Pectoral Implants

What is pectoral implants surgery?

Pectoral implants surgery, also known as pectoral augmentation, male chest enhancement or pec implants, is a method for improving chest contour in men. Even with frequent exercise, some men find that they are unable to achieve the chest definition that they desire. This procedure has become a popular option, particularly for men who are athletic or go to the gym and want to be able to show off their more sculpted, masculine chests.

Pectoral implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Made of solid silicone that is relatively soft and flexible, these implants imitate the look and feel of muscle. Because solid silicone implants are not made from silicone gel or fluid, they will not leak or tear. If you have chest asymmetry or traumatic deformities, custom implants can be created by manufacturers.

“Pectoral implants surgery is a highly individualized procedure. You should do it for yourself, not to fulfil someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image, especially those coming from social media. Choosing a procedure based on “what’s new” is never a medically sound decision. Hearing about a procedure on television, through an advertisement or online does not necessarily mean it is the best procedure for you.”

Who is a good candidate for pectoral implants surgery?

In general, you may be a good candidate for pectoral implants surgery if you have under-developed pectoral muscles that have not been increased through weight lifting and exercise, you are athletic and wish to improve your chest contour, your chest is asymmetrical or otherwise deformed from birth or by an accident, your under-developed pectoral muscles make you feel self-conscious, you are in good general health and have a positive attitude and realistic expectations

What should I expect during a consultation for pectoral implants surgery?

During your initial consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr Ricardo will evaluate you as a candidate for pectoral implants surgery and clarify what approach is best for you. Alternative and additional treatments may be considered, once he understands your goals and medical condition.

It is important to be completely honest during the consultation. Also, bring pictures of yourself at an earlier age; they may serve as a good point of reference for discussing your goals. You should be prepared to discuss your surgical goals, medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments, current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use, and previous surgeries.

Dr Ricardo will also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, make a proper physical medical examination, take photographs, discuss the approach to your surgery, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures and tell you whether your expectations are in line with typical results, discuss any risks or potential complications and share before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours.

The success and safety of your pectoral implants surgery depend very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. It's very important to understand all aspects of your procedure. It's natural to feel some anxiety, whether it's excitement about your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don't be shy about discussing these feelings with Dr Ricardo.

How should I prepare for pectoral implants surgery?

In preparing for a pectoral implants surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take certain medications or adjust your current medications, stop smoking in advance of surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Your surgery will be performed in an accredited hospital and is usually performed on an outpatient basis unless you and Dr Ricardo have made other plans for your immediate postoperative recovery. You must arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you the first night following surgery.

Dr Ricardo and the entire staff will provide thorough preoperative instructions and answer any questions you may have. The goal is to help you achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking results, as well as to make your surgical experience as easy, comfortable, and safe as possible.

What are the steps of a pectoral implants procedure?

Step 1 – Anaesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anaesthesia. Dr Ricardo will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – Surgical procedure

A small incision (approximately two inches in length) is made in the hair-bearing region of your armpit (the axilla). Special surgical tools are inserted through the incision and are used to create a pocket, or space, in between your pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles (chest muscles). The selected implant, based on measurements made before surgery, is inserted and positioned between the pectoralis muscles. The incision is closed and the procedure is repeated on the opposite side. After the incisions heal, the resulting scars should be barely visible and are easily concealed.

What should I expect during my pectoral implants recovery?

After your pectorals implants, surgery is complete, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and a compression garment may be placed to help minimize swelling or implant shift. Your incisions will heal in approximately 14 days and the implant healing will be complete in about 6 weeks.

You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr Ricardo. Remember to always follow his instructions to ensure the success of your surgery.

What results should I expect after my pectoral implants surgery?

Pectoral implants surgery results are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your pectoral implants surgery may take 3-6 months to achieve. Incision lines are permanent but will continue to fade over time. The results from pectoral implants surgery are long-lasting.