Overview of body procedures for men 

A rapidly increasing number of men are seeking cosmetic surgical procedures to improve their appearance and self-confidence. Increasingly, men are simply refusing to surrender to age-related physical decline. Dr. Wilson is a board-certified plastic surgeon and has built one of the most respected practices in America. 

Among the growing number of body procedures available for men, two of the most popular and effective are liposuction and surgery to correct the enlargement of male breast tissue, known medically as gynecomastia. 

What liposuction won’t do 

Liposuction is not an obesity treatment and should not be viewed as a “weight loss” option. Liposuction will not eliminate or reduce your need for proper diet and exercise. 

Here’s how “lipo” works 

Liposuction uses suction to remove fat cells. The procedure first breaks up fats into removable form and then suctions them out of your body through a device called a cannula. Depending on your personally-tailored procedure, your lipo will be performed using either general anesthesia or localized sedation. Your procedure will produce permanent results if you maintain a stable weight. 

Are you a good candidate for liposuction? 

You should be in good health overall, without conditions that could complicate your surgery. Ideal candidates are within 30 percent of their healthy weight zone. Current smokers are generally not candidates. A compromised immune system can elevate surgical risks such as infection, excessive bleeding, poor wound healing, and complications from anesthesia. 

Before your liposuction procedure, your doctor will carefully review your full medical history. Some pre-procedure lab tests may be performed. 

Liposuction procedure 

Depending on the extent of your personalized procedure, your liposuction may or may not require an overnight stay in the hospital. In many cases, your surgery will occur in an outpatient facility, and you can go home the same day. 

Once your anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Wilson will inject medications that break up your fat cells into target areas. Some lipo techniques may include the use of lasers or ultrasound. Most commonly, your surgeon will make small incisions into your skin and insert a thin tube. This cannula is attached to a vacuum that will suction fats and fluids from your body. 

You will experience bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a couple of weeks and will need to wear compression garments for about three weeks. Typically, lipo patients return to work after a few days and can resume regular activity in a matter of weeks. 

Liposuction Results 

Keep in mind that lipo permanently removes the treated fat cells from your body. Most patients see 90 percent of their results within three months of their surgery, but it may take up to six months for your treated areas to heal completely. Your results will be very long-lasting if you maintain a healthy weight. Surveys indicate that lipo surgery has a patient “satisfaction rate” of more than 80 percent. Many men have found that liposuction has improved their quality of life. 

Because liposuction is almost always considered a cosmetic procedure, your medical insurance will not pay for it. 

Gynecomastia/Breast reduction surgery for men 

Overdevelopment or enlargement of male breast tissue can cause medical, cosmetic, social, and self-esteem issues. Male breast reduction surgery is quite common and has increased almost 20 percent in the last two decades. 

Known medically as gynecomastia, male breast enlargement may result from changes in your body’s hormone levels of testosterone and estrogen. It is often seen in newborn babies and pre-pubescent boys and usually resolves naturally over time. But breast enlargement in men may require medical treatment using drugs, surgery, or both. Some prescribed medications can cause or contribute to gynecomastia, as can some illegal drugs and overuse of alcohol. Gynecomastia is most prevalent in men between the ages of 50 and 69 but also occurs in younger men. Data indicates that up to 35 percent of men have some degree of gynecomastia. 

While, in some cases, adult gynecomastia can be treated with medication and changes in lifestyle, surgery is the most effective known treatment. The best candidates are men who are non-smokers and in good general health. 

 All surgeries carry risks, including gynecomastia surgery. They include but are not limited to excessive bleeding, scarring, poor wound healing, infection, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. 

Before your surgery, you’ll likely be directed to suspend the use of any supplements or medications that may elevate bleeding, such as aspirin. 

Gynecomastia procedure 

Your doctor may perform your surgery in an ambulatory surgical center or a hospital. After you are given your prescribed form of anesthesia, your surgeon will remove your excess breast tissue using surgical excision, liposuction, or a combination of the two. Over-the-counter analgesics are often enough to control any post-surgical discomfort, but your doctor can control additional pain medication as appropriate. 

Gynecomastia recovery 

Take it easy for a while! Dr. Wilson will provide you with detailed instructions about when you can resume normal activities. Your swelling will subside, and your incision lines will begin to fade. The final results of your surgery may take up to six months to achieve.