Male Chest Contouring
Excess fat and/or tissue in the breast, known as gynecomastia, is a common condition affecting nearly half of all men in one or both breasts. While this condition does not typically raise any health concerns, it is often embarrassing and may even be painful. The specific cause of gynecomastia is not known, but it may be a result of decreased male hormone levels, increase in body fat or as a effect of certain medications or medical conditions.
Many men choose not to discuss this issue, even with their doctor, out of embarrassment. However, this condition can be corrected through a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Trussler.
What are my options?
Chest contouring can be performed through two different techniques, depending on each patient’s individual condition. For those whose enlarged breasts consist mostly of glandular tissue, excision surgery is usually the best option, which removes the excess tissue and sometimes skin as well through a conspicuously-placed incision. Enlarged breasts caused primarily by excessive fatty tissue can often be treated through liposuction, which suctions out the fact through a tiny incision in the areola or underarm. Dr. Trussler will determine which type of procedure is best for your condition.
Considerations
Ideal candidates for male chest contouring are in good overall health and at a normal weight, but are bothered by the appearance of enlarged breasts. The best results are achieved in patients with firm, elastic skin that will likely reshape well to the body’s new contours. While this procedure is most often performed after puberty is finished, teenagers may be eligible as well if they have been suffering from gynecomastia for more than two years or have a severe case. Additional treatment may be required in the future for these patients.
Expectations
Dr. Trussler can provide successful results for most male patients with enlarged breasts, provided that they maintain realistic expectations and follow the doctor’s instructions before and after treatment.
Treatment
During surgical treatment of enlarged male breasts, an incision is made on the edge of the areola or in the underarm to remove glandular tissue, fat and skin from the breast area. The size of the incision is based on the amount of removal required. Liposuction may be performed in conjunction with excision for patients with both excess tissue and fat. For liposuction-only procedures, a tiny incision will be made to gently suction out fat through a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. Drainage tubes may be required after liposuction to remove excess fluid.
These procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and usually take about an hour and a half. General anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation may be used, depending on the extent of treatment required and the patient’s personal preferences. Dr. Trussler will develop a customized treatment plan for each individual patient.
After Care & Recovery
After male chest contouring, patients will be able to return home the same day, but will likely experience pain and swelling for a few days. Dr. Trussler will likely provide patients with compression garments to promote proper healing and pain medication as needed to help cope with the recovery process. Patients will be encouraged to get up and walk around the same day as their procedure, which will help reduce the risk of a blood clot.
Stitches from excision surgery will be removed about a week or two after the procedure. Dr. Trussler will provide patients with specific post-operative instructions for their individual procedure, but patients can usually return to work after a week and return to exercise and other strenuous activities after three to four weeks.
Whether you have a question or would like to setup a consultation, Dr. Trussler and his staff are here to help. Please fill out our contact form, call our office at 214-645-3118, or schedule in directly at 214-645-2353. Start your journey to not only looking, but feeling better today!
