Male Chest Contouring

Gynecomastia, a condition characterized by an excess of fat or glandular tissue in the chest, is common among adolescents and typically resolves itself by the late teens. However, in severe cases where the deformity is causing significant distress, surgery may be considered even in the mid-teens. In such situations, after careful consultation with the patient’s pediatrician, male chest contouring can be an effective solution to achieve a more balanced appearance.

The primary concern is determining if the loss of confidence experienced by the client justifies the need for surgery. Often, men express feeling self-conscious about exposing their chest at the beach, experiencing tightness and an unusual appearance while working out, and noticing puffiness in their nipples, especially when they are warm. These factors are taken into consideration when evaluating the potential benefits of undergoing surgery.

Genuine gynecomastia occurs when male hormones stimulate the growth of breast tissue in the chest. This hormonal imbalance can result from natural hormone production or the use of steroids, commonly seen among bodybuilders. Additionally, being overweight can contribute to an excessive development of chest tissue, which may persist even after weight loss in certain individuals.

There are no nonsurgical treatments for gynecomastia. Weight loss can help men but fullness due to the gland will remain.

Liposuction for gynecomastia can be performed under general anesthesia. Small incisions, about ¼ inch in size, are made on each side of the chest. A long-acting anesthetic is then administered, followed by the insertion of small tubes through the incisions to remove excess fat and contour the chest. The incisions are closed with a few small sutures that are typically removed after about five days.

Excision, on the other hand, involves the removal of tissue through a small incision made around the areola, usually from about 5-8 O’Clock. This procedure is also performed under general anesthesia.

The choice between liposuction and excision depends on the type of tissue responsible for the enlargement of the male chest. True gynecomastia, characterized by glandular tissue, requires excision as this firm and rubbery tissue cannot be effectively removed through liposuction. Conversely, if the enlargement is primarily due to localized excess fat, liposuction is the preferred method. In Dr. Stephenson’s experience, clients have a combination of both glandular tissue and excess fat and requires the use of both liposuction and excision to achieve maximum contour.

The goal is to achieve a pleasing contour of the chest, whether the issue is excess fat or glandular tissue. While there may be a desire to remove as much tissue as possible, it is important to understand that some glandular tissue beneath the areola and a certain amount of fat throughout the chest are normal. The aim should be to create a natural configuration by removing the bulge and creating a smooth contour.

Regarding the permanence of the results, it is worth noting that gynecomastia can potentially recur. However, in Dr. Stephenson’s experience, recurrence has been observed primarily in men who started using anabolic steroids after the surgery. It is crucial to have a thorough preoperative assessment and discussion with the patient to ensure proper understanding and manage expectations.

If there is a desire to undergo the procedure again in the future, it is possible to do so, particularly if the goal is to remove additional tissue. However, addressing depressions or irregularities can be more challenging. It is best to avoid such issues by carefully assessing and planning the initial surgery.

Absolutely. It is common to have liposuction of the abdomen and love handles performed at the same time as your gynecomastia surgery

One potential drawback of gynecomastia surgery is the possibility of contour irregularities. This is more likely to occur in cases where significant liposuction is required, especially in the underarm area, and the skin lacks the necessary tightness to bounce back smoothly. Additionally, if there is a substantial amount of fat in the chest, there is a risk of contour irregularities and waviness, particularly if the skin is not naturally tight.

The most common area where men may experience contour issues is a depression beneath the areola when raising their arms above their head. However, it is important to note that the majority of men do not notice these problems and are highly satisfied with their results. Even if they do notice minor issues, the overall improvement achieved through the surgery is usually quite significant in comparison.

While some contour irregularities may occur, it is crucial to remember that the vast majority of clients are delighted with the outcome of their gynecomastia surgery.

Many clients who undergo gynecomastia surgery are overweight. It is important to note that achieving weight loss through natural means is not only healthier but also results in better contouring. Surgery alone cannot replicate the same aesthetic outcome as weight loss achieved through lifestyle changes. However, even after significant weight loss, some excess chest fat may persist, leading overweight men to seek surgery for their chest.

If your gynecomastia was mainly due to enlargement of the gland then weight gain would not lead to the recurrence of gynecomastia. If your Gynecomastia was mainly due to excess fat then weight gain would lead to recurrence of your gynecomastia.

Dr. Stephenson prefers maximum comfort his clients and recommends general anesthesia.

Dr. Stephenson’s innovative approach liposuction ensures minimal invasiveness, utilizing two inconspicuous incisions for the liposuction process. To assure removal of the gland an excision is required. Rest assured that Dr. Stephenson will expertly place a discreet incision just inside the border of the areola, positioned between 5 and 8 o’clock. Dr. Stephenson’s meticulous attention to detail extends to the closure of incisions, resulting in remarkably excellent healed incision.

There will be some temporary decrease in sensation of the nipple and surrounding skin. Normal sensation will return slowly over 6-9 months after surgery. Permanent loss of all sensation is rare.

Most medical insurance providers do not cover gynecomastia surgery unless gynecomastia is related to a severe medical condition. Therefore, it is best to check with your health provider to determine your coverage options. Dr. Stephenson is not contracted with any insurance companies, and we do not preauthorize or bill insurance.Our office does offer financing and payment options for your convenience.

Clients are well enough to go home after gynecomastia and do not need to go to an aftercare facility. However, some clients may choose to go to an aftercare facility if they do not have someone to watch over them the night of surgery or if their home environment is not conducive to relaxation and recovery. Dr. Stephenson has a vetted list of aftercare facilities for his clients.

Dr. Stephenson will personally call you on the night of your surgery. He will also provide you with his personal cell phone and email address so that you can reach him directly if needed.

Most clients describe the recovery period as moderately painful. Clients may experience pressure, tightness and firm areas, but the pain is typically not severe. Pain gradually builds up, so if you start feeling uncomfortable, taking a pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Stephenson will help alleviate the discomfort.

When you feel ready to do your job is highly individualized. So long as your work doesn’t involve straining and heavy lifting, you can expect to be back to work after no later than 1 week. Some clients go back even sooner, and many work from home 3-4 days after surgery.

You can drive when you are off all narcotic pain medication and feel totally unrestricted by your discomfort such that you could make any movement you might need to safely drive your car. The timeline is different for each client. Dr. Stephenson typically recommends 2 weeks after surgery.

Dr. Stephenson suggests that you wait a minimum of 4 weeks to be sure that everything is healed. There is always a chance of causing bleeding and/or developing fluid beneath the skin (seroma) if you start much before that time. When you start, listen to your body. You will be a little out of condition and a bit sore. But you will get back to where you were before surgery very quickly.

You can take a shower two days after your surgery. You should wait about three weeks before taking a bath so that your incisions are somewhat healed.

Swelling increases after surgery, usually peaking about 5-6 days after surgery. After that, the swelling will subside, rapidly at first, and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it will still go down more at three months, and even more at six months and even a year, though at that point changes are subtle.

Dr. Stephenson will place you in a vest in the OR. Your compression vest will help minimize swelling and give you support. Clients will wear this for six weeks.

It is best for clients to have plastic surgery at their ideal weight. This means that surgery should be done at the weight a client is most comfortable maintaining because it allows the plastic surgeon to contour the chest out to the surrounding areas so that it blends most beautifully. Some later weight gain or weight loss would not noticeably impact the result.

Gynecomastia clients are informed that it can recur. This is most often observed in clients that take anabolic steroids after having their gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Stephenson has worked with clients that had inadequate initial treatment, such as doing liposuction but not an excision. Such patients didn’t really have a recurrence of their gynecomastia, but merely need more done.

Gynecomastia should be considered normal in teenagers because it typically resolves. Sometimes the severity of the gynecomastia is just too severe to expect the child to live with. In this scenario, instead of just being a bit full or having a pointy shape, there can be a significant amount of asymmetry or the chest may develop very much of a breast like shape. Parents might tell from their son’s behavior that it is affecting their self-esteem. They may not want to take their shirt of and swim or go to a pool party. They may avoid playing a sport because they don’t want someone to see their chest in the locker room. Dr. Stephenson frequently helps teenagers with their gynecomastia. In all cases he speaks extensively with the boy, his parents, and the child’s pediatrician

Typically Dr. Stephenson does not use drains unless he anticipates removing a large amount of tissue.

If you experience a persistent temperature above 101.5, sudden and painful swelling, it could indicate bleeding. It is crucial to inform Dr. Stephenson right away to receive prompt medical attention. It is essential to be vigilant for any signs of a blood clot. If you experience calf pain, swelling in one leg, or shortness of breath, these are serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. In the case of shortness of breath, call 911 without delay. Your safety is our utmost priority, and Dr. Stephenson and his staff will provide you with detailed pre and post-operative instructions to guide you through your recovery process.

It’s fascinating how healing can vary from person to person, even with the same surgical techniques. While Dr. Stephenson employs the best methods to minimize scarring, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some individuals may have more prominent healed incisions or hypertrophic scar (wide healed incisions with or without pigment). That’s why Dr. Stephenson focuses on concealing the healed incisions within the lines of a woman’s preferred underwear or bikini bottom style, ensuring they are as discreet as possible.

The quality of your healed surgical incision is mostly determined by genetics and your body’s response to surgery. It is not clear how much applying products to scars will influence their final appearance, but most patients want to do something. Some products that have received positive patient feedback include Scar Guard (a liquid containing steroid, Vitamin E, and silicone), silicone gel strips (such as Neosporin scar strips), and silicone ointment (such as Scar Fade). You can obtain these products from our office and start using them as directed by Dr. Stephenson.

Usually there is a little bit of bruising on and around the breast, but it is typically very mild and is all gone by ten days to two weeks. This duration of bruising can be shortened by using Arnica and Bromelain tablets starting 3 days prior to surgery and continuing for 5-7 days after surgery.

Swelling increases after surgery, usually peaking about 5-6 days after surgery. After that, the swelling will subside, rapidly at first, and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it will still go down more at three months, and even more at six months and even a year, though at that point changes are subtle.

For areas of liposuction, the stitches will be removed by Dr. Stephenson’s team in 7-10 days after surgery

– It is okay to shower 48 hours after surgery and get the incision wet.
– Gently shower with a soapy washcloth to remove any small crusting.
– After showering, blot the incisions dry and reapply fresh gauze.
– Apply a rich moisturizer after your shower, but avoid putting it over the incisions.

Long air travel (greater than 1 and ½ hours) should be avoided during the first 4 weeks after surgery to reduce the rare possible of a blood forming in the legs during air travel. Other issues involved have to do with the difficulty of getting through airports these days, and whether you are going somewhere where there is a plastic surgeon to look after you or should you have questions or problems or just need to be looked at by an experienced doctor. These issues are usually very individualized, and you should discuss them with Dr. Stephenson.