COSMEDICA SPECIAL/RABAIS SEPT 4-7, 2012

Liposuction: Does the fat come back and, if so, where?

August 24, 2012

There is a nagging question that plagues those contemplating liposuction, discussed in an August 2012 Allure magazine blog: “If you gain weight after the procedure, do the new pounds pile on throughout the body – or only in areas that haven’t been treated?”

For years, doctors have noticed that those liposuction patients who consume too many calories and don’t exercise enough usually don’t put on tummy weight after abdominal liposuction but, in a year’s time, store new fat in other bodily areas such as the arms, the back or the breasts.

Dr. Eric Swanson, a plastic surgeon in Leawood, Kansas decided to put this theory to a test; his results were published in a well-respected plastic surgery journal that evaluated photographs of 301 nonobese liposuction patients. Lower body dimensions were measured by photos before and at least three months after surgery. To assess whether or not there was fat increase in the upper body (fat redistribution), upper body measurements were compared among 67 women who underwent cosmetic breast surgery in addition to lipoplasty and 78 women who had breast surgery alone.

The most significant outcome was, according to the study abstract, “There was no difference in upper body measurements when comparing patients who had simultaneous liposuction and/or abdominoplasty with patients who had cosmetic breast surgery alone. Measurements in 46 patients with at least 1 year of follow-up showed no evidence of fat reaccumulation.” Study results show the average weight change was a loss of 2.2 pounds after lower body liposuction and 4.6 pounds when patients also underwent abdominoplasty. Liposuction effectively reduced abdominal, thigh, knee, and arm width.

The conclusion that there is no evidence of fat regrowth gives one plastic surgeon pause. Dr. Gerald Pitman, clinical plastic surgery professor at the NYU School of Medicine, who has written extensively on this subject, feels that, “Liposuction is a superb method for correcting body disproportion with spot fat reduction but it is of no value for losing weight.” He is concerned that the study may lead patients to believe that they can eat as much as they want without consequences, which is untrue. Further, contrary to this study he says, “In my experience, the patient who gains weight after liposuction does increase the size of the body, and usually in areas that haven’t been treated.”

Whether it’s true or not, this has not decreased interest in liposuction procedures in the US. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) 2011 statistics, lipoplasty is once again leading as the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States.

Are they real? Is it easy to spot breast implants?

July 25, 2012

Are they real? Is it easy to spot breast implants?

The phrase “less is more” may be influencing many women’s decisions on how large their breast implants should be. In fact, many plastic surgeons say smaller breasts seem to be more popular these days. More women are choosing conservative, more natural looking breasts, and some who have breast implants are even looking to downsize.

One of the reasons some women choose a more natural-looking size for their breast implants is so they will enhance their appearance but still look real.

“Breasts are mostly fat and skinny girls don’t have huge breasts, except in very, very rare circumstances,” explained a California-based plastic surgeon to The Orange County Register.

While unnaturally large breasts usually signal that someone has breast implants, there may be some other ways to spot whether or not a woman has them. According to a recent article in Men’s Healthmagazine, other clues include breasts that are too close together, sit too high on the chest and have visible scars.

Of course, some women don’t care if the fact that they have implants is obvious. Others want the most natural appearance possible. Those considering breast augmentation surgery should consult with a licensed, board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss the ideal size and type of breast implant for the look they wish to achieve. In addition, viewing before and after photographs can help potential patients decide if the surgeon can provide a satisfactory result.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation surgery remained one of the most popular surgical cosmetic procedures in 2011, with more than 316,000 total surgeries performed by ASAPS members.

The cost of the surgery varies by location and the type of implant -silicone gel or saline – being used.

In addition to improving the size and shape of the breasts, many women choose to undergo breast augmentation surgery to improve their self-esteem.

Facing the truth: How to look your best

A recent article just came out discussing whether or not face and neck exercises can help make you look younger. The answer: Probably not. If you run a Google search, many electronic and manual devices will come up, but none can conclusively help target facial muscles and rejuvenate your face. While practicing healthy habits like eating a balanced diet and exercising will help you overall, here are some procedures that can keep you looking young without resorting to gimmicks and facial calisthenics.

 

A recent article just came out discussing whether or not face and neck exercises can  help make you look younger. The answer: Probably not. If you run a Google search, many electronic and manual devices will come up, but none can conclusively help target facial muscles and rejuvenate your face. While practicing healthy habits like eating a balanced diet and exercising will help you overall, here are some procedures that can keep you looking young without resorting to gimmicks and facial calisthenics.

 

Skin, Skin, Skin – taking care of your skin can go a long way. First step is having a good skincare regimen at home that consists of cleaning, moisturizing and exfoliating. Treatments like facials, microdermabrasion, laser and light skin resurfacing helps maintain and treat conditions like acne, rosacea, large pores, wrinkles and sunspots. For deeper wrinkles, sagging and loss of volume, you may seek out injectables like  botulinum toxin, hylauronic acid and other fillers.

 

Eyes – they say the eyes are the windows to the soul. If they’re framed by dark circles, sagging lids and crows feet, they might not be representing a clear image (or vision for that matter). Eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty can make your face appear brighter, younger and more welcoming. In combination with fillers and botulinum toxin, your windows can finally reflect a younger you.

 

Lift it up – a good forehead, face and neck lift should never leave you looking tight or overstretched. Loose skin can be removed, skin smoothed and extra fat “liposuctioned” away. While there are many different techniques and methods, the result should be to turn back the hands of time, so you look like a younger you – not someone else!

Undecided about face-lift

Dr. Wolf in Napa by Carlos Wolf

14 hours ago  •  Carlos Wolf

(0) Comments

Dear Dr. Wolf, I have wanted to get a face-lift for the longest time, but every time I see women walking around with taut skin by their ears, I decide against it. I think face-lifts are extremely noticeable, especially around the ear area where the incision is placed in front of the ear. Do plastic surgeons ever do the incision in the hair or behind the ear for a more natural look? When considering a surgeon, what should I look for?

Face-lifts do not have to be noticeable or look tight. If done properly, the face-lift should be an added boost to your look and not take it over.

The incision can be planned to be in the hairline behind the ear and in the temporal hairline above and behind the ear. The incision in front of the ear may be placed inside the ear itself so that the incision is virtually invisible.

The “tight” effect is due to an overzealous surgeon or a surgeon who tightens the skin and not the underlying muscle.

If done properly, the face-lift should enhance one’s natural aspects and make the patient look better.

Choosing a surgeon should be a careful and well-thought-out endeavor. Use the following criteria:

• Choose a surgeon who is board-certified in facial plastic surgery or plastic surgery.

• Make sure he does face-lifts frequently, and that it is a big part of his practice.

• Ask to see pictures of previous patients before and after. There is no excuse for your surgeon not to have them, so do not accept any.

• Make sure you like your surgeon’s aesthetic views, because what he may deem a successful operation may be your worst horror.

• Get referrals from friends and family members who have had surgery, and ask if they were satisfied.

• Finally, get on the Internet and check out the physician’s data bank to determine if your future surgeon has had chronic complaints against him or her. Remember, where there is smoke you may be burned.

Carlos Wolf, M.D., is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who sees patients in Napa and Miami. Send questions to drwolfinnapa@aol.com.

Summer Is the Best Time for Injectable Treatments

Summer is the ideal time to rejuvenate the face with injectable treatments, as little to no recovery time is needed

By Central Park Plastic Surgery

Published: Monday, Aug. 20, 2012 – 5:21 am

NEW YORK, Aug. 20, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ — Injectable treatments are ideal facial rejuvenation therapies for the busy summer social season, says plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Zevon. Nonsurgical therapies with little downtime, injectables offer an alternative to the long recovery time associated with surgeries such as a facelift or a blepharoplasty (eyelid lift).

Advances in nonsurgical facial rejuvenation offer many alternatives for those seeking a quick, yet profound improvement to the face. Injectable dermal fillers plump up the skin to disguise wrinkles, while Botox injections treat wrinkles by temporarily weakening the muscles that cause them. Some injectables offer results immediately, while others develop over a short time period. A board-certified plastic surgeon can suggest the best summer skin treatments to achieve the desired results. The following are treatments with little or no recovery time to interfere with summer activities:

• Juvederm®. The famed “lunchtime” treatment yields immediate results. When administered by a skilled surgeon, possible after-effects like redness and swelling are lessened. Juvederm is made of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance produced by the human body that binds water in the cells, adding volume to the skin.
• Restylane®. This dermal filler restores fullness in areas of moderate to severe wrinkles. Restylane treatment doesn’t require allergy testing, as it is composed of non-animal-based hyaluronic acid which completely breaks down in the body.
• Radiesse®. Radiesse works beneath the surface of the skin to stimulate the growth of collagen; collagen is the substance that gives volume to the skin. While it has immediate results, Radiesse injections offer the long-term benefit of increased collagen production over time.
• Botox®. Botox injections improve the appearance of wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions. While not immediate, the effects of Botox treatment are apparent within three to five days and continue to improve over a period of weeks. Repeated treatment with Botox causes the affected muscles to relax over time, making wrinkles less severe.

An injectable treatment can take as little as 15 minutes – the perfect way to renew the skin before a special summer getaway. Side effects are generally minimal, consisting primarily of temporary redness, bruising, and/or swelling. While all injectable treatments are considered temporary, the effects can be seen for as long as 6 to 12 months, depending on the product. A summertime treatment can often last until the winter holiday season, at which time it can be repeated. The benefits of each therapeutic approach can be addressed during a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Women and aging: What are we so afraid of?

Posted on August 13, 2012 By Amanda King Beauty and Fashion

As women in the media age, they turn to cosmetic procedures to even out their wrinkles and tighten up their skin tone, making it appear that they’re not really aging at all. (Photo acs)

Have you ever lied about your age? Have you turned 29 years old multiple times? Women in the U.S. are notoriously afraid of getting older. There are countless anti-aging products in stores promising greater elasticity, fewer wrinkles and overall younger looking skin. Cosmetic surgery and Botox are big business. Women are willing to go to great lengths and spend exorbitant amounts of money trying to appear as though they aren’t getting older.

Why is aging such a big deal?

The media and societal ideas about beauty are likely to blame. The president of the National Research Center for Women and Families, Diana Zuckerman said, “We’ve made a decision about what beauty looks like in this country, and everybody… wants to fit the mold.”

Unfortunately, youth and beauty are synonymous in U.S. culture, and there aren’t very many role models for aging gracefully in the public eye. As women in the media age, they turn to cosmetic procedures to even out their wrinkles and tighten up their skin tone, making it appear as they’re not really aging at all; and if they don’t choose to cosmetically alter their looks, they get put away in a corner reserved for stars who aren’t sexy or appealing anymore.

Though these women disappear from the public eye, they still exist. Isabella Rossellini, 60, recently said in an HBO documentary by filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, “My social status has diminished because I know I’m not invited to the A parties anymore. My daughter is. As you grow older, you don’t count anymore.”

While there could be biological reasons for fearing old age, such as a fear of approaching death or bodily frailty, our ideas about beauty could also be influenced by a woman’s ability to bear children, making youth more appealing on an evolutionary scale. However, a  woman’s fear of aging is most probably due to this idea that we become invisible as we get older – that as we grow older, we don’t matter.

There is evidence that this fear of aging is now starting to appear among younger and younger women. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, last year, Botox was injected into 12,000 teenagers between the ages of 13 to 19.

When some of these teen girls were asked about why they chose to get the injections, they said they wanted to prevent wrinkles or “appear fresh” in front of the camera.

However, Dr. Michele Borba, author of several parenting books and expert for the Dr. Oz show, was quick to point out that teenagers seeking Botox aren’t in need of a physical freshening up. She said to the NY Times, “There’s a much deeper issue at stake and I’m betting it’s self-esteem. Say no to that injection. Address her feelings of ‘inadequacy’ and not her need to cover up a so-called wrinkle.”

Perhaps this advice should be taken by women of all ages, not only teenagers.

The signs of aging such as skin wrinkles, grey hair, loss of skin elasticity and body changes are totally normal and shouldn’t be considered flaws or evidence that a woman is no longer beautiful. There is nothing wrong with a woman who experiences these symptoms as she ages, but there is something wrong with a society that devalues older women, making them feel ugly, ill and invisible.

Dr. Vivian Diller works with adults, adolescents and couples in short and long-term psychotherapy on the upper east side of Manhattan. (Face it, the book)

Dr. Vivian Diller, a New York City psychologist and co-author of a book on women and their attitudes and experiences regarding aging, said in an interview with the L.A. Times, “When you see lines around your smile, your eyes, it’s part of this process. Healthy aging is learning how to see those lines as natural and being comfortable with saying, that’s who I am.”

Dr. Diller suggests that there are many things women can do to maintain positive body image as we age, such as exercise, healthy eating and getting regular checkups from a doctor. The best thing we can do though is to stop thinking about our personal beauty in terms of looking younger.

Dr. Diller points out that aging in a healthy way means saying, “When I am 47, I’m not going to look like I did at age 37. I can look great for 47, but my looks will change at some point, no matter what I do.”

Accepting that every woman gets older and that there are physical changes that happen, and learning to love ourselves for those changes, are the only ways we’ll be able to diminish our anxiety about getting older. We would not only serve ourselves by making these changes to our attitude, we would also be helping the teenage girls who are lining up to receive Botox.

The world needs to see women of all ages who aren’t hiding behind cosmetic procedures or from a world that devalues them. Society needs to be constantly reminded that beauty comes in many forms, whether it conforms to a superficial standard, or comes from somewhere more substantial and brave, like being unafraid of, and unapologetic for, the changes that happen naturally with age.

Miami Plastic Surgeon Operates on His Own Face And Releases Video Documenting the Procedure

Dr. Rian A. Maercks, Miami Beach plastic surgeon to celebrities in the know, released a video today that shares a prized secret of beautiful faces he has treated everywhere, “aesthetic facial balancing.” The video can be described as riveting shock value followed up by insightful meaning. The raw gritty attraction: watching a high profile plastic surgeon humbly evaluating his face and watching him place needles in his own face and inject his reflection. Once the overwhelmingly visceral experience of this sight has passed to the background, a second watch reveals something even more powerful and compelling.  http://vimeo.com/46919595

Dr. Rian Maercks

I can’t afford to look ‘done’ and neither can my patients

Miami Beach, Florida (PRWEB) August 13, 2012

This is a movie made by a believer that yearns to share. It seems Dr. Maercks wants us to realize there is still art and beauty to be found in the world of plastic surgery. The love, dedication and pride that this surgeon has for his field is impossible to ignore, a glimpse shines through even in this short video. The unique and shocking movie’s motivations were many, but at the forefront was patient education. “It is so difficult for people to understand what a good aesthetic intervention might be for them when they are bombarded by propaganda from practitioners and companies alike. I have to undo a lot of erroneous propagated beliefs before the meaningful consultation can even begin” Dr. Maercks explains. Dr. Maercks hopes that viewing this mini- documentary before consulting with him or receiving treatments will ease anxiety and facilitate the doctor patient relationship.

From the outsiders experience this movie resembles much more. It is not only an amazing spectacle seeing the plastic surgeon as patient but it is an awakening to the idea that there is much more to be offered then mass marketed products, there is an art of plastic surgery. Dr. Maercks injects thirty-five syringes of Juvederm into his own face surprisingly not because he wants to convince patients to partake in this intervention but to show us that truly overdone doesn’t have to look overdone. He explains that “a patient can look overdone with one syringe or natural with thirty-five, it is all technique judgement and vision.” In this newly released video, the viewer is captured, shocked and truly compelled. Questions linger including ‘how many beautiful natural faces that I have seen have benefited from this artist?’

Plastic Surgery Before and After Pictures: What to Look For

by Wendy Travis

The popularity of cosmetic procedures has led many medical professionals into the field of plastic surgery. The large number of doctors is good news to those seeking cosmetic surgery, since there is a broader pool of knowledge and experience to draw from. However, greater choices can also lead to challenges in narrowing the scope down to the best doctor for your needs. One tool used to select a cosmetic surgeon is the before and after photos posted on the doctor’s website. These pictures can be very helpful in choosing a qualified doctor, but only if you consider specific criteria when perusing the photos.

What Photos Tell You

Before and after photos are comparable to a physician’s portfolio or resume, because they give you an accurate depiction of the type of results the doctor can achieve. A large number of photos indicate the doctor has had ample experience with the specific procedure you are interested in. Pictures will also give you an idea of the gender, body type, age and ethnicity this doctor works with the most. When before and after photos are clear and in full color, it conveys the doctor takes pride in his work and pays close attention to detail. With more careful scrutiny, you can pick up more details about a doctor and practice as well.

What to Look For

To ensure you get the most information possible out of your study of before and after photos, consider the following:

• The number of photos available. To ensure the cosmetic surgeon you choose is sufficiently experienced in the procedure you want, look for ample before and after photos on the doctor’s website. If you do not see more than a handful of patients, ask the doctor if additional photos are available for your inspection.
• The lighting and the pose of the individual. Before and after photos that are done in identical poses and lighting will provide the most accurate idea of what a patient can expect from their procedure. Poses should be natural, with nothing to distract from the view, such as hair, makeup or accessories.
• The age, gender and ethnicity of the patients. While an experienced doctor will probably have a variety of patients to display, look for individuals that most closely resemble your age, gender and ethnicity. This will give you the most accurate idea of the results you might expect from your own procedure.
• The ability to contact former patients. In addition to before and after photos, many cosmetic surgeons will also provide references new patients can interview. This allows you to collect even more information about the doctor, such as the punctuality of the doctor and the professionalism of the office staff.

Once you have viewed a doctor’s work, don’t be afraid to ask more questions about what you have seen. You might want to know if the before and after photos reflect a single procedure, or if additional treatments were required to achieve the desired result. Ask how much time elapsed between the procedure and the “after” photo. An exorbitant amount of time might suggest that additional revisionary procedures were completed in the interim.

You can also select a handful of photos that most closely represent the results you are hoping to achieve. Try to choose patients most similar to you in terms of age, size and body shape for the best prediction. Ask the cosmetic surgeon if you could expect similar results or if there are additional variable that could alter your outcome. This comparison will offer your doctor an accurate view of the results you are hoping for and provide you with a realistic idea of what you can expect.

Before and after photos can be an excellent tool in choosing the best cosmetic surgeon for your needs.  To see Before and After pictures from Dr.Benchetrit’s surgeries please click here

Men say no to moobs

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 9:48 AM

Men are keen on breasts… unless they start growing their own. Breast enlargement in men, known as gynecomastia, is a common occurrence amongst males of all ages.

According to Cape Town plastic surgeon, Stuart Geldenhuys, the reduction of male breast enlargement, (known as gynecomastia surgery), is ranked as one of the top five cosmetic procedures performed on men. Gynecomastia surgery, otherwise known as reduction mammoplasty, is the removal of excess glandular tissue or excessive fatty tissue in the male breast. In more severe cases removal of lax skin is also required.

Gynecomastia is the abnormal enlargement of one or both breasts in males due to the benign proliferation of breast glandular tissue. In some cases lactation / milk production may be present.

Pseudo-gynecomastia is a different condition distinguishable from gynecomastia in that it occurs in obese men and refers to enlarged breasts due to fat deposition, without glandular proliferation.

Gynecomastia on occasion must be differentiated from breast cancer, which is far less common and is typically unilateral.

How do I know if I have gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, a male condition, is any growth of the glandular tissue in a male breast.  Carefully feeling the area beneath the nipple areolar region, often by pinching the deeper tissue, will reveal a discreet area of thickening.

In some publications it is arbitrarily defined as a palpable sub-areolar gland or mass greater than two centimetres. In severe cases this area of thickening is larger and the chest looks more typical of a typical female breast.

Keeping it covered up

Men sporting a pair of enlarged breasts inevitably feel uncomfortable taking their shirts off in front of others, and may avoid certain physical activities and even intimacy, in order to hide their condition. Simple, everyday clothing choices are influenced by having gynecomastia, avoiding circumstances where the excessive breast protuberance is more evident.

In Dr Geldenhuys’s experience, gynecomastia is a source of embarrassment, intense frustration and mental anguish necessitating modifications to many aspects of a patients daily routine and lifestyle.

Thankfully, gynecomastia surgery offers sufferers the opportunity to regain their confidence. Despite this, many men are too self conscious to seek assistance.

What causes breast enlargement in men?

There are a variety of reasons for the over-development of male breast tissue. Gynecomastia is a complex condition resulting from alterations in hormone levels, which act on breast tissue. Oestrogens strongly stimulate breast tissue development, while androgens inhibit breast growth.

Several explanations exist including attributing it to increased levels of oestrogen, too little free testosterone or the sensitivity of breast tissue to circulating hormones.

Physiological breast development can occur in three distinct age groups. It is estimated that in the perinatal period 60 to 90 percent of males at birth have some degree of breast development due to trans-placental passage of oestrogens.

At puberty, 50 to 60 percent of boys aged between 10 and 16 years may have some breast tissue growth but the true incidence, although not known, is thought to be less than five percent. This means that most pubertal gynecomastia resolves spontaneously and is usually not operated on. Unfortunately, it can have a negative impact on the personal image of adolescents and may lead to depression, so it should be monitored all the same.

The last age group which can experience breast development, the condition is called “involutional” meaning that it is caused in men due to falling androgen levels – typically when a man hits the age of 50.

Medications such as anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, ulcer medications, anabolic steroids, androgens, growth hormones, the use of oestrogen creams, chemotherapy, certain heart medications and drugs prescribed for HIV, drug and alcohol abuse, can all influence the development of breast in men.

Street drugs such as marijuana, amphetamines and heroin, and alcohol abuse are also known to have some affect on the development of breast in men. Conditions that interfere or change normal testosterone production such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, are also commonly associated with enlarged breasts in men.

Geldenhuys cautions that if breast enlargement was caused by the use of certain prescription medications, drugs including steroids or weight gain, the patient must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain the results.

Kidney and liver failure, cirrhosis, injuries to the chest wall or spinal cord, genetic disorders and certain tumours have also been shown to be the underlying causes of enlarged breasts.  Hormone-secreting tumor of the lung, or other organs may rarely be implicated.

Don’t confuse it with breast cancer

The most important differentiation is between gynecomastia and breast carcinoma. Male breast cancer is rare but should not be missed. It is generally unilateral, does not necessarily occur behind the nipple, is hard or firm, and may be associated with skin dimpling, nipple retraction or discharge.

Getting a breast reduction

The first step in the clinical evaluation of gynecomastia is the elimination of any more serious underlying causes such as cancer. This will mean that the doctor will conduct a formal examination and if necessary, imaging tests to identify the cause.

Brace yourself, because tests for assessing liver function tests, kidney and thyroid function, blood testosterone, Luteinizing hormone (LH), Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) and oestrogen levels may also be required.

How is Gynaecomastia surgery performed?

Gynaecomastia is usually treated by a combination of liposuction and surgical excision.  In cases of pseudogynaecomastia (known as excess fatty tissue), liposuction techniques alone may be used.

These procedures are usually performed under general anaesthesia or deep intravenous sedation and patients are generally not required to stay in hospital overnight.

“Liposuction involves inserting a cannula (a thin hollow tube) through a small two to three millimetre incision. The cannula, attached to a vacuum device, is moved back and forth, in a controlled motion to both mobilize and remove the excess fat. The liposuction also serves to contour the chest shape, further enhancing the overall result,” says Geldenhys.

Surgery is employed in most cases of gynaecomastia.  The specific technique used varies depending on the size of the breast or glandular tissue present and the amount of skin excess that needs to be removed.  Where possible, the surgeon will confine the incisions to the areolar border to limit visible scarring.

Before and after…

You can expect a flattened natural male breast shape and enhanced chest contours specifically removing the appearance and stigmatization associated with the female breast.  In most cases the scars can be concealed in the areolar margin or natural contours of the breast.

Whilst not typically a particularly painful procedure (return to work that isn’t physically taxing after a week is usual) swelling does persist for many months and skin contraction and remodeling are required to attain the final result.

What are the risks?

Like any surgical procedure gynecomastia surgery carries its own risks but Geldenhuys emphasizes that complications are relatively uncommon, especially when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon.

“As with all procedures, bruising and swelling are to be expected from gynecomastia surgery, but it usually dissipates within two to three weeks following the procedure. Some patients also report itchiness and dry skin, especially around the incision sites. Post operatively scar management regimes including taping, topical creams and silicone are employed.

“It is not at all uncommon to experience discomfort and altered sensations in the breasts following the procedure.  However, this is temporary and usually goes away after the operation.”

The most common complications include hematoma (collection of blood) which may necessitate a return to theatre for drainage.

Gynaecomastia is typically asymmetric and as each side of the chest needs to be worked on separately; contour and shape irregularities may occur after gynecomastia. If this occurs, revision surgery may be required – but you’ll only make that decision six months after your initial surgery.

All surgery leaves scars, some more visible than others. Although good wound healing after a surgical procedure is expected, abnormal scars may occur within the skin and deeper tissues. The amount of scarring usually depends on the extent of tissue to be removed. In the event that scarring is too prominent, many treatments are available to reduce their visibility.

Breast is not always best

The occurrence of enlarged breasts in men is increasing and its impact on self-image is not to be underestimated. Thankfully, gynecomastia surgery is a safe and effective solution to an embarrassing problem for many men.

To learn more about how Dr. Benchetrit’s male breast reduction procedures please click here