If you're considering male pectoral implants...

Considering surgery

A pectoral implant operation involves placing silicone implants beneath the pectoral muscle tissue in order to improve the contours of the chest. The implants are made from solid silicone (the same material used for buttock and calft implants). They are usually teardrop-shaped, although other shapes are available, for example with outer convex surface or an inner cocave surface. Unlike female breast implants, the fact that pectoral implants are solid means that there is no danger of the implant rupturing. The effect of the surgery is permanent and implants rarely need to be removed as they are designed to last a lifetime.

The operation

Pectoral implanting is performed via an incision in each armpit. In the majority of cases, the surgeon will create an incision in te armpit and insert the implant through that incision.

In some cases, however, the surgeon uses an endoscope – a thin tube with a camera attached to the end – to assist with the creation of the pocket so that he does not have to make a large incision. A space between the chst pectoral muscles and the pocket is made so that the implant will fit precisely, with little movement. Having made the pocket, the surgeon ensures that all bleeding is controlled and then inserts the implant through the armpit incision, which is quite difficult because the inision is only about 4cm ( 11/2 inches) long.

Once the implant is in the pocket, it has to be adjusted so that it sits comfortably. During healing, scar tissue will grow around perforations is the implant, ensuring that the implant doesn’t move. Usually drains are inserted before the wound is closed, and some sort of strapping helps to immobilize the implants during the early healing period.

The recovery process

When you wake up, the operation site will be sore and painful. There will be some dressings over the wounds and the chest will be strapped to immobilize the implants. Drains will be placed close to the wound site to relieve any fluid that collects in the area. These may be removed before you leave hospital or may be kept for several days, should there be too much fluid or blood. A nurse will give you instructions about how best to recover. The pain is best described as being like cramp and, although severe at first, will rapidly diminish over a couple of days.

When you get home from hospital, rest as much as you can for a couple of days, making sure you do not lift anything, except for small objects. Most patients find that they can go back to work after around a week. You may take recommend painkillers for any pain, as advised by your surgeon. Take extra care not to raise your blood pressure through exerting yourself for the first few weeks. Any stitches will be removed around a week after operation. You can expect the pain and tenderness to last for a week and bruising to remain for two weeks. Residual swelling should ease after four or five weeks.

Move your arms with care, but keep your shoulder joints mobile. Do not do any heavy lifting for four weeks after surgery but gradually increase your arm activity. I twill be around six weeks before you can exerciseagain. Contact the surgery if you experience severe pain, bruising, discharge from the wound or fever.

The risks

Implant displacement Very rarely the implant can move if the pectoral muscle moves it during contraction. For this reason it is important that lifting is avoided for four weeks following surgery. Incorrect positioning of the implant can be difficult to correct and will definitely require further surgery.

Scars The scars from this type of implant procedure will be in your armpits. They are made in natural creases and should fade eventually, although they are permanent and everyone heals (and scars) differently. Talk to your surgeon if you are prone to problem scarring.

Loss of sensation There is a chance that there will be a difference in skin, nipple and upper arm sensation following a pectoral imlant. This is mostly temporary, but it can be permanent.

Asymmetry No one has a symmetrical chest, and sometimes pectoral implants may make this asymmetry noticeable. If it is obvious and distressing it may have to be corrected by changing one of the implants.

Reaction to the anaesthetic This complication is relevant to all surgery. Your pre-surgery consultation with your anaesthetist should lessen any likelihood of a reaction to the anaesthetic.

In short

Pectoral implants can be used when the chest muscles need to be enhanced in size. The solid silicone implants are placed into the chest via an incision, and the procedure can be assisted endoscopically. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic, and you can expect to feel sore and to be in some pain for some weeks. Sensible aftercare is required to achieve optimal results. There are few contraindications to having implants, though smokers are at greater risk of complications and recovery may take longer. Among the risks associated with the surgery are scarring and loss of sensation. So, as always, proceed with caution. Opt for surgery only when you have fully researched all of the suitable treatments, have been fully briefed and are completely happy to continue. Pectoral implants could be a good option if you are unhappy with the appearance of your chest, and the result will thoroughly enhance your chest muscles.