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Pectoral Implants: The Buzz on Breast Implants for Men

Men seeking to enhance their pectoral muscles need no longer solely rely on body building programs thanks to the growing popularity of pec implant surgery. Also known as breast implants for men, pectoral implant surgeries actually increased 203 percent from 2007 to 2008, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. In 2008, 1,335 men opted for pectoral implants.

Men whose chests don't seem to respond to exercise, no matter how many presses, dips or push-ups they do, may be candidates for male breast implants. Beyond satisfying the male urge to achieve their "puffed-up" potential, pectoral implants also can be used to build the chests of men with Poland's syndrome, a disorder in which sufferers are literally lacking a chest muscle on one side of the body.

Are Pectoral Implants Right for Me?

The first step in determining whether body contouring through pectoral implant surgery is right for you is an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this visit, be open and honest about your goals to help your surgeon determine if your expectations are realistic and attainable with male breast implant surgery.

Your surgeon will also do a complete physical exam, and may take some pre-operative photos of your chest. The main focus of this exam will be evaluating the shape and size of your chest wall. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate surgical technique and go into detail about the surgery, its risks and benefits. You will also receive extensive pre- and postoperative instructions, including how important it is to quit smoking before your surgery. Consider viewing before-and-after photos of a potential surgeon's previous pectoral implant surgery patients to better gauge expectations.

Male Breast Implants Surgery

Pectoral implants are made of solid silicone. Much firmer than breast implants — which are filled with liquid saline solution or silicone gel — these body implants come in many shapes and sizes and are designed to feel like natural chest muscle.

Pectoral implant surgery takes approximately two hours, and can be performed using a local anesthetic with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your surgeon typically makes an incision through your armpit, areola (pigmented part of the nipple) or lower breast to create a pocket under your major pectoral (chest) muscle, or just under the thin, connective tissue that covers this muscle. The implant is inserted into this pocket, and secured in place with self-dissolving stitches. Your plastic surgery specialist will then close the incision and cover the wound.

Pectoral Etching

Pectoral implantation is only one option for improving your chest. Another option is pectoral etching. The two procedures can also be done in tandem.

During pectoral etching, a plastic surgeon uses liposuction along the lower and outer edges of the chest muscles. The surgeon leaves a modest fat pad over the pecs to make the pectoral muscle appear bigger and more defined.

Pectoral etching may be appropriate for men who do not want pec implants, but are not thrilled with the look and feel of their chest. This procedure is also a smart choice for some men with gynecomastia or men who have lost weight, but still have a feminine-looking chest.

Pectoral etching leaves virtually no scarring and the results last, even if you regain weight. Pectoral etching costs roughly $4,000.00.

Recovering from Pec Implant Surgery

The recovery time associated with pec implant surgery varies dependent on each unique situation. The following tips are intended to ensure a speedy and successful recovery:

Follow all postoperative instructions provided by your surgeon
Elevate your chest with pillows when lying down
Call your doctor if you experience significant pain with redness, fever, asymmetric swelling from one side to the other or difficulty breathing
Wear a compression garment on your chest if your surgeon recommends one

In most cases, you may return to work within five to seven days following surgery if you have a desk or sedentary job. For other, more strenuous jobs, you may have to take more time. Normal activities may be resumed in approximately six weeks.

Risks of Pectoral Implantation

There are risks and complications involved with most surgical procedures, pectoral implantation being no exception.

Complications of pectoral implant surgery may include:

Implant displacement or shifting
Infection
Hematoma (a break in blood vessel, causing localized blood-filled area or blood clot)
Seroma (a collection of fluid under the skin)
Numbness of the inner, upper arm
Unfavorable scarring

Pectoral Implant Surgery Cost

The cost of pec implant surgery includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, operating room fee and implant fee.

According to 2008 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average for plastic surgeon fees for pectoral implant surgery was $3,591. If the cost of the procedure is outside your price range, ask the facility about payment plans and medical finance options.

If pectoral implant surgery is done to correct a congenital malformation, insurance may cover the cost of the procedure. Insurance will not cover the cost of the surgery if it is done solely for cosmetic purposes.

For financing options and tips, continue reading about patient financing.

Choose a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon

Choosing the correct plastic surgeon can play a major role in your satisfaction with the results of your pectoral implant surgery. Plastic surgeons should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Such board certification ensures that a surgeon has extensive training and is up-to-date on new technology and techniques.