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Pectoral implants, or pec implants, are a male chest enhancement procedure that increases the appearance of the pectoral muscles in the chest.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), there were 1,054 pectoral implants done in 2014 in the United States by ASPS member surgeons.
Choosing Pectoral Implants
Pectoral implants are popular in patients who want to:
- Enhance the athletic look and bulk of the pectoral muscles
- Improve the look of under-developed pectoral muscles or birth defects or injuries to the muscles
- Restore the appearance of the chest after trauma or injury
- Fix asymmetry on the chest
- Improve self-confidence
Pectoral implants can have favorable psychological effects. A muscular chest is thought of as an important aspect of masculinity. As such, pectoral implants can improve a man’s appearance and confidence.
The cost of pectoral implants can range from $4,000 to $9,000 depending on the type of implant. Patients will need to pay for pectoral implant procedures out of pocket because most insurance companies will not cover elective cosmetic surgery procedures.
The Pectoral Implant Surgery
Pectoral implants are usually made of silicone in varying degrees of firmness. This is a material that is similar to the one used in female breast implants. Before the procedure, patients will talk to their doctors about their desired results, and will choose an implant shape that best suites them.
Patients can also choose to have a fat grafting procedure done instead of implants. The surgeon will perform liposuction on another part of the body—usually the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, or lower back—and will transfer the fat to the pectoral area. Fat grafting procedures are common with many types of cosmetic surgeries, and are usually less invasive than their counterpart procedures. The body usually re-absorbs about 40% of the fat however, so doctors will need to adjust the initial fat graft accordingly. After six months, whatever percentage remains should be permanent.
The procedure can be performed at a hospital, ambulatory (outpatient) facility, or at a surgical center. Before the procedure, patients will be sedated with general anesthesia, although local or intravenous anesthesia can be used sometimes.
A surgeon will begin the procedure by making a small incision in the arm pit. After making the incision, the surgeon will insert special tools that will make a pocket in the skin between parts of the pectoral muscles, and will insert the implant. The surgeon will close the incision and perform the same procedure on the other side.
The average recovery time for pectoral implants is between two and six days. Surgeons will typically ask patients to wear compression garments after the procedure to help the recovery process. Patients may have drainage tubes inserted at the end of the procedure to help remove fluid buildup.
Risks of Pectoral Implants
- Infection
- Excessive bleeding
- Seroma or hematoma (fluid buildup under the skin)
- Changes in sensation of skin
- Allergic reactions to implants
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia
- Movement or drifting of the implant
- Asymmetry in chest proportions
- Muscle spasms
- Dissatisfaction with results
Doctors must discuss all material complications with patients before the procedure.
Medical Malpractice Claims and Pectoral Implants
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries as a result of medical negligence during a pectoral implant or enhancement procedure, a good medical malpractice lawyer can be invaluable in helping you or a loved one recover compensation. Maryland residents have depended on Gilman & Bedigian to provide excellent legal representation.
Our attorneys have achieved impressive results in cosmetic surgery malpractice cases. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal rights.