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Male Chest Augmentation |
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Every so often one of my patients asks about pectoral implants and chest augmentation. This request generally comes after less than fully effective efforts have been made, post female to male chest reconstruction, to utilize hormone therapy and exercise, including weight training, to develop a muscular chest contour. I do recommend that my patients do make an effort, either preoperatively or postoperatively, to develop their chest musculature by proper nutrition and a program of exercise and training if such is their goal. In some cases defined pectoral muscle mass is difficult to achieve. This may be the case even in genetic males. In these situations, pectoral implants may be the answer to achieving good male chest contour. The implants are made of a soft silicone that is not a gel. They come in several sizes which may obviate the need for a custom made implant. Sizers are used to estimate the correct implant size for usage prior to surgery. Implants are placed under the pectoral muscle to hide it under the existing muscle tissue and to avoid showing distinct margins of the implant through the skin. In the manner the implant has a more natural appearance and the chest contour will simulate that of a well developed pectoral musculature. The size of implant used will be limited by the size of the patient's own musculature as it must be adequately covered by that musculature. This operation is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and usually takes between 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The incisions are made either in the area of the armpit, or in the area of the inframammary scar if one is present following mastectomy. The incision need not be more than two to three inches in length. Sutures can be removed within 7 days and a compression binder or dressing is used for 3 to 4 weeks. Routine activities may be resumed in 5 to 7 days, lower body exercises may begin after 3 to 4 weeks, and heavy workouts and training (weight lifting) need to be delayed until 6 weeks following surgery. The inherent risks and possible complications of this procedure include hematoma (blood accumulation beneath the skin), serum accumulation beneath the skin, bruising, pain, sensory changes, asymmetries from implant shifting, and extrusion of the implant through the incision or skin. For my patients who may come from out of town for this particular procedure, I would recommend staying in the area for 3 or 4 days before returning. This means that the sutures would have to be removed by a physician in the patient's home area. Of course, staying longer postoperatively is reasonable. Those patients who have undergone mastectomy, whether it be the "double incison" with areolar graft, or the subcutaneous technique (keyhole) are advised to wait 6 months to one year before considering pectoral implantation. This allows the tissue to heal adequately, mature fully, regain a more normal circulation, and decrease the risk of complication from implantation. For more information about this procedure, please feel free to phone the office. |
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