A man’s chest is a symbol of strength and pride and often proudly displayed to assert his masculinity and verility; this becomes quite useful in the process of attracting (or keeping) a mate. This phenomenon also occurs in other species of animals. For example, male birds puff and parade their feathers to attract a mate–it’s [...]
A man’s chest is a symbol of strength and pride and often proudly displayed to assert his masculinity and verility; this becomes quite useful in the process of attracting (or keeping) a mate.
This phenomenon also occurs in other species of animals. For example, male birds puff and parade their feathers to attract a mate–it’s quite natural.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, procedures for pectoral augmentation rose a whopping 203% in 2008–the largest increase of any other cosmetic procedure performed on men. That’s amazing given the current economic recession.
Definition of Pectoral Augmentation
Pectoral augmentation, also known as pec implants, is a procedure designed to enhance the size and shape of a man’s chest–making him look more manly with a pronounced, proud chest.
This procedure will enhance the bulk and pronouncement of your pectoral muscles, allowing for a natural appearance when your muscles are flexed or relaxed, while also giving you a firm feeling of well-exercised muscles. However, it’s not a replacement for exercise, and the procedure will only increase in mass not improve muscle definition.
Most patients typically see an improvement to their chest area immediately after surgery.
Procedure Overview
Solid, silcone implants (no liquid) are used for this procedure; they are flexible but firm. Some patients choose pre-shaped implants, while others may need to have custom made implants to accommodate an accident or birth defect. Your surgeon will help you select the best implants for your body type.
Pectoral augmentation is considered an outpatient surgery, and you will most likely return home the day of your procedure. It’s performed under general anesthesia or very heavy sedation, so expect to be put to sleep or sedated for the duration of the procedure (usually 1-2 hours).
A plastic surgeon will make a small incision under the armpit and insert the implant under layers of the chest muscles, position them properly, and then suture the incision and apply a small dressing so healing can begin.
In some cases, this procedure may be combined with some liposuction to remove fat around the chest area, especially for those men who suffer from gynecomastia, or man boobs
Before & After Photos
Check out the pectoral augmentation photos at LocateADoc.com.
Surgery Candidates
The most common surgery candidates are:
- Men who’ve not responded well with weight lifting exercises and resistance training
- Men who just don’t have body types to build heavy layers of muscle in their chests
- Men who’ve lost muscle tissue in their chests due to accidents, injuries, or malnourishment
- Men who don’t have time to spend hours routinely at the gym
- Men suffering from congential, genetic, or birth defects (like spina bifida, pectus carinatum, pectus excavatum)
This procedure is also very popular with body builders.
Benefits
- Better-looking, more athletic chest and well-proportioned torso
- Boost self-confidence
- Enhance ability to attract a mate; your sexual desirability
- Unlike female breast implant surgery, there is no risk of breaking/leaking implants
Risks/Cons
- Does not improve muscle definition (you still have to exercise); though it does provided improved appearance with mass
- Risk of implant displacement; possibility they migrate up to collar bone or beneath armpit and surgery would need to be redone
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Asymmetry
- Scarring
- Muscle and/or never dammage
- Accumulation of blood under the skin
- Numbness in upper arm (common side effect and often disappears after a few weeks)
Recovery Time
You can expect to fully recovery from pectoral implant surgery within 4 to 8 weeks. Most patients are able to resume all activities after 4 weeks.
Costs
Pectoral augmentation surgery in the U.S. ranges between $5000 and $7000.
Additional fees usually apply if liposuction is needed to remove fat from around the chest area.
Pec Implant Surgeons
While pec implant surgery is on the rise among men, not all plastic surgeons are highly skilled with this procedure.
It’s very important to select a surgeon skilled in pectoral augmentation to ensure the appropriate size and shape will meet your postoperative expectations.
Here are some plastic surgeons who offer pectoral augmentation:
- Dr. John. A Rusca (Atlanta)
- Dr. Lawrence M. Korpeck (Boca Raton)
- Dr. Sam Gershenbaum (Aventura)
- Dr. Barry Eppley (Indianapolis)
- Dr. M. Mark Mofid (San Diego)
- Dr. Tom Pousti (San Diego)
This is not an endorsement or recommendation for these doctors.
Implant Alternatives
If surgery is not an option, then weight lifting and resistance training are the most effective techniques to enhance the size and definition of your chest, though there are some body types who don’t respond well muscle training.
Here are some programs that may help:
- One Hundred Push Ups
- Top 10 Chest Exercises by Ask Men
- Chest Exercises and Muscle Building by Men’s Health
- The Complete Chest Workout by Men’s Fitness
Disclaimer
This content is for consumer educational use only. Nothing contained in this content is or should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is here to educate consumers on health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. This content does not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing or other professional health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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