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Male pectoral implants are designed to define and shape the chest area. In men who cannot achieve results through exercise, the surgery can give the existing muscles a toned, enhanced look. For patients with congenital defects or loss of muscle in an accident or injury, the pectoral implant procedure can often reproduce a natural, even and symmetrical chest area.
Pectoral implants can help build self-confidence in individuals who were once embarrassed by their appearance. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, the result is the athletic, natural appearance of a more proportioned torso.
The Implants
Pectoral implants are constructed to be soft, yet solid; the implant is made from medical grade, rigid silicone. Remember they are still pliable, but firm and have the feel of a well-exercised and developed pectoral muscle. The pectoral implants are available in different sizes to suit your individual needs. It isn't a one-size fit all type of implant different people want different results and different people are different sizes. You will be measured and fitted for the implant size at your pre-operative visit.
The Procedure
For cosmetic enlargement, the implants are placed under the pectoral muscle. The implant is placed under the muscle so as not to show a distinct ridge and to help hide the implant under the muscle tissue. This way the implant does not feel or look "fake" but more like a flexed, well-defined pectoral muscle. Usually the implant size is determined by the length and size of the patient's own muscle. The operation will usually last about 1-1/2 hours. It can be done under local, regional or general anaesthesia. Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed. The patient will be more comfortable if a long acting (usually about 10-12 hour's) local anaesthetic is left in each implant compartment. An ACE bandage is wrapped around the chest area to assist in compression and aid in a correct healing position. This ACE bandage should be worn for about 3 weeks. Patients are advised to go home to bed for 24 hours. Doctors most often begin the pectoral implant surgery by making a small incision in the armpit, and then insert the implant endoscopically. Non -endoscopic methods are sometimes preferred.
Following the path of the incision, the surgeon places the implants under the pectoral muscle. The incisions are then sutured and the surgery is complete
The procedure takes one to two hours. Pectoral implant surgery is done on an out patient basis. This means that you will be able to go home almost immediately afterwards.
Patients who undergo pectoral implant surgery usually experience mild to moderate amount of pain in the days following the procedure. Soreness and bruising are common and should face within a week or so. Doctors may prescribe oral medication to lessen the pain. Aspirin should be avoided as it may promote more bleeding and bruising. By the second week after the procedure, most individuals will be able to resume normal, everyday activities.
Full recovery from pectoral implant surgery can take as long as six weeks; however, most patients are able to resume all activities within a month.
Important Note
Cigarette smoking decreases blood flow to the skin and tissues, increasing the risk of poor healing, and skin sloughing, scabbing or crusting. Smoking may lead to permanent scarring as well. | 
