Other associated terms: Pec Implants, Pectoral Implants, Male Chest Augmentation
Pectoral Augmentation, as you may have guessed, is the male version of what women refer to as breast augmentation surgery (with implants).
The primary purpose of this surgery is cosmetic in nature and designed to improve the appearance of the male chest area. Solid silicon implants are used and will give the chest a “bulked-up” appearance that would otherwise be obtained through extensive exercise.
Benefits of Pectoral Augmentation
The main benefit with pectoral augmentation is the extra mass that is added to the chest area for a more sculpted appearance.
This procedure is usually requested by those men who are unable to achieve this sculpted effect through exercise or who don’t have the time to devote to intensive exercise.
This procedure is also popular with body builders who wish to enhance the appearance that their workouts have provided.
Pectoral augmentation is less invasive than the female equivalent. During breast augmentation, surgeons have the option to separate muscle from the ribs and/or the breast bone, to insert an implant between the muscle and bone. However, with men, the muscle and its connectors to the bones are not touched.
Choosing the Right Pectoral Implant Size and Shape
Selecting the correct pectoral implant size and shape is crucial to achieving a natural, sculpted chest appearance. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will assess factors such as your body frame, muscle structure, and desired results.
Pectoral implants come in different shapes—anatomical (teardrop) and round—each offering a distinct look. Anatomical implants provide a more natural contour, while round implants create a fuller, more muscular effect.
Choosing the right implant not only enhances your chest but also ensures a proportionate and balanced aesthetic.
The Longevity of Pectoral Implants
Unlike breast implants, pectoral implants are made of solid silicone, meaning they do not leak or rupture over time. This makes them a long-lasting solution for men seeking chest enhancement.
However, while these implants do not degrade like liquid-filled alternatives, lifestyle factors such as weight fluctuations, intense physical activity, or aging may affect the surrounding tissues, potentially altering the appearance of the implants.
In some cases, patients may opt for a revision surgery after 10 to 20 years to maintain their desired look.
What to Expect During a Pectoral Augmentation Procedure
The main difference between a pectoral augmentation and a breast augmentation is that muscles are not detached from the rib cage or breast bone as they are during a female breast augmentation implant surgery (breast enlargement). As a result, the procedure is considerably less surgically invasive.
Depending on the size of the implants and his tolerance for pain, the pectoral augmentation could be performed under either general anesthesia or under light sedation. However, general anesthesia is usually recommended in order to control relaxation that might be otherwise compromised if the patient is awake during surgery.
After patient sedation, the plastic or cosmetic surgeon makes a small incision in the armpit and then maneuvers an endoscope through the incision to create a pocket behind the pectoralis muscle. The implant, a solid silicon, is then slid through into this pocket. The surgeon removes the endoscope and the cavity is then sutured.
Pectoral implants are made with silicone, never saline or similar materials. Since no liquid is found in pectoral implants, leaking fluid and/or bursting while still in the body is a non-issue. Men that may have concerns about the use of silicone should explore other plastic surgery options.
Male chest implantation, an outpatient procedure, generally takes an hour to perform; with many patients going home the same day. Sutures and/or any dressings due to the procedure will be removed within a few days. Any scarring is hidden in the underarm/armpit area, and typically disappears after a month.
Pectoral Augmentation Recovery
There should be someone to drive you home after surgery due to the effects of anesthesia and/or prescribed pain medication. You will also be given a list of important post-operative instructions to follow.
These will need to be followed explicitly, since an infection of a pectoral implant can result in lymph, lung, heart and blood infections as well. Symptoms of a pectoral infection can include asymmetrical appearance or if the implants may appear to have migrated.
A less than 1% chance of infection exists if men make it the first two months after pectoral implants with no signs of infection. Typically, the patient will not be allowed to lift weights or perform heavy exercise for at least four weeks after the surgery.
Risks Associated With Pectoral Augmentation Surgery
Like any type of plastic surgery, there are standard risks associated with pectoral augmentation. The most common problem with pectoral implants is displacement. Most implants will displace a millimeter or two naturally after surgery, but the surgery may have to be redone if the implant migrates up to the collarbone or beneath the armpit.
There’s a chance that a seroma (puss and/or other bodily fluids) or a hematoma (blood that has pooled) could develop. In either case additional surgery may be necessary to drain the excess fluids from the area around the implant.
Numbness may also be present, following surgery. This usually goes away in a few weeks, but in some cases, may be permanent.
In general, the best way to avoid most complications is to choose a reputable, experienced plastic surgeon and to make sure that you do not traumatize or displace the implants by exercising too soon after the procedure.
Procedure Costs
The four major factors that will influence the total cost of pectoral augmentation are: the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, facility fees and region where the surgery is performed.
With all of these variables taken into consideration and accounted for, a reasonable estimate as to the overall costs that will be associated with your pectoral implant surgery will range from roughly $3,000 to $5,000.
Combining Pectoral Augmentation with Other Procedures
Many men choose to combine pectoral augmentation with additional cosmetic procedures to achieve a more comprehensive body transformation.
Common complementary procedures include liposuction to define the chest and abdominal region, abdominal etching for a six-pack appearance, and gynecomastia surgery to address excess breast tissue.
Combining these procedures in a single surgical session can optimize results while reducing overall recovery time.
If you’re considering multiple enhancements, discuss the best approach with your plastic surgeon to ensure a seamless, natural-looking outcome.