Male Pectoral 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, even and symmetrical chest area.

Pectoral implants can help build self-confidence in individuals who were once embarrassed by their appearance. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, the result is the athletic, natural appearance of a more well-proportioned torso.

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. Some patients may choose pre-shaped implants. Others, especially those with an accident or birth defect, may choose to have a custom implant made. This may delay the surgery. It generally takes 6-8 weeks to create the implant based on a mold of the chest area. In some cases, the surgeon may choose to take a standard implant, and carve it into the desired size and shape.

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.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor’s recent patients, before and after surgery. Also ask for, and follow up on, patient references. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your doctor below.

Prior to the actual procedure, the surgeon may show you the different shapes and sizes of implants that are available. Together, you will pick one that forms naturally to the curves and shape of your existing muscles.

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.

Pectoral implant surgery can be done in either a hospital or office surgical suite, depending on your preferences as well as your surgeon’s. Most pectoral implants are performed under general anesthesia, so that you will not be awake during the procedure.

Typically, pectoral implant surgery is done on an outpatient basis. This means that you will be able to go home almost immediately afterward.

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.

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.

Bleeding from the cut tissues, leading to bruising and possible accumulations of blood under the skin, is unavoidable in any surgery. It is a tribute 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.

1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
2. Where is the surgery performed? How long will the procedure take?
3. Do you perform the procedure endoscopically?
4. Can the results I want be achieved through exercise?
5. Are there other procedures that I should consider to enhance the affects of this procedure?
6. What kind of anesthesia is used?
7. How much does it cost?
8. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
9. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
10. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
11. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.
12. May I have the names and contact information for several recent pectoral implant patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
13. Could I observe the exact procedure I am considering before I decide to have the surgery? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
14. What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
15. Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?)
16. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
17. Do you offer patient financing?

• Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
• Tell your doctor if you have any serious medical condition(s).
• Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
• Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins.
• Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines, as well as anti-inflammatory medicines such as Nuprin, Motrin, and Advil for two weeks prior to surgery. Also avoid herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort, gingko biloba, some types of Chinese black mushrooms and other natural medicines and foods that may thin the blood.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.

At iEnhance, find information on top plastic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, facelift, tummy tuck, BOTOX ® Cosmetic, eyelid surgery, thermage, rhinoplasty; as well as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Locate a plastic surgeon, cosmetic surgeon, cosmetic dentist, or specialist today!