What is pectoral augmentation?
Pectoral augmentation with pectoral implants is one of Dr. DuPéré’s specialties in Toronto, and as you may know, only a few plastic surgeons perform these procedures in North America.
For the longest time, plastic surgeons were focused solely on the female anatomy. But 10-15 years ago, this focus started to change, first in South America, then in the rest of the ‘beach heavens,’ and now in North America. Most of us have been on beaches either in Florida or the Caribbean, or better yet, on the 8000 km of Brazilian beaches. Most men would be happy with a fuller and more defined chest, a distinct crease under the nipple area, a clear upper chest fullness, a defined midline muscle edge, no fat in the outermost chest part, flat nipple-areolar complexes, and yes, a cleavage!
Some may not have time to go to the gym and some do go, but the pectoralis muscles refuse to hypertrophy. Some have excessive amount of fatty tissue which ‘hides’ the pectoralis definition. Others have excessive amount of breast tissue (medically-termed gynecomastia or layman-named “man boobs”). Many have a combination of the above.
Dr. DuPéré has over 15 years of experience in pectoral implant surgery and more recently in triceps and biceps augmentation. He initially learned pectoral augmentation in 2004, after learning the axillary approach of female submuscular breast augmentation. He subsequently added his experience with this technique for the male chest, combining it with adjunct procedures such as liposculpture, etching, and gynecomastia surgery. This has now become a very popular procedure in his practice, and Dr. DuPéré also specializes in calf augmentation and buttock augmentation.
As an added benefit, pectoral augmentation also provides a lift of the soft tissue, something that most men get over time. Pectoral implants can be carved or custom-made, something important when dealing with asymmetry, pectus excavatum and Poland’s syndrome.
What makes the ideal male chest?
Most male muscle groups have been extensively studied, described, and/or depicted by our Renaissance artists, such as Leonardo da Vinci, and more recently by Latin and Brazilian artists and surgeons. A strong, manly, alpha-type, and ‘leader-of-the-pack’ chest is one with well-defined pectoralis muscles. It also includes:
- A well-defined attachment over the entire midline up to the collarbone
- A well-defined insertion over the upper arm
- A crisp crease under the nipple-areolar complex
- A well-defined curve up to the underarm
- Absence of excessive fatty tissue and breast tissue
- A well-balanced torso-abdomen
- A trim and athletic abdomen (stomach) complements and enhances the torso
- Definition of the abdominal muscles is a welcome addition to one’s self esteem and masculinity
It is therefore important to understand that excessive fat over, around, and below the chest area can hide all muscle definition. Therefore, many pectoral augmentation procedures will require some liposculpting to the chest itself and to the sides, along with the abdomen and flanks. Etching of the abdominal 6 or 8-pack muscle might also be an option.
The chest area is always evaluated individually as no one body is created the same. Important parameters to consider include: patient’s height, weight, body mass index, muscular habitus, chest’s height and width, the abdomen, outside chest, and flank areas. One also has to provide his/her preference, as many shapes, sizes and thicknesses of implants exist.
What is muscle etching and how does it complement pec augmentation?
Abdominal etching is a specialized version of a meticulous, selective, and planned liposuction to sculpt around your own muscle groups to better delineate their insertions and interdigitations. This is often performed along with pectoral augmentation. Patients must be moderately athletic in order to achieve full definition of the various muscle groups and be able to maintain their results. Post-op pain is similar to traditional liposuction and so are the swelling and bruising.
When evaluating each patient’s chest, important parameters to consider include the patient’s:
- Height
- Weight
- Body mass index
- Muscular habitus
- Thigh length and circumference
- Lower back
- Flank areas
Ethnic background is important, as well as different cultures, which have different expectations with regard to shape and size. One also has to provide his/her preference, as many shapes, sizes and thicknesses of implants exist.
Finally, whenever liposuction is required, the fat harvested can be used as an adjunct procedure such as fat transfer to other areas such as the face.
What are pectoral implants?
A pectoral implant is made of solid yet very soft silicone material that is similar to a very soft gummy-bear candy. It does not contain gel; therefore there is no possibility of rupture or leakage.
Pectoral implants come in various shapes and sizes. With Dr. DuPéré, the patient will pick the size and shape, guided by their chest anatomy, body proportions, and personal preferences. Your own muscle will not be detached during the procedure, so its strength will not be affected. You will still be able to—and should—exercise after the recovery period.
You can see some of our patients’ pectoral implant results by browsing through our before-and-after photos.
What happens during a pectoral augmentation?
During a pectoral augmentation, pectoral implants are inserted via a 5 cm incision within the hair-bearing part of the underarm dome. Once healed, the scar is easily camouflaged in the shadow of the crease and amid the hair.
The implant is placed under the pectoralis major muscle itself. It is a thick muscle in males, and putting the implants under it will help to blunt all edges of the implant so it looks smooth and natural.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited surgi-center. Our center is a level-3 accreditation, the maximal level of safety granted by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Dr. DuPéré works with surgical OR registered nurses and board-certified anesthesiologists. He has worked with the same group of hospital-based anesthesiologists for many years. Consequently this team is very experienced with aesthetic surgery.
The procedure takes approximately 2 hours of surgical time, but can be longer if liposuction and/or etching are required.
When is gynecomastia surgery necessary?
Gynecomastia surgery might be required if there is an associated excessive amount of fatty and breast tissue behind the nipple. Liposuction can sometimes be the solution. Alternatively, excision of the excessive gland is performed: a resulting scar for access could be a very small one between 5 and 7 o’clock around the areola or a larger one in case of severe sagginess after weight loss.
Compression garment will be worn for 4 weeks.
Most patients go home the same day, if this is the only procedure they are having. If needed, overnight stay can be arranged at the surgical center with a registered nurse’s supervision.
What are common complications of pectoral implant surgery?
Dr. Marc DuPéré’s duty as a surgeon—and your right—is to discuss the common complications and the rare, but serious ones with you. This constitutes part of the informed consent. Education is always important and knowing the possible risks will make you more attentive to our recommendations in order to avoid them. Your compliance is crucial. Risks and complications with pectoral augmentation are always possible, as with any surgeries, however, have been very rare. Such complications can include bleeding, scarring, serum, infection, asymmetry, etc. Appropriate planning, technique, and the patient’s compliance should assure a positive outcome.
What is recovery like?
Pain will be present anywhere from 3 to 10 days. Stretching exercises should be initiated on the DAY OF SURGERY: gentle stretching of both arms OUT and UP, several times every few hours when you are awake. This will speed up the recovery.
Short distance ambulation helps to prevent clots in the deep venous systems.
No sports/gym for 8 weeks. No upper chest exercises for 12 weeks. Most people can go back to non-physical work (i.e. desk work) in about 2 weeks postoperatively.
Drains are often used and would typically be removed 3-5 days postoperatively. Few external stitches might be needed and would be removed 7 days post-op. Tight compression over your chest would also be applied with tensors for 21 days.
Can patients outside of the Toronto area have the procedure at Visage?
Thirty (30%) of Dr. DuPéré’s patients are not from Toronto. Because of his serious and long-standing interest in body implants, and also, because this is a rare expertise amongst plastic surgeons, people come from all corners of Canada for these procedures.
The VISAGE clinic staff is quite accustomed to helping patients with airport and surgical clinic transfers. We also have preferential pricing at various hotels near our clinic to suit any budget. We also have the possibility for an overnight stay.
It is suggested to stay around Toronto for a minimum of 5-7 days post-pectoral augmentation.
If required, we can also arrange any nursing help, postoperatively, for hotel or home.
All cosmetic surgery consultations are with Dr. Marc DuPéré personally.
If you would like to have a sculpted chest and are interested in pectoral implants, request a consultation with Dr. DuPéré using our online form. You can also call our office at (416) 929-9800 to schedule an appointment.
