Our society places a high value for men as well as women on looking young and fit. In fact, a growing number of patients requesting plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons are men in all walks of life who are concerned about the impression they make on others. While men and women may seek plastic surgery for similar reasons, the types of surgery they request are not always the same.

This is particularly true when it comes to body contouring, since men tend to develop fat deposits in different parts of their bodies. Plastic surgeons today are well versed in the concerns of men seeking cosmetic surgery. They recognise that men demand strict confidentiality and inconspicuous results. And they're more than willing to answer any questions you may have about the various types of surgery, when a procedure can help, how it's performed, the possible risks and side effects, and the results you can expect. This web site is a starting point. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances.

If you have further questions, feel free to e-mail your enquiries, or freecall us on 1 8000 8000 1 to take advantage of our free consultation.

Liposuction for Men

Liposuction (also called suction assisted liposculpture, lipectomy, lipoplasty, or simply "fat suctioning") is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing localized fat that doesn't respond to dieting and exercise. Men, like women, can benefit from liposuction wherever these unwanted fat deposits occur. In men, that tends to be their breasts (a condition called gynaecomastia), around the abdomen and waist, and along the chin and neck.

In the procedure, fat is suctioned out through a small, hollow tube inserted through one or more tiny incisions. The incisions are usually hidden in natural body creases and leave nearly imperceptible scars.

The best candidates for liposuction are of relatively normal weight with isolated pockets of excess fat. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations. Most important, you should have firm, elastic skin. Loose, drooping skin won't reshape to your body's new contours, and may require an additional procedure to surgically remove the excess skin. This procedure will leave visible scars.

For more information about liposuction including a description of the surgery, how to prepare, and specific risks click on this topic. You may also be interested in facelift, eyelid surgery, and abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck")

Gynaecomastia (overdeveloped breasts)

The medical term gynaecomastia comes from the Greek word for "woman-like breasts". It's much more common than is generally recognised, affecting an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men, especially those over 50. Although there are certain medical conditions and drugs (including marijuana and alcohol) that can cause enlarged breasts, in the vast majority of cases there is no known cause. The problem is primarily cosmetic, causing embarrassment in the locker room and at the beach.

It's never too late to correct gynaecomastia, provided you're in good physical and psychological health. The surgery usually is not recommended for children or teenagers, since their excess tissue may disappear on its own. In selected cases, however, it may be a very important procedure for teenage males.

Consulting a Plastic Surgeon about Gynaecomastia

If you're uncomfortable with the size of your breasts, chances are that your surgeon can help. He can perform the initial evaluation, checking for causes such as impaired liver function, testicular tumors, oestrogen containing medications, or anabolic steroids. If he suspects a medical problem, you'll be referred to the appropriate specialist.

Occasionally, he may also recommend a mammogram, or breast x-ray. This will not only rule out the very small possibility of breast cancer, but will help your surgeon tell whether your breast enlargement is composed primarily of fatty or glandular tissue. (This may make a difference in the treatment recommended.)

Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have during the initial consultation including any concerns you have about the recommended treatment and the costs involved.

Treating Gynaecomastia

If your gynecomastia consist primarily of excessive fatty tissue, your surgeon will probably remove it using liposuction.

If your breast enlargement is caused primarily by glandular tissue, the excess tissue will probably be cut out, sometimes in conjunction with liposuction. In most cases, the surgeon can remove the tissue through small incisions in places where the scars will be inconspicuous, such as your armpit and the border of the areola (the darker skin around your nipple). However, if you have a lot of excess skin to be removed, the resulting scars could be significant, and you may want to reconsider the procedure.

Surgery for gynaecomastia may be done as a day procedure or with an overnight hospital stay. It may be performed under general or local anaesthesia, and usually takes about an hour and a half to complete. (More extensive procedures will take longer.)

After Your Surgery

Whether you've had liposuction or excision (cutting) surgery, you may feel some discomfort for a few days afterwards. In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery .

You'll be swollen and bruised for a while. In fact, you may wonder at first if there's been any improvement at all. While the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

In the meantime, you'll be getting back to normal. You'll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and you can return to work when you feel well enough which could be as early as three or four days after surgery. Avoid heavy exercise for the first two or three weeks; then you can begin gradually to resume your normal activities.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

While the procedures involved in male body contouring are generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon such as your surgeon, complications can arise.

Blood clots, infection, and adverse reactions to the anaesthesia are infrequent but possible. In liposuction, excessive fluid loss, while uncommon, can lead to shock ,you could also experience fluid accumulation, prolonged swelling, a temporary loss of feeling in the suctioned area, or various cosmetic problems, including irregular contour. Surgery that involves cutting away skin and tissue can, in addition to these complications, produce excess scarring.

Occasionally a second procedure may be needed to remove additional tissue. This shouldn't be undertaken until the swelling is completely gone, perhaps six months.

You can reduce your risks by choosing a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained and experienced in the procedure, such as your surgeon.

Your New Look

Cosmetic surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently either at work or in your social life. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them frankly with your surgeon.

The results of body contouring surgery are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you'll be very satisfied with your new look.

If you have further questions, write them down and ask your surgeon and his helpful staff at your consultation.