Pectoral implants for male chest enhancement can be a very effective method for a visible change in the size and shape of the pectoralis muscle. Inserted in a completely submuscular position, they push outward on the entire muscle in a largely even distribution of volume. The implants are inserted through a high axillary incision which provides good access for submuscular dissection.
The axillary incision can also provide the opportunity for biceps augmentation as well. Bicep implants are far less commonly performed than pectoral implants. This is due to a general lack of awareness that the procedure exists and that there are no standard styles of bicep implants commercially available.
Bicep implants can be placed either in the intramuscular or the subfascial location. Sitting under the biceps muscle is the coracobrachialis and the brachialis muscle. The implant can be placed directly under the biceps muscle and on top of these two muscles. However, the musculocutaneous nerve from the lateral cord of the brachial plexus runs right through this area and is at risk from compression or a stretch injury. This may lead to loss of muscle strength in the forearm as well as numbness on the radial side of the forearm. For this reason the subfascial location on top of the biceps muscle is preferred.
Unlike the intramuscular location which requires an incision on the inner aspect of the arm, the subfascial location can be done through the axillary incision. This incision provides equal access to the subpectoral plane medially and the bicep subfascial plane laterally. As the pectoral muscle crosses over the upper border of the bicep muscle the axillary incision provides dual access with equal ease.
Because of the incisional access, a combined pectoral and bicep implant augmentations can be done during the same surgery. This has the aesthetic benefit of augmenting the two body muscles in men that are most commonly associated with a perception of strength. Despite the same incision this will prolong recovery to some degree as it affects both chest and arm movements across the moveable shoulder joint. But with early physical therapy and range of motion, one should be back to full activities within three to four weeks after surgery.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana