Chest Implants
Why Men Get Chest Implants
Chest implants used to be largely a female-only procedure, generally done to shape or enlarge the breasts. In recent years men have sought implants in the chest area, usually for the purpose of making the pectoral muscles appear larger of more well defined.
As is in the case with breast implants in women, chest implants in men consist of shaped silicon implants, designed to remain in place for the rest of a person's life. Falling in the realm of plastic surgery, chest implants should only be done after careful consultation with the plastic surgeon so the patient will know what is possible, or what makes sense and what doesn't. The plastic surgeon is normally able to accurately predict what the outcome will look like.
There are several reasons why chest implants have become more and more popular, and they are not only for purely cosmetic reasons, but for medical reasons as well. Aside from obvious birth defects, we each all born a little bit different than the next person, and some men have an easier time of building large, well-sculpted muscles than do others. Many will strive in vain to build a powerful looking chest by developing a well defined set of pectoral muscles. Rather than strive in vain, men can now get larger appearing pectoral muscles by having chest implants inserted.
Perception Becomes Reality - Note the difference between larger pectoral muscles and larger appearing pectoral muscles. The two of course are not one and the same thing. When one undergoes a chest implant, the silicon implants are placed beneath the upper pectoral muscles, making the muscles appear larger and more well developed. The muscles themselves are not in any way altered.
Not all seek chest implants for the purpose of sculpting, with a little help, the perfect physique. Some are born with birth or genetic defects, such as a sunken chest or a protruding sternum. Others have had their chest misshapen due to an accident or some form of injury. By strategic placement of chest implants, a plastic surgeon may successfully be able to either mask the defect, or at least make the chest area appear more balanced and normal looking.
The Implant Procedure - Surprisingly, chest implants are usually performed on an outpatient basis, with the patent able to go home the same day the surgery is performed. This is due to the fact that no major surgery is performed on the muscles or bones making up the anterior part of the chest. An endoscopic procedure is often done, with only a small incision being made, usually under the arm pit. The implant is guided into place with the help of a camera at the end of a thin tube. A cavity in the fascia of the pectoral muscle must be cut out to make room for the implant, which will then be held in place by the pectoral muscle itself. The pectoral muscle is for the most part left untouched.
Post-Operative Procedures - Chest implants are normally inserted when the patient is under general anesthesia and the procedure typically takes between one an two hours. As mentioned above, the patient can return home soon after the operation has been completed. Some pain and soreness in the chest may be experienced at first, but the procedure is not considered to be significantly painful, and there is usually less pain experienced if an endoscopic surgery has been performed. The physician or plastic surgeon in charge will usually prescribe pain medication to help the patient get through the first few days. The recovery process starts with a period of rest, followed by light exercise. It will take about a month for recovery to be complete enough so that normal activities, including weight training, can be resumed.