Cosmetic Plastic Surgery In Toronto:
Gynecomastia (Male Chest Reduction)
Broad, sculpted pectorals define a man’s fitness and physical prowess, yet for many, no amount of exercise or dieting can reduce the over-developed tissues of the breast. The unwanted fullness may be from genetic inheritance, weight gain then loss, use of steroids for body building, and other drug use.
It’s called Gynecomastia, and it is a source of embarrassment for many men, but there is a surgical option to permanently contour the chest.
Gynecomastia
Also known as Reduction Mammaplasty or Male Breast Reduction, Gynecomastia surgery can correct over-development of the breast tissue caused by:
- Excess localized fat – adipose tissue concentrated around the areola
- Excess glandular tissue – enlarged or excess tissue from drugs or steroids
- A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
Defining and contouring the chest can be achieved through a combination of techniques:
- Ultrasonic Liposuction – used to liquefy and remove large volumes of fat and tone the tissues
- Power Assisted Liposuction – used for fat removal in patients with good skin tone
- Excision – an incision at the edge of the areola or on the side to remove glandular tissue
Power Assisted Liposuction
Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) is a technique which uses a specialized Cannula (the wand inserted beneath the skin) which vibrates at a high frequency. These vibrations loosen the fat cells so they can be suctioned from the body in a shorter amount of time and with greater precision. This means the patient receives better results, and the procedure is much safer. It also means the recovery time is shorter, and the incisions are much smaller than older forms of Liposuction. This technique is best for patients with good skin tone and specific areas where fat volume can be reduced without creating a contour deformity.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic Liposuction uses high frequency sound energy to liquefy (melt) the fat in the target area so larger volumes of fat can be suctioned from the body. It also creates heat, which helps the overlying skin and connective tissues to contract and tighten. This technique has been in use for several years and has a proven safety record. We have not had any complications when using this system.
Dr. Born uses a 4th Generation Ultrasonic Liposuction device, well known for its excellent safety features. This device is excellent for treating areas that have previously had liposuction, or have loose skin and/or cellulite, such as the abdomen, flanks and chest in men, and the lateral thigh in women. To limit overexposure and prevent complications, the device is only used for specific durations, with the remainder of the contouring done through Power Assisted Liposuction.
The goal of Gynecomastia surgery is to reduce the fat and glandular tissues; creating a flatter contour and greater definition.
Preparation
As with all surgeries performed by Dr. Born, patients are prescribed supplements to take before and after the surgery, to help prepare and recover faster and without complications.
Procedure length
The length of this procedure takes approximately one hour while you’re asleep or under sedation. You will be allowed to leave the same day.
Risks of Liposuction
Liposuction is a very safe procedure and the risks of are minimal. Generally, fat removal is limited to five litres – this is considered a large volume.
Risks of Power-Assisted Liposuction
- Pain
- Bruising lasting longer than three weeks
- Firmness along the incision- this is normal for the first few months
- Asymmetry – this is normal and expected- in most persons there is pre-existing asymmetry
- Scar – reduced greatly if the tape is worn for three months following the surgery
- Infection
- Mammogram/ultrasound interference due to scarring in the tissue.
- Fluid collection or seroma
- Not enough correction
- Too much fat removed requiring fat grafting to fill the area
Risks of Ultrasonic Liposuction
The risks are limited by the length of time the device is used.
- Burn to the skin
- Seroma
- Pain
There are some general risks intrinsic to all surgical procedures; please take a moment to review them.
Recovery
You are encouraged to resume normal activities; this decreases the amount of pain and increases the speed of your recovery. A Compression Garment may be needed for one to two weeks after surgery, depending on the degree of swelling. A small flat drain is removed from the incision point after three days.
My staff will instruct you on how to massage on the third day following surgery. Bruising may be present for 3 to 10 days. Changes in size will occur for the first month as the swelling resolves, and your weight will normalize six weeks after surgery.
Download our Post-Operative Care Instructions.
Preparation
As with all surgeries performed by Dr. Born, patients are prescribed supplements to take before and after the surgery, to help prepare and recover faster and without complications.
Procedure length
The length of this procedure varies according to the unique needs of the patient and is performed on an outpatient basis. Liposuction may be performed under a general or local anaesthetic with sedation.
The Result
Gynecomastia Surgery is a safe solution that provides permanent results, provided you continue with a healthy lifestyle that avoids steroid or drug use.
It is important to note that each surgery is tailored to meet the unique needs and features of individual patients.
What other patients want
Many patients combine Gynecomastia Surgery with Liposuction to the Abdomen or Flanks to achieve an overall enhancement of their appearance.
Have you avoided sports activities or situations in which you would need to remove your shirt in public? If you’ve been searching for a safe way to restore your confidence and achieve a sculpted, defined chest, book your consultation with Dr. Born today.
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