Pectoral Implants

Surgical/Procedure name:
Pectoral Implants

Common name:
Pec Implants

Introduction

Sometimes, even with frequent exercise, men find their pectoral muscles do not respond the way they would like. For these men, pec implants may be an excellent option for shaping and enhancing their chests, contributing to a more defined, muscular appearance. Pec implants look and feel remarkably natural and have helped many men feel more self-confident and masculine. The pectoral implant procedure increases the chest size and shape by inserting implants made of solid silicone under the real muscle. If you are considering pectoral implants, your first step should be to discuss your goals and treatment options with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.

Because body types differ, pectoral implants do as well, with a wide range of sizes and shapes available. Choosing the implants that work best with the patient's body type and desired outcome requires a familiarity with male breast implants as well as with implant surgery

The Pectoral Implant Procedure

Pec implant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure requiring one to two hours to complete. It is usually conducted under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia or sedation may be used in some circumstances. Incisions are made in the crease of the armpit. The surgeon then creates a pocket under each pectoral muscle large enough to place the pec implants. Once the implants have been placed, the surgeon carefully checks for symmetry and makes any final adjustments. The incision is then closed with sutures, and a compression garment is applied over the treated area. If desired, the surgeon can perform liposuction or other body contouring options along with the placement of pectoral implants to create a more dramatic aesthetic enhancement. Patients generally experience mild to moderate discomfort postoperatively which is usually controlled with pain medication. Typically routine activities can be resumed within two weeks of the procedure while exercise should be delayed for about two months.

Benefits

Pectoral implants can benefit men who are unhappy with their lack of muscle definition. Other patients seek correction of a pectoral muscle that is underdeveloped because of a birth defect or physical trauma. Pectoral implants don't affect the function of the muscles, so implant patients can still work out after having the surgery. After receiving pec implants, many patients report an increased sense of self-confidence.

Risks

As with most cosmetic surgical procedures, the placement of pectoral implants does carry some inherent risk of complications. Varying degrees of swelling and bruising, generally mild, are common but usually subside over several weeks. All cosmetic surgeries carry the risk of an adverse reaction to anesthesia or of infection. Other complications include asymmetry and implant shifting. Complications are more unlikely when the pec implants are placed by an experienced, skilled surgeon.

Risks and Limitations of Pec Implants

Bleeding from the cut tissues, leading to bruising and possible accumulations of blood under the skin, is unavoidable in any surgery. It is due to the great skill of today's surgeons that these problems are rare. Complications are usually minor when a pectoral implant surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.

Unlike female breast implant surgery, pectoral implants do not carry the risk of breaking and/or leaking. The silicone implant used for men is soft but solid (not filled with liquid).

In some cases, extensive bleeding and infection may occur. Such side effects are fairly uncommon. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

There is also a slight risk of implant displacement. If the implant moves or is not held in place correctly by the pectoral muscle, further surgery may be required. In extreme cases, the implant may need to be removed permanently.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions both before and after surgery.

Remember that, while pectoral implants affect the way that your chest muscles look, they do not affect the function. Movement and activity should not be restricted or hindered after full recovery. On the other hand, the silicone implants in no way add strength or power to the existing muscles.

Important note: Cigarette smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and tissues, increasing the risk of poor healing, and skin sloughing, scabbing or crusting. Smoking may lead to permanent scarring as well.

Questions and Answers

What are some of the most common benefits of chest implants?

Male pectoral implants are designed to define and shape the chest area. In men who cannot achieve desired results through exercise, the surgery can give the existing muscles a toned, enhanced look. For patients with congenital defects or loss of muscle in an accident or injury, the pectoral implant procedure can often reproduce a natural and symmetrical chest area.

What will happen at the initial consultation?

During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs.

Your surgeon will begin with a complete medical history and examine your chest area. He/she may also take photos, and give you specific instructions preparing for surgery, including guidelines for eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications.

Your doctor may also discuss the different shapes and sizes of pectoral implants that are available. Your surgeon will help you pick out the one that is best for the shape and size of your muscles. The goal is an implant that will appear as natural and realistic as possible. Be sure to tell the surgeon if you have had previous implant surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications, including aspirin, and if you have a tendency to form large scars or keloids.

How is pectoral implant surgery performed?

Doctors most often begin pectoral implant surgery by making a small incision in the armpit, and then insert the implant endoscopically. Endoscopic surgery involves using a thin tube with a very small camera on the end in order to guide the doctor through the patient's body with a great amount of precision. This method reduces incision size as well as bleeding. Non-endoscopic methods are sometimes preferred.

Following the path of the incision, the surgeon places the implants under the pectoral muscle. The incisions are then sutured and the surgery is complete. The implants are held in place by the overlying chest muscle or by sutures that are temporarily visible through the skin.

How long does the surgery take?

Pectoral implant surgery usually takes between one and two hours to complete and is typically done under a general anesthesia. Endoscopic techniques sometimes take longer.

How much pain is there?

The amount of pain experienced varies from person to person, and depends on the method used. In general, pectoral implant procedures take advantage of the endoscope to reduce bleeding and incision size. The amount of pain, therefore, may be lessened in endoscopic surgeries. You should discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with your surgeon in order to help him/her determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best results for you.

What can I expect after surgery?

Some surgeons do not apply incision dressings or drains after the surgery. In these cases, patients do not need to worry about changing bandages etc. Most patients will wear an elastic bandage or vest to reduce swelling.

However, patients who undergo pectoral implant surgery usually experience mild to moderate amount of pain in the days following the procedure. Soreness and bruising are common and should fade within a week or so. Doctors may prescribe oral medication to lessen the pain. Aspirin should be avoided as it may promote more bleeding and bruising. By the second week after the procedure, most individuals will be able to resume normal, everyday activities.

What is the recovery period like?

Full recovery from pectoral implant surgery can take as long as six weeks. However, most patients are able to resume all activities within a month.

Is there any way to predict who will get gynecomastia and who won't?

Unfortunately, no.

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?

Most people are pleased with the results of pectoral implants. The implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime. Barring significant complications, secondary surgery is rarely needed. The results of pectoral implant surgery are different for every individual. Remember that depending on your body shape and size, having the biggest implant may not be the most desirable option. Always discuss the changes that you want with your doctor in order to make sure that they are reasonable and achievable.

Other information:

In some cases, pectoral implants can be combined with liposuction in order to create optimal results. The fat around the chest area may be removed before the implants are inserted. The combination of these two procedures can give the implants a greater amount of definition.

Many patients become concerned with the similarities between male and female breast implants. It should be noted that the pectoral implants are not made from the same silicone material used in female implants. For men, the material is actually a solid yet soft material (similar to the material often used in athletic mouthguards) that cannot leak or break.