Pectoral implants can help men firm up, sculpt and increase the size of their chest areas. Implants are a surgical alternative for men who are unable to achieve a well-sculpted chest through diet, exercise or weight training. Pectoral implants are becoming increasingly popular among men worldwide.

Reasons for choosing to have
pectoral implants

Men elect to have pectoral implant surgery for both cosmetic and medical reasons. You are a suitable candidate to have pectoral implants if you have any of the following issues:

• You are unable to develop the chest muscles you want, because you have a body type and genetic makeup that prevents your chest area from further development.
• You really dislike body-building exercise.
• You have some irregularity or asymmetry in the pectoral muscles.
• You have suffered an injury or have been in an accident which has damaged the chest, and the area requires reconstructive surgery.

People with such congenital conditions as Spina Bifada, Marfan’s Syndrome, Pectus Canaritum (also known as PC or pigeon breast), Pectus Excavatum (PE or funnel breast) or Pectus Recurvatum (PR), may need pectoral implant surgery. Those who have any of these conditions sometimes find that their pectoral muscles develop irregularly.

Whatever the reason, some men with underdeveloped pectoral muscles feel self-conscious and suffer from feelings of inadequacy.

Things to consider once you’ve decided to have pectoral implants

Your biggest decision is in choosing a surgeon and deciding on the shape and size of your implants. You should find a qualified, experienced surgeon who has performed the procedure many times on men with the same concerns as yours.

Ask to see before and after case-study photos of chest implants your surgeon has performed. They will give you a good idea of what to expect from the procedure. Once you have determined your implant size and shape, your surgeon may be able to show you a computer-generated image of what you will look like after the surgery.

What to expect

Pectoral implant surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home after the effects of anaesthesia have worn off.  Implants are usually inserted endoscopically through incisions made in the armpits, so visible scarring can be kept to a minimum. Implants are inserted under the existing chest pectoral muscles; this ensures that they fit well and move with the existing muscles.

You should expect mild to moderate pain after surgery, manageable with the pain medication your surgeon will prescribe. Bruising and swelling is common but usually disappears about a week following surgery. To ensure that surgical swelling is minimal, your surgeon may ask you to wear a compression garment after surgery.

You will be able to walk and move around gently in the week following surgery but should not resume all normal everyday activities (like sports and exercise) until two to four weeks have passed. Plan to rest and relax for two weeks. Full recovery from pectoral implant surgery can sometimes take as long as six weeks.

Before and after surgery

There are several things you can do to prepare for any surgery to improve the experience.

It is extremely important to be honest with your surgeon about any previous cosmetic procedures you’ve had, any steroid usage patterns, current medications and any illnesses you suffer from, including chronic conditions such as diabetes. Equipping your surgeon with this information will ensure that you get appropriate pre-surgical instructions and effective postoperative care.

There are a number of  things you can do following any surgery.

There are also important things you must do to ensure the success of your pectoral implant surgery:

• Avoid lifting your arms during the recovery period of about 2 weeks.
• After all surgical dressings have been removed; you will be given a program of gentle exercises. Doing these exercises over the weeks following surgery will help your pectoral implants settle into place and help you gradually and comfortably regain full range of motion in your arms.

Possible risks and complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with pectoral implant surgery. You should be fully aware of these before you elect to have the procedure. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the list of complications that could arise as a result of any surgery.

The best way to reduce risk in any surgery is to find a fully qualified surgeon with formal training in pectoral implant surgery who has performed the procedure many times.

Pectoral implant procedures rarely have complications. One unlikely but possible complication is implant displacement. While implants are made of solid silicone and are unlikely to break, if they are not properly placed under the pectoral muscle they may shift or become displaced, giving your chest an asymmetrical look. Corrective surgery can rectify this issue.

Although the results of your implants will make you look fuller in the chest area, it is important to remember that they do nothing to strengthen your muscles.

Just as you would discuss potential benefits before surgery, it is always advisable to ask about any potential risks as they apply to you. Your surgeon can advise how to avoid or minimise them.

Rough costs involved

The cost of pectoral implant surgery varies depending on the price of your chosen implants and the fees of the surgeon and the facilities used. Your surgeon will help you to estimate these costs after an initial consultation.

A pectoral implant procedure, including the cost of two solid silicone implants, is around $11,000 (AUD). This includes the surgeon’s and assistant surgeon’s fees, fees for the anaesthetist and the hospital cost.

Some Australian private health insurers may help pay for the hospital bed and theatre fees. Getting a doctor’s referral may enable you to make a claim on these costs.

You should expect the costs to be higher if you are having combined procedures at the same time.

This information is correct as of 2019.