Pectoral Implants for Male Chest Enhancement
The use of chest implants is more than just for women. More males than ever before are seeking a more rapid means to enhance their chest shape through implants. Men that seek chest implants, however, often do so for a different reason than women seeking breast implants. Women are after bigger chest size, men are after better chest shape with improved pectoral muscle definition. In some cases, men have a congenital deformity where one side of the chest is smaller and differently shaped than the other side. More commonly, their chest shape is quite flat and they have been unable, despite working out, to significantly improve the size of their pectoral muscles.
The use of pectoral implants is a very effective method of improving the shape of the male chest. Unlike breast implants, pectoral implants are made of a solid silicone rubber material. They are quite soft and very flexible. They come in multiple sizes in two basic implant shapes, one oblong style to accentuate the lower border of the pectoral muscle and another more box or square shape to increase the upper chest as well. Pectoral implants are placed through an extended incision in the armpit where it is easy to get under the muscle for implant placement and the scar is well hidden. The pectoral implant operation is fairly simple, takes about one hour to do, and is done as an outpatient. A compression chest garment is worn for 7 to 10 days after pectoral implants until it is comfortable to be without it. Normal activities, such as exercise, can resume in about 3 weeks after surgery.
I have not yet seen any significant complications after pectoral implants, which is very similar to what is seen after breast implants. The most common problem can be asymmetry, where despite even placement at the time of surgery, the healing process settles one implant differently in place than the other. Too much early activity, such as strenuous exercise, can cause fluid build-up (a.k.a., seroma) which will need to be drained. This is of particular concern in bodybuilders who have trouble taking time off from exercise. Despite these few potential risks, pectoral implants can be a very satisfying treatment for the male with poor chest definition.
Dr Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana