberty, patients will often develop symptoms of exercise intolerance by virtue of the sternal depression on their heart and lungs.

Any age: There is no specific age. It can become more noticeable after a growth spurt. The ideal time for repair is somewhere between 10-14 years.