If you’re afraid of taking your shirt off this beach season, you may want to consider male breast reduction. Unless the beach in question is Coney Island, in which case, who cares if you have man-boobs? Have a Coney Dog and relax.

What is it?

But what exactly does gynecomastia correction surgery entail?  First and foremost, it is wise to get a mammogram or breast x-ray prior to surgery, which can rule out any serious, albeit unlikely, causes of gynecomastia such as breast cancer or tumors.  Generally, male breast enlargement is due to either excess glandular tissue in the chest or excess fatty tissue in the chest.

In cases where glandular tissue is the primary cause, a small incision will be made around the edge of the areola or somewhere under the arm.  From there, the surgeon will extract not only unnecessary tissue, but also excess fat and skin from around the nipple, as well as the bottom and sides of the breast in question.  In cases where fatty tissue is the culprit, liposuction may be the only procedure needed.  In which case, a small incision is made around the areola or somewhere in the armpit so that a cannula (a tube that drains fluids) can be inserted to suck out the fat.

Who needs it?

If you are feeling self-conscious about your gynecomastia, which in Greek roughly translates to the not-so-subtle “woman- like breasts”, then maybe male breast reduction will work for you.  However, if you are feeling self-conscious because you are a 13-year old boy going through puberty, the best idea is to wait it out.  Though gynecomastia is common during puberty, it is generally a passing phase that will correct itself over the course of a few months.  So hang in there young men, don’t let those Greek jerks get you down by comparing you to women.

Gynecomastia can stem from several different factors, the most obvious being obesity.  However, other causes include genetic disorders, side effects from medication, chronic liver disease, aging, and steroid use.  Drugs or medication that enhance estrogen or inhibit testosterone synthesis are generally the ones that produce gynecomastia, although drugs as common as alcohol, marijuana, and valium may also contribute to your “woman- like breasts” physique.

The best candidates should be healthy, emotionally stable men of any age.  It is ideal that the patient has firm, elastic skin so that it will reshape to the body’s new form.  In some cases, surgery may be unnecessary, especially if your condition of gynecomastia is due to lifestyle preferences.  If you are obese, for example, simple exercise and weight loss will minimize body fat, which may in turn decrease fatty tissue within the chest.  Likewise, if you drink alcohol in excessive amounts or smoke a lot of marijuana (we’re talking High Times subscriber level) it may be best to cease consumption for several weeks to see if any reversal signs of gynecomastia occur.

Benefits

There is a significant difference in before-and-after pictures (check it out online if you’re into that sort of thing).  Not only is the surgery permanent, but it is fairly simple and in the most common cases, involves only one incision that is generally well-disguised either on the edge of the areola or under the arm.

However, the biggest benefit is the boost in confidence, seeing as how a lack of confidence is the primary reason why most men get breast reduction surgery in the first place.  Get ready to seek out friends who throw lots of pool parties.

Risks?

If you are being treated by a qualified plastic surgeon (i.e. not some guy you met behind Safeway) then complications should be rare or minor at best.  However, surgery of any kind can be risky.  Possible risks include infection, skin injury, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia and excessive fluid loss or accumulation.  Noticeable scars are possible (especially when major breast reductions are involved) as well as permanent pigment changes around the breast and slightly asymmetric nipples.  Temporary effects may include a numbness of the breast or loss of sensation, which could potentially last up to a year.

If you’re afraid of taking your shirt off this beach season, you may want to consider male breast reduction.  Unless the beach in question is Coney Island, in which case, who cares if you have man-boobs?  Have a Coney Dog and relax.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

If you are considering male breast redutcion, check out the following links to find specialists in your area:

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Plastic Surgery Definitions

A

• Arm Lift – Medical name brachioplasty.  A procedure that removes excess skin and fat from upper arms.
• Artecoll® – Also known as ArteFil®.  A cosmetic substance used as facial filler.

B

• BOTOX ® – A cosmetic procedure that involves injecting BOTOX® into the skin to reduce wrinkles, crow’s feet, and frown lines.
• Breast Augmentation – Medical name, augmentation mammoplasty.  A surgical procedure that enlarges breast size using implants filled with silicone or a saline solution.
• Breast Lift – Medical name, mastopexy.  A surgical procedure that raises breast height.
• Breast Reconstruction – A surgical procedure that involves the use of breast implants to replace or reshape breasts usually following a mastectomy (removal of breast).
• Breast Reduction – Medical name, reduction mammoplasty.  A procedure that reduces breast size.
• Brow Lift – Also known as an eyebrow lift or forehead lift.  A surgical correction of the upper facial region for drooping brows, upper eyelids and forehead skin.

C

• Calf Implant – A surgically inserted implant that is used to increase the size and shape of calf muscles.
• Cheek Implant – Medical name, malar augmentation.  A surgical procedure entailing the use of a facial implant to enhance the shape, contour and balance of the face.
• Chemical Peel – Also called a facial peel.  A non-surgical skin rejuvenation treatment that employ chemical substances designed to renew the appearance of skin.
• Chin Augmentation – Medical name, mentoplasty.  A surgical procedure entailing the use of an implant to reshape the chin.

D

• Dermabrasion – A non-surgical skin refinishing treatment.

E

• Ear Surgery – Medical name, otoplasty.  A cosmetic or a reconstructive procedure that     reshapes the ear.
• Eyelid Surgery – Medical name, blepharoplasty. Corrects drooping eyelids and bags under the eye

F

• Facelift – Medical name, rhytidectomy.  A surgical procedure that enhances facial appearance by eliminating the sagging skin of the neck and face.
• Facial Fillers – Medical name, dermal fillers.  Used in many different cosmetic and surgical procedures to shape desired areas.
• Facial Implants – Implants that are used in cheeks, chin, jaw, or even nose.
• Fat Grafting – Medical name, autologous fat transfer or fat injections.  Fat is extracted from one area of the body and transferred by injection into another.

G

• Gastric Bypass – Medical name, gastrointestinal surgery or commonly known as weight loss surgery.  A surgical procedure used to combat obesity that decreases the size of the stomach and allows food to bypass part of the small intestine.

H

• Hair Transplant/Replacement – A surgical procedure that transfers plugs of hair follicles from a healthy donor area to a balding or hairless area, usually on the head.

I

• Injectable Fillers – Medical names, dermal or facial fillers.  Fillers used to plump and contour a body part, usually the face and lips.  Examples are Restylane®, Juvederm®, and collagen.

J

• Jaw Implant – Medical name, mandibular augmentation.  A surgically inserted implant that is used to add prominence and balance to a face.

L

• Laser Skin Resurfacing – Medical name, laser peel.  A non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that employs the use of lasers to resurface the skin.
• Lip Augmentation – A procedure that uses facial fillers like Restylane® or collagen to enlarge or contour the lips.
• Liposuction – Medical names, suction-assisted lipectomy, suction lipectomy, lipoplasty.  An invasive procedure that uses suction to remove excess fat from many areas of the body.

M

• Male Breast Reduction – A surgical procedure that reduces the size of a male breasts caused by gynecomastia (breast enlargement).
• Microdermabrasion – A non-surgical, skin rejuvenation treatment sometimes referred to as a lunchtime peel.
• Mini Facelift – Also referred to as an S lift or mid-face lift.  A surgical procedure that reduces signs of aging in the lower half of the face.

N

• Nose Surgery – Medical name, rhinoplasty.  A surgical reshaping or reconstruction of the nose.

S

• Skin resurfacing – Medical name, laser peel.  A non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment.
• Scar Revision – A procedure that improves the appearance of a scar.  Scars can be treated in a variety of ways.
• Spider Veins – Medical name, sclerotherapy. A procedure that removes the appearance of spider veins either through the injection of certain materials through the skin or by the use of a laser.

T

• Tummy Tuck – Medical name, abdominoplasty.  A surgical procedure that decreases the size of the abdomen and mid-section.

Having difficulty adjusting to those unforgiving signs of aging? Finding it hard to keep your makeup from running in the creases? Hate that bump on the bridge of your nose? Wish you looked like a girl in your bikini instead of the boy next door? Feeling good about the weight you’ve lost, but hate the sagging skin? Think you would be promoted if you didn’t have that double chin? Tired of hearing people ask you if you store acorns in your cheeks?

Most people have one or two things they would change about their physical appearance if they could. Would you, if you could? There seem to be two camps of opinion on plastic surgery: the “don’t-mess-with-mother-nature” side and the “if-its-broken-fix-it group.”

Studies have shown that people with receding chins are perceived by others as weak, those with sagging eyes are thought to be tired and individuals with hooked noses are described as being untrustworthy. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, is it any wonder that those on the receiving end of misconceptions like these might struggle with self-esteem issues and want to level the playing field by correcting their physical appearance?

Like it or not, right or wrong, the reality is we live in a world obsessed by physical appearance. Even though you can’t fix a troubled marriage with bigger boobs or goof off at your job and expect a promotion because you had a nose job, self-esteem issues affect self-confidence which in turn influences nearly everything you do. In a world that worships at the altar of self-improvement, “be all that you can be” and “just do it” are phrases that resonate through to the world of plastic surgery.

If you are considering having plastic surgery, there are some things you should know before beginning a self-improvement campaign. First, surgery of any kind should never be taken lightly. Second, to make an informed decision you need to arm yourself with information.

What Do You Know About the Field of Plastic Surgery?

The field of plastic surgery is divided into two areas: reconstructive and cosmetic. Some physicians specialize in one area or the other; some straddle both fields to varying degrees. Both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery can improve physical appearance and enhance self-esteem, but there are differences.

Reconstructive Surgery – Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery improves the function and or the physical appearance of abnormal body structures. In some cases, a new body part, such as a missing ear, is created to achieve a more desirable appearance. Candidates for reconstructive surgery may have congenital or developmental abnormalities or deformities caused by disease and trauma. An example of a congenital anomaly (also referred to as a birth defect) that commonly requires surgical repair is a cleft lip. Trauma victims may require surgery for everything from minor scar revisions to extensive facial reconstruction. Generally speaking, reconstructive surgery is covered by most health insurance companies, although you should always check first to prevent unwanted surprises.

Cosmetic Surgery – Cosmetic surgery aims at reshaping existing body parts like redefining a nose or removing fat from buttocks or knees. Cosmetic surgeons also perform non-surgical procedures like injecting fillers to plump up thin lips or the cosmetic material BOTOX® to reduce frown lines and wrinkles. They also offer various skin rejuvenation services such as skin resurfacing, thermage (a non-surgical technology that utilizes radio-frequency energy to promote collagen deposition and skin tightening) and laser and light based therapies aimed at addressing problem areas in the superficial layer of the skin. Cosmetic procedures are considered elective and generally are not covered by most health insurers.

2008 Cosmetic Surgery Statistics

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), an organization restricted to physicians who are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a leader in cosmetic surgery research, offers the following surgical statistics for 2008:

• Over ten million cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non surgical, were reportedly performed in the United States. Of the total, 17% were surgical events.
• The most common procedures were: breast augmentation (355,671), liposuction (341,144), eyelid surgery (195,104), rhinoplasty or surgery on the nose (152,434) and abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck (147,392).
• The majority of cosmetic procedures (surgical and non-surgical) or a whopping 92% were performed on women.
• Among women, the most popular surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: breast augmentation (enlargement), liposuction (removal of fat), eyelid surgery, tummy tuck and breast reduction.
• For men, the top surgical procedures (in order from most requested to least requested) were: liposuction, rhinoplasty (surgery on the nose), eyelid surgery, breast reduction for enlarged male breasts, and hair transplantation.
• Percent of total procedures by age group:
  35-50 yrs. – 45%
  51-64 yrs. – 26%
  19-34 yrs. – 22%
  65 and over – 6%
  18 and younger – 2%

For a complete list of statistics and emerging trends see www.surgery.org/press/statistics-2008.php.

Fees for Cosmetic & Reconstructive Procedures

Fees for surgical and non surgical procedures vary according to the type of procedure requested and the surgeon involved.

Procedure – The type of procedure you require determines the other elements that will be included in your total fee. Elements that may be included in a bill are: local or general anesthesia fee; assisting technician fee; anesthesiologist fee; surgical center or hospital fee; recovery facility (office surgical center or hospital) fee; charges for drugs, pre-and post-operative lab tests and x-rays; cost of facial or breast implants and so on.

Surgeon – Fees charged by surgeons are not standardized. Physicians in demand because of their expertise, reputation and years of experience tend to charge more per procedure than less seasoned surgeons. Another factor affecting the fee charged by a physician is the level of technical difficulty involved in performing the surgery and the time required to complete the job.

Given the wide range of fees, if you want to know what your surgery will cost, you will need to have a frank discussion with your surgeon. When you do, remember to inquire about all of the fees, not just the physician’s fee. Ask for an estimate in writing before you leave the office.

You should also check with your health insurer to determine if your planned surgery is covered by your policy, but a word of warning: Do so only after you discuss your procedure with your physician. Why? Because some procedures like eyelid surgery, ordinarily considered elective, might be covered if eyelid skin folds obstruct peripheral vision.

Locating the Right Plastic Surgeon

Choosing to have any surgery is a major decision, but once you decide to pursue the possibility, you will need to select a surgeon. Look for a surgeon who is skilled in his work and willing to discuss, in as much detail as you require, everything involved in the procedure you are considering. With cosmetic surgery, aesthetic outcome is highly important. Unlike an appendectomy, your goal is to look better not just survive.

The best advertisement for a plastic surgeon is a satisfied patient so ask around. If you are somewhat secretive and don’t want people to know that you asking for yourself, you can always say that a friend asked you for a recommendation. If you cannot elicit a name from your friends or acquaintances, use the Internet or phone book and pay attention to ads in newspapers and local magazines.

Once you have a name, the next step is to check out the surgeon’s credentials. Do it before you make an appointment because most surgeons charge a fee for an initial consultation. To waste your money on a fee only to discover after the fact that the desired credentials are lacking is pointless. Call the doctor’s office, indicate that you are considering surgery and ask the office receptionist the following questions:

• Is the surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
• How many years of experience does he/she have?
• Is the doctor a member of other professional associations and if so, which ones?
• Does the doctor have past patients to whom you could speak?

All of this information should be free. Write down the information you receive and check out online the member requirements of the professional associations named. Make an appointment only after you are satisfied that your own criteria is met.

How to Prepare for your Appointment

Spend as much time as necessary researching the kind of surgery you think you want or need. For example, if you know you want your nose corrected, gather as much information as you can about the procedure and make a list of questions or topics relative to the surgery that you want to discuss with your surgeon. Put “ask about credentials and experience” on your list along with “ask about fees and financing options.” If you have other concerns, write them down too—leave nothing to chance.

What to Expect in the Doctor’s Office

The day has come and you are on your way to the surgeon’s office for your initial consultation with your trusty list of questions in hand. When your name is called, you finally meet the surgeon and quickly discover that he has a few questions of his own.

The first question is, “Why are you here?” followed closely by questions aimed at eliciting your expectations of the surgery. Surgeons are, or should be, understandably worried about patients who expect plastic surgery to cure all that ails them. An improved appearance is one thing, an improved life quite another. Expect some probing on this subject. The surgeon is looking for psychological balance and realistic expectations.

What else can you anticipate on your first visit? The surgeon will examine you, ask about any medical conditions or problems that you have, ascertain what medications and/or supplements you take, ask if you smoke and what your alcohol intake is, review your past surgeries and inquire about your family’s medical history. There may be other questions pertinent to the type of procedure you are seeking such as size desired in a breast reduction or enlargement.

Once you and your physician agree on a particular surgery your surgeon should explain the procedure to you in as much detail as you require including pre-operative and post-operative care, likely outcomes of the surgery and any risks or potential complications that may arise. Together you will decide on such things as location of incisions, size and types of any implants that may be required and anesthesia type, general or local. Now is the time to ask about length of stay, healing time, scar minimization, swelling and what if the surgical results are unsatisfactory? Will your surgeon redo the surgery at no charge? Always ask to see before-and- after photos of the doctor’s own surgical work. This is standard practice.

Some physicians use computer programs that can predict, in a picture, how you will look with your new surgery completed. To use this program, your picture is taken and transferred directly to the computer application. The surgeon then manipulates your picture on the computer screen to demonstrate to you how you will look after a facelift, breast implant, chin implant, eyelid surgery, tummy tuck, etc.

Before you leave the doctor’s office, you will be given a date for your surgery and instructions for preoperative preparation and postoperative care. If new questions arise between your first visit and your surgery, don’t hesitate to call the office for the answers or ask to speak to the surgeon.

You may be satisfied with the first surgeon you interview, but if not, repeat the process until you find the surgeon you want. This is not the time to take anything for granted and it is the time to be selective. If you care enough about yourself to want plastic surgery, you owe it to yourself to look for the surgeon who will give you the best result.

“There are only two things that determine which women will have plastic surgery: money and guts.” – Author unknown

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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Now there’s a solution. While the concept of a “boob job” for most people conjures up images of turning triple-A mosquito bites into double-D bazookas, some women would like nothing more than just the opposite. Known as mammoplasty reduction, or breast reduction, this inverse boob job makes big breasts smaller, giving large-chested women a new lease on life by giving them – and others – something else to focus on apart from their bosom.

Now that we’ve got that off our chest, let’s continue…

All About Breast Reduction Surgery

Reduction mammoplasty seeks to reduce the size of the breasts by taking away excess glandular tissue, fat and skin. In rare cases the operation can be done simply through liposuction, when the fat is literally sucked from the body using a small hand-held device that works a bit like a vacuum cleaner. But this can only occur when the breast is large purely due to fat build-up, and there is no excess skin that needs to be excised, or cut off.

While different techniques are employed, the most common type of breast reduction surgery involves making a large T- or anchor-shaped incision that goes around the areola, or outside of the nipple, down toward the crease between the breast and the abdomen, then horizontally underneath the breast. Smaller breasts may require a vertical incision only, which means the bigger you are, the more scarring.

In the case of exceedingly large and/or droopy breasts, the surgeon will remove the nipple, take away some breast tissue and skin, raise the part of the breast that’s left, then put the nipples back using a skin graft. It will be positioned higher, so it will appear natural. The good news is that you won’t have a nipple adjacent to your armpit, the bad news is that you may suffer nerve damage and lose all sense of feeling if this happens, and may also be unable to breastfeed in future.

A reduction mammoplasty takes up to four hours and is performed under general anesthesia. When it is over the breasts are wrapped in a supportive undergarment, and as dissolvable stitches are often used you may not need to have them removed. Drains may be left in each breast for up to two days.

Interestingly, the amount of fat taken from each breast often differs, as breasts are not always the same size. In fact, breast reduction surgery can also be performed when one breast is larger than the other, to make them appear more symmetrical. If that’s the case you may not want breast reduction surger: another option is an implant to make the smaller one larger so you have a matching pair.

After-Care and Risks

Women having this operation are advised not to undertake strenuous activities or indulge in heavy-lifting for at least six weeks, and to wear support bras without underwiring during this time. You will be given painkillers when you leave the hospital, as well as follow-up appointments to make sure everything is healing well and that the drains are emptying properly.

It’s considered best to wait to have the operation until you reach the grand old age of 20 at least, giving the breasts time to fully develop. Women should also abstain until they have had all the children they want, and should be fully aware that having a reduction mammoplasty could make breastfeeding difficult, or even impossible (see above). Some surgeons argue that the ability to breastfeed won’t be affected in the slightest, but there is actually no guarantee.

Women with pendulous breasts that tend to droop may opt instead for a breast lift, or mastopexy, in which excess skin is removed and surrounding tissue tightened to lift and raise the breasts. This can work well when breasts are not overly large, but obviously is not recommended if you want to reduce size as well as reshape.

Risks for a standard reduction mammoplasty include:

• Scarring. The severity of the scars will depend on the patient, but they usually fade over time. Be aware that people with darker skin run a greater risk of keloid scarring.
• Infection. Risk can be reduced by taking antibiotics before surgery.
• Nipple necrosis, or loss of nipple. This means that the skin on the nipple dies, but this complication is, thankfully, exceedingly rare.
• Hematoma. This can happen if the drains inserted into the breast do not drain away all the blood properly. Blood can collect underneath the breast and become painful. Further surgery will needed to have the clot drained.
• Loss of nipple sensation. Happens in rare cases. In even rarer ones, patients may experience nipple hypersensitivity.
• Breast asymmetry. This is not common but can be corrected if need be.
• Problems associated with general anesthesia. Any surgery requiring a general anesthetic carries this risk. You can reduce it by not smoking and losing weight before surgery.
• Be aware that estrogen therapy, or HRT, can sometimes cause breasts to grow again, and in some cases women have needed repeat breast reduction surgery.

While breast reduction surgery may sound scary and a bit off-putting, the vast majority of women are satisfied with the outcome. An estimated 104,000 breast reductions were carried out in 2006, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the number is still growing. Indeed, a greater percentage of women are satisfied with breast reduction surgery than they are with breast enlargement operations.

While people often mistake a reduction mammoplasty as pure cosmetic surgery, the end goal is not purely aesthetic. Women who had successful breast reductions had reduced back and shoulder pain, fewer headaches, and significantly less numbness in the breast as well as breast pain. It was a help to them not only aesthetically and physiologically but emotionally as well, raising their self-esteem and boosting their confidence (and the number of revealing tops in their wardrobe!). Those who had small bodies in proportion to their breasts were those who gained the biggest results.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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Statistics still are being compiled for 2008, but in 2007, the number of men who exercised plastic surgery options increased by 17 percent.

It’s not always a question of surgery. In fact, men most often choose nonsurgical options.

Botox injection for a younger look is the most popular by far, with 329,000 injections over the course of a year, according to the society’s survey. Guys want to look younger, too, even if James Bond seems to gradually grow older.

Laser hair removal is next at 185,000. Despite the caveman in those insurance commercials, a lot of fellows don’t want to look excessively hairy.

You may not have heard of microdermabrasion, but a specialist in plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment can tell you about it. The dead outer layer of skin, or derma, is removed. Based on the society’s survey, more than 85,000 men picked microdermabrasion as an alternative to Botox.

Another alternative to Botox is a chemical peel, applied by specialists to literally peel the outer layer of dead skin away.

On the surgical side, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that liposuction was the most popular procedure. Nearly 58,000 men decided to have some of their fat removed over the course of the survey year. However, a lesser-known partner with liposuction is called abdominal etching, which means you can look like you’ve done some sit-ups and crunches. Implants also are available for the calves, biceps and triceps. Specialists say liposuction is actually easier for men than for women, because men have more elastic qualities in their skin.

There were 32,000 men who had eyelid surgery. We may perceive that nose jobs are the most common method of changing the facial appearance, but when plastic surgeons show before-and-after pictures, men are surprised to see how much difference the eyes can make.

Surgery on the nose, called rhinoplasty, isn’t always for cosmetics. Men often discover that breathing problems are eased or cured through rhinoplasty.

For men who are embarrassed by scars or other facial marks, collagen skin replacement is becoming popular.

One procedure that might send an otherwise skeptical man to a plastic surgeon is male breast reduction. The male chest sags with age, and even if the man is not overweight, breasts can develop. This is known as gynecomastia. Men become so embarrassed that they leave on their shirts while they’re at the swimming pool or simply to avoid the swimming pool. A plastic surgeon can perform male chest sculpture or can recommend male compression garments.

Male breasts shouldn’t sag and neither should male necks. Simple neck lifts have become popular among older men.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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Abdominoplasty

The first area where cosmetic surgery might be needed after significant weight loss is the stomach, where skin often drapes where fat has melted away. An abdominoplasty, more commonly known as the “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure that involves tightening the muscles in the abdomen and removing excess skin.

According to YourPlasticSurgeryGuide.com, most people are good candidates for abdominoplasty, though women who are considering getting pregnant should avoid this procedure. If you’ve experienced significant weight loss but want to have a child, it might be a good idea to wait for cosmetic surgery.

Face Lift

Another area affected by significant weight loss is the face and neck. This is the first place many people lose weight as they begin to shed pounds, and the skin around the cheeks, jaw line and throat can begin to sag. Fortunately, a face lift can solve this problem.

In some cases, a thread lift is more economical and practical than a face lift after significant weight loss. A thread lift is less expensive and takes much less time, involving less recuperation time as well. However, this procedure won’t necessarily be effective for significant excess skin. A face lift or thread lift can also help with hollow cheeks, which often develop from a sudden drop in weight.

Redraping

In some cases, excess skin is a problem all over the body after significant weight loss. This can occur along your sides, under your arms, along your thighs and even in your breasts. If this has become an issue for you, it might be best to discuss cosmetic surgery redraping with your physician.

Redraping is a procedure that involves removing the excess skin and literally redraping the remaining skin over the area that has been affected. This can be done on most parts of the body and might take place in several stages.

Breast Reduction

Finally, another cosmetic surgery option for significant weight loss is the breast reduction, which is often necessary for women. If your breasts do not shrink while losing weight, you could begin to experience back and shoulder pain that will continue for the rest of your life. A breast reduction will decrease the weight of your breasts, thereby alleviating the pain.

Any cosmetic surgery you undertake after significant weight loss should be the product of careful consideration. Discuss possible procedures with your family and with your physician to determine which is best for you, then learn as much as you can about the operation. Many types of cosmetic surgery take weeks of recovery and may cause severe pain immediately after the surgery is finished.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate medical professional.

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon | Boston Plastic Surgeon | Charlotte Plastic Surgeon | Chicago Plastic Surgeon | Dallas Plastic Surgeon | Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon | Miami Plastic Surgeon | Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon | New York Plastic Surgeon | Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon | Phoenix Plastic Surgeon | San Francisco Plastic Surgeon | Seattle Plastic Surgeon | Washington, DC Plastic Surgeon | See More Cities

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Of course there are options. Cosmetic surgery has made startling leaps in the last decade alone and what was once impossible to change is now entirely within the realm of possibility. But before you run out to augment those breasts or reduce that nose, carefully consider whether cosmetic surgery is really right for you.

A public face for your personal side

No matter what kind of surgery you are considering, there are some factors that remain universal when considering any cosmetic procedure. The first thing you should be asking yourself is: who am I doing this for? Is it for your husband, boyfriend or spouse, or is it for you?

Of course becoming more beautiful will make other people in your life happier. You’ll probably find that a more beautiful you, devoid of nature’s flaws, attracts more stares on the street, finds him or herself better treated in the workplace and inspires more sexual interest at home. But you need to carefully assess whether or not you’ll be comfortable with the newer more attractive you. A startling metamorphosis into a true beauty might make you seem alienating to some and intimidating to others. These factors can drastically change your social interactions and you should be aware that changing your body can have a rippling affect on the people in your life.

All the same, there is only one person who will greet you every morning in the mirror. It’s that person who you need to consider most when contemplating a cosmetic procedure.  Polonius’s famous words “To thine own self be true” are the perfect mantra to exercise when considering a cosmetic surgical procedure. At the end of the day it’s only about how you want to look and how you’d like to feel.

Accomplishment in the absence of flaws

Of course you have reasons for even considering making changes to your body. But not adoring every detail of your face or figure isn’t enough of an impetus to place you under the knife. When considering a cosmetic procedure, you need to ask yourself some personal questions. What are my goals in life, and will changing the way I look contribute or deter to my accomplishment of those goals?

You already accept that our society is epitomized by superficiality. It’s no wonder celebrities are some of cosmetic surgery’s biggest advocates and customers.  Celebrities’ success is generally dictated by their appearance, and as such they must remain attractive to the public. Thus cosmetic surgery lies at the heart of a celeb’s professional interests.

But depending on your profession and lifestyle, being more attractive may not be enough of an asset to justify a costly cosmetic procedure. Do a little cost benefit analysis and see. If you work from home, no one is going to notice those perfect new breasts. If you still want them, you know your intentions are pure.

If you’re an intern at a news station who aspires to be an anchor, you may want to consider having Botox to smooth creases in your face. Have you ever seen an unattractive person behind a news desk? A news channel that hired an anchor with glaring physical flaws would quickly find itself slipping behind in the ratings. But if you embody the right look there are few other qualifications needed to read from a teleprompter. Thus for the aspiring young news anchor, a little Botox can be the necessary ingredient to accomplish your dreams.

Learning to fly in face of risk:

Magellan, Neil Armstrong, Evil Knievil; these men all took risks to accomplish their dreams. Like any other surgical procedure, cosmetic surgery is also accompanied by its share of physical risks. These vary depending on the individual procedure, but common complications can include: skin death, asymmetry, seroma and all kinds of errors wrought by a shaky surgeon’s hand.

Face it, in life there are no guarantees and mistakes are made. While a simple procedure like Botox is virtually risk free, deciding you want to have yourself cut to look like Michael Jackson’s twin involves accepting the possibility of waking up to a terrible new you.

There’s also the problem of sheer disappointment. Your new nose may be fine, but it might not look exactly the way you envisioned it would. This is significantly more upsetting than receiving a bad haircut.

Be sure you understand the risks before undertaking any cosmetic procedure. It’s important to weigh these risks carefully into your considerations. Ask yourself, what can possibly go wrong?  Be informed and willing to take that chance.

Remember, a cosmetic procedure is elective. You should only elect to undergo the procedure if you feel you’re making a safe and conscientious choice. If you feel you are, then improving the way you look will only enrich your life.

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