Do you want your chest to be shaped? Let's learn about male chest implants (Pec Implants)!

No matter how hard we work at the gym, sometimes it's hard to get the chest muscles we want, right? Some people may be a little worried about the shape of their chest due to certain congenital conditions. At such times, this 'pec implant' is something that comes to the rescue. This is a surgery that gives a more shapely, fuller look to a man's chest muscles. Let's talk about this in simple terms today.

Simply put, what are these PEC Implants?

Simply put, Pec Implants are special implants used to give your pectoral muscles more shape and fullness. These are not like breast augmentation surgeries that women undergo. They are inserted under your pectoral muscles. This gives your chest a more muscular appearance. A plastic surgeon performs this surgery. The implant is usually inserted through a small incision in the armpit area.

Before this surgery, should we learn a little about our chest muscles?

There are two main types of muscles in our chest.

• Pectoralis Major: This is the largest muscle in the chest. It runs from our collarbone (clavicle) across the chest and attaches to the upper arm bone (humerus) at the shoulder. This muscle helps us rotate our arms and bring them forward. It largely determines the shape and fullness of the chest.
• Pectoralis Minor: This is located under the pectoralis major. It connects from our ribs to the scapula. This muscle helps to bring the shoulders forward and down.

The pectoral implant is placed in a small pocket created between these two muscles.

Who is going to undergo pectoral implant surgery?

There are two main reasons for having this surgery.

1. To improve the appearance of the body: Many men undergo this as a cosmetic surgery to increase their self-confidence. This can be a good solution if you want to get a more shapely chest that cannot be improved no matter how much exercise you do. Also, this surgery is performed to correct asymmetry in the chest or if the muscles on one side are not developed properly.

2. As a treatment for a medical condition: Sometimes, certain congenital conditions can cause the shape of the chest to change. This surgery is also performed as a treatment for them.

• Pectus excavatum: In this condition, the breastbone is sunken inward.
• Poland syndrome: In this condition, the chest muscles on one side of the body are not present at birth. In such cases, these implants are used to give the chest a normal appearance.

Are you suitable for this surgery? Let's see.

It is very important to check if you are suitable for this surgery before having it. Usually, the best person for this is:

• Someone who is already trying to build chest muscles by doing exercises and strength training.
• An adult with fully developed muscles.
• A non-smoker. Nicotine is a substance that increases the risk of complications during surgery and delays wound healing.
• Someone who has realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.

What are the sizes and nature of the implants?

These are made of medical-grade silicone. These are solid implants. They do not leak like the silicone gel implants used in some breast surgeries.

These come in different shapes and sizes. Depending on your body shape and the look you want, you may need to have different sized implants on each side. Your surgeon will help you choose the right implant to achieve the look you want.

If you are having this surgery because of a medical condition, your doctor may recommend a custom-made implant. They will measure your chest and make it fit your body. These will feel like a firm, raised mass of muscle.

What should you do before surgery?

Your surgeon will advise you on how to prepare for surgery. The table below lists some common things to do.

How is the surgery done?

This is a surgery that usually takes one to two hours. You can go home the same day. Here are some things that happen during the surgery:

1. Anesthesia: First, you will be given general anesthesia. So you will be asleep throughout the surgery.

2. Incision: Next, the doctor will make a small incision about two inches into the skin of your armpits (where the hair has been removed).

3. Creating a space: Using special surgical instruments, a space (pocket) is created between the pectoralis major and minor muscles we talked about.

4. Inserting the implant: The implant is then inserted through the incision and positioned correctly within the created space.

5. Suturing: Finally, dissolvable stitches or stitches that are removed in one to two weeks are used to close the incisions.

What happens after the surgery? How is the recovery time?

After surgery, the medical team will monitor you until you wake up from the anesthesia. Once you are fully conscious, you will need someone to drive you home. Once you go home, you will need to follow your doctor's instructions exactly.

• Compression Garment: You will be given a special compression garment to keep the implant in place and reduce swelling. This will be worn for about six weeks.
• Pain: It is normal to feel some pain and discomfort for the first week or so. You may feel tightness and soreness in your chest muscles. This can be controlled with ice packs and painkillers prescribed by your doctor.
• Work: You should be able to resume your normal work and light activities within a week. However, you should avoid lifting your arms above your head until your doctor gives you the okay. Ask your doctor when you can resume activities like heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
• Results: Most of the swelling will subside in about six weeks. However, it can take three to six months for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results to be seen.

What are the benefits and risks of this?

Like any surgery, there are benefits and risks involved. It is important to be aware of both before making a decision.

When do you need to talk to the doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately .

• Excessive bleeding, swelling, or bruising.
• Severe, unbearable pain .
• Showing signs of infection , such as pus draining from the wound and fever.
• Muscle spasms.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Is there an alternative to implants?

Yes, there is another option. It is called Fat Transfer/Fat Grafting . This is a less invasive method than implants.

This is what happens:

1. Liposuction removes unwanted fat from your own body, such as your abdomen and buttocks.

2. Then those fat cells are put into a special machine and cleaned.

3. Finally, the purified fat cells are injected into your chest muscle area.

The results of this method are also lifelong. However, you should discuss with your surgeon which of these two methods is right for you.