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Pectoral implants are the primary method of male chest enhancement. Placed on top of the ribcage, they are intended to increase the volumetric effect of what lies over them…the pectoralis major muscle. Because it is a muscle enhancing implant and not a mound creator like breast implants, the tissue pocket for pectoral implants should not violate the lateral pectoral muscle border. This keeps the implant contained in a tighter space and within the borders and outline of the pectoralis major muscle.

Because it is a muscle enhancement procedure the shape of pectoral implants is not a round sphere like that of breast implants. Its shape should mimic that of the overlying muscle which is fan-shaped and more like a rectangle than a sphere. It will also have a much lower profile than that of breast implants, often providing a few centimeters of projection.

While there are several options in pectoral implant shapes and thicknesses, such performed implants will not work well for every patient. For those men seeking larger chest augmentation results due to their body size or personal desires, a custom implant approach is needed. Such custom designing can make for extra large (XL) pectoral implants when compared to standard implants sizes.

While the implant ‘footprint’ or height and width dimensions are bigger than that of standard implants, what really separates custom pectoral implants is their projection. (thickness) Even in larger men the surface area coverage of the implants needed can only be so much different. But it is the increased thickness that can really make the difference in the augmentative effect. Custom designing also allows various thicknesses along different regions of the implant a greater upper pole effect.

Extra large custom pectoral implants can pose challenges for insertion through an axillary skin incision. But their very low durometer and flexibility allows them to be inserted with a funnel device which prevents the creation of tears or fractures in the implant.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana

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