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Four Tips to Prepare for Male Breast Reduction Surgery


Male breast enlargement, or gynecomastia, involving one or both sides of the chest, is more common than you might expect and affects many men between the ages of 50 and 69.

Even more surprisingly, true gynecomastia is not caused by excess fat but by hormonal fluctuations producing an imbalance in testosterone and estrogen levels. Since the condition may not be due to lifestyle choices, adopting a vigorous exercise program or following a strict diet may not correct it.

Regardless of the underlying cause, the condition discourages men from wearing their favorite clothing items, such as golf shirts and t-shirts, participating in activities they enjoy, working out at the gym, or spending time on the beach with their families.

Male breast reduction surgery can provide men with an excellent way to flatten their chest and achieve a more masculine appearance.

As with any other plastic surgery procedure, male breast reduction surgery requires some preparation on the patient’s part. Following the tips below will help the patient feel more confident about the procedure, increasing his chances of a smooth surgery and trouble-free recovery.

Determine What You Want From the Procedure

Besides reducing breast tissue, this is an opportunity for you to address other aesthetic issues during the same surgery. These include gland removal, liposuction, as well as skin and tissue removal. Having a good idea of your ultimate goals is a crucial part of being satisfied with the outcome.

Speak With Your Plastic Surgeon About Your Surgery

An essential first step in preparing for your gynecomastia surgery is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The reason for working with these professions is that they:

  • Are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Have in-depth knowledge of the underlying causes of gynecomastia
  • Have performed numerous male breast reduction surgeries using the techniques needed for your procedure
  • Can show you before and after pictures of previous male breast reduction patients

Our plastic surgeons have a detailed understanding of reducing breast tissue in men and recontouring the chest to make it more masculine.

Make Changes to Your Lifestyle

Even though your gynecomastia may not be due to any of your lifestyle choices, it’s essential to follow the guidelines outlined below before your surgery. Doing so will help you establish a healthy lifestyle in advance of your procedure while ensuring that you preserve your results.

  • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • Reduce sugar consumption
  • Lower your alcohol consumption
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid taking steroids or hormonal supplements
  • Avoid smoking tobacco or marijuana products

Prepare for Your Recovery

The most challenging part of your gynecomastia surgery is returning home and starting the recovery process. You’ll need to plan some time away from work and other commitments and be ready to spend at least 48 hours resting. Ask friends and family to help you with household chores.

Your Best Treatment Options for Breast Reduction Surgery

Discovering your best gynecomastia surgery options begins with a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. Please contact or call us today at (540) 371-7730.

What Aftercare Is Necessary for Breast Implant Surgery?

Breast augmentation surgery is by far the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S., with over 320,000 women getting implants each year. 

Recovering from the surgery is not as daunting as some may think – provided you follow the correct post-operative care and protocol. 

By heeding these recovery tips, many women find themselves ready to go back to work and daily activities within five days after their procedure.  

1. Manage the Pain Properly

Some level of discomfort after surgery is inevitable. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication, but many patients find over-the-counter painkillers are sufficient in the days following their augmentation. 

We recommend getting prescriptions filled beforehand, so you won’t need to worry about visiting a pharmacy during recovery. 

2. Plan and Prepare

Planning is one of the most effective ways to make your recovery as speedy and comfortable as possible. 

Before the date of your surgery, get everything in order – such as picking up prescriptions (as discussed above), scheduling time off work, clearing your social calendar, doing shopping, preparing some meals, and organizing your home for maximum comfort. That way, you’ll have nothing to worry about after your procedure except relaxing. 

Proper planning reduces stress to a minimum and means you can give your body the rest it needs immediately after the operation. 

3. Sleep and Rest

The better rested your body is, the more effectively it can recover from the operation. That means getting a full eight hours of sleep every night in the week leading up to the procedure, and planning to sleep and rest a whole lot more in the days after your breast augmentation. 

4. Nutrition and Hydration

Again, heading into your operation, the more prepared your body is, the better it will heal. 

You should eat a balanced, nutritious diet for at least the two weeks before your surgery. Plenty of fruit, vegetables, protein, carbs, lean fats, and vitamins in your system will help you recover more quickly.

It’s smart to do meal prep before your operation as well, so eating and keeping your energy up as you recover is as straightforward as popping a plate in the microwave.  

As you can see, a lot of the aftercare for breast augmentation happens before the procedure. These tips are also applicable for other forms of cosmetic surgery, including breast lifts, liposuction, and tummy tucks. If you can prepare your body and home ahead of time, the aftercare almost handles itself in the form of rest and relaxation. 

Get the Most out of Your Breast Augmentation

At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, our goal is maximum results with minimum downtime.  

If you have any other queries about recovering from breast augmentation, or would like clarification on any of these suggestions, please reach out to our expert panel of surgeons at 540-371-7730. You can also arrange an online consultation here. We look forward to hearing from you!

Did You Get Implants? How to Graciously Answer Nosey Questions this Holiday

Breast augmentation remains the most popular cosmetic procedure in the U.S. In 2018, over 300,000 women chose to enhance their physique and give themselves the body they have always desired. As surgical techniques and safe-practices continue to advance, patients are faced with an unprecedented opportunity to customize their appearances.  

Although plastic surgery is rising in popularity, many patients still struggle to broach the topic of their breast augmentation with coworkers, friends, and family. The holidays, in particular, present plenty of opportunities for long-lost relatives and friends to ask nosey questions about your aesthetic procedures. Being prepared mentally and even verbally for these situations can minimize anxiety and help you avoid confrontations.

Here, we offer some handy advice on managing these situations. Just remember that you look stunning, and be pleased that your decision is turning heads. 

Face It Head On with Calm Clarity

Remember why you chose to undergo the procedure, and share your reasoning. Should you be challenged, ask the questioner why they hold their stance on breast augmentation. People often simply want to express their opinion. A proper conversation about the topic could require that you know some of the best recent research. You never know, you might help open someone’s mind with a frank but level discussion on physical appearance and confidence. 

One handy strategy in any debate or touchy conversation is to let your questioner feel heard.  Simply repeat their points to them, starting with, “So you’re saying that . . . “ or “Let me see if I’ve heard you . . . . “  Just the fact that you’ve heard them will get them to back down. Once you’ve taken this step, change the topic or end the conversation. Expressly state, “I understand you don’t agree, but we won’t solve this today. Let’s move on.”   

Keep in mind that just because someone keeps asking you questions, you’re not obligated to answer. You don’t have to respond to the pressure. You control what you will and won’t share. 

A few Choice Comebacks to Nosey Plastic Surgery Questions

When someone asks if you’ve had work done, say: 

“Thank you for noticing,” and then change the topic if you suspect they’re about to unleash on you. 

“I’m glad you noticed.”

“Why do you ask?”

When someone asks how much you paid, say:

“My granny told me it was gauche to discuss prices.”

“Half of my rent, but twice yours.”

“HIPAA prevents me from disclosing that.” 

When someone asks exactly what you had done, say:

“What haven’t I have done?”

“What exactly do you mean asking something like that?”

“What exactly haven’t you done?” 

“Where exactly do you get off asking me that?”

When someone asks, why you’ve had it done, say, 

“I thought it was an HOA regulation. You mean it’s not?” 

“Because I can.” 

The Dodge: Avoid the Situation Altogether

If you think that having this discussion at a big family gathering is just going to be too much, you might consider wearing a loose dress with a sports bra for the occasion. 

While this does momentarily defeat the purpose of getting your breast augmentation, it allows you to take control of when you reveal your procedure. It also ensures you can have individual talks with particular people in a more controlled social environment.  

More often than not, if you take confidence in your stance and politely listen to the opinions of others, you will have a brief, pleasant conversation. 

If you’re still unsure about how to confront this issue, call us at our Fredericksburg VA office on 540 371 7730 or contact us online for a confidential chat and even a practice run through a conversation. We’re here to support your personal decision.   

Can Breast Reduction Benefit Your Health?

It is no secret that a woman’s breasts are one of the most sexualized features of the female body, with cup size being the main contributor. The pursuit of bigger and more voluptuous breasts has been the main driving force for breast augmentation, leading it to be one of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures the world over.

However, not all women are happy with having large, heavy breasts leaving them to seriously consider undergoing breast reduction surgery (reduction mammoplasty). Carrying several extra pounds on a daily basis can take a toll over time leading to the development of pain, discomfort, and an overall decreased quality of life. 

The Negative Impact of Having Large Breasts

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure to remove excess tissue, fat, and skin of the breasts, helping to reshape and reduce their overall size and weight. It has been a popular option for women suffering from macromastia, or excessively large breasts, becoming increasingly more common in recent times.  

While those small to modest breast sizes often desire a larger cup size, their negative impact on a woman’s life is often underappreciated. Large breasts are generally associated with the development of several unwanted physical symptoms, such as neck, shoulder and back pain. This is thought to be due to changes in the center of gravity leading to prolonged bending postures and continued tension on the middle and lower fibers of the trapezius muscle and associated muscles groups1. 

 Additional unwanted symptoms of large breasts include:

  • The production of tender, potentially permanent, grooves overlying the shoulder area (over the trapezius near its insertion site on the acromion) caused by the need for study support bras 
  • Friction rash development in the areas where the breast and chest meet
  • Emotional stress caused by chronic pain 
  • Impaired ability to live an active lifestyle 
  • Sleeping and breathing difficulties
  • Nerve pain 

Resulting pain caused by having large breasts often lead to the continued use of pain relievers, which can have their own negative effects on the stomach, liver, and kidneys if consumed in excess over long periods of time2.  

Reshape Your Breasts

Women with large breasts may simply be dissatisfied with the shape, size, and firmness of their breasts, becoming self-conscious due to a perceived asymmetry. This can be emphasized by difficulties fitting into bras and clothing.  A breast reduction will often include a breast lift (mastopexy) that will help women achieve a more appropriate breast size, raise sagging or drooping breasts, and can elevate the nipple to better suit to their body type. 

Breast reduction surgery is considered an outpatient procedure, with most patients going home that very day. The procedure itself takes approximately three hours to complete with most patients returning to normal activity in a week with full recovery in about six weeks. 

Taking Charge of Your Own Wellbeing

Many women who are considering breast reduction surgery often face a lot of cultural backlash. They are told to they should feel lucky to be blessed with such attributes or that they may regret it after getting the procedure. But these other people simply don’t know the truth about how living with very large breasts can affect everyday life. 

Breast reduction surgery can be liberating for women, allowing them to feel more comfortable; positively impact their lives. The elimination of pain symptoms alone is the sole reason many women undergo the procedure, making breast reduction surgery to be consistently reported as one of the highest rated in satisfaction among all cosmetic procedures3.

If you suffer from undue pain caused by large breasts, speak to the highly trained and experienced plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. Their knowledge and expertise in regard to cosmetic surgical procedures are second to none and they are more than happy to guide you through every step of the way. 

 

To schedule a personalized consultation, call the Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg at (540) 371-7730 today!

 

References:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3322448/ 
  2. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-you-taking-too-much-anti-inflammatory-medication-2018040213540
  3. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/01/1402022/0/en/New-Statistics-Reveal-the-Shape-of-Plastic-Surgery.html

Mommy Makeover Series: Breast Implants – Breast Lift

You’re a mother, and you love being one. You wouldn’t change anything in the world about motherhood – except for one thing: your body.

You had a different body before pregnancy; you felt confident, healthy, and you even turned a head or two. You’ve sacrificed for your children, and that’s okay – but you want to feel proud of your body again. You want to look in that mirror and feel confident. You want to go into that closet and fit into your best clothes. You can get that feeling again with a mommy makeover and with one mommy makeover procedure in particular: the breast lift with implants.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

Mastopexy, also known as a breast lift, elevates your breasts by removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissue. A breast lift reshapes the breast to a more youthful form, and it resizes overly large nipples that were stretched by sagging breasts.

Breast Implants (Mammoplasty)

While a breast lift can reshape your breasts, addressing volume loss is another issue. Many women experience volume loss once lactation and breastfeeding are over. Pregnancy has stolen both size and volume from your breasts, and they need help!

To address both issues, the breast lift can be paired with breast implants. A breast lift with implants can:

  • Restore volume loss due to breastfeeding
  • Reposition and elevate sagging breasts
  • Create a perkier shape
  • Resize overly large nipples
  • Enhance the cleavage

Choosing Breast Surgery

The decision to get breast surgery is a big one. It is a major procedure, and it’s not to be taken lightly. Being fully informed is vital to making the right choice, that’s why a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon is critical. A qualified surgeon should be able to answer your questions and address your concerns.

Don’t forget to ask your surgeon these questions about the breast lift with implants:

  • Am I a candidate for the breast lift with implants?
  • How frequently do you perform this procedure?
  • What are your qualifications for performing the breast lift with implants?

Contact us today for your consultation to determine if breast augmentation is right for you. Call us at (540) 371-7730 or contact us online today.

Will You Be Mine? Top Reasons to Say Yes to Breast Surgery This Valentine’s Day

The love month is not just for couples. Whether you’re single or in a happy long distance relationship, you can still celebrate the day of hearts with something special.

That said, if you don’t have any plans this Valentine’s Day, may we suggest a cosmetic procedure that can help increase your love for yourself, and that is no other than breast enhancement surgery.

People enhance their breasts for a myriad of reasons. Some choose to get breast implants because they want to improve the proportion of their body. Others choose to reduce their breast size surgically so they can try high-intensity sports or to feel comfortable. Whatever the reason is, many breast surgery patients enjoy one common benefit, and that is they love their bodies more.

A Few Reasons for Breast Surgery

If you are hesitant to try breast surgery, here are additional reasons to consider this life-enhancing procedure:

Increased Confidence

When you know you look good, you can’t help but change the way you feel for the better. Confidence can take you to many places. If you’re confident, you won’t shy away from putting yourself “out there”.

Male breast reduction surgery can help sculpt the upper body in men to make them look a bit more masculine. An enhanced appearance can give a guy the confidence to go out there and perhaps meet a special someone.

Help Reach Weight Loss Goals

Breast surgery can help you reach your goals in round about ways. For instance, if you’re unmotivated to go to the gym because it’s uncomfortable to exercise with overly large breasts, then a breast reduction surgery may be just the ticket to fix this issue, and get you going to the gym.

Prepare for Beach Season

Bikinis, tankinis and one-pieces all look great on a woman who feels great about herself. You don’t have to be 100% ‘bikini ready’ to be 100% confident in yourself. If you feel that a breast augmentation surgery, a breast lift, can put you over the edge and make this summer something special, then why not take the plunge on surgery and then buy yourself a plunging one-piece?

If you’re looking to show off a new you this summer, the best time to schedule a procedure is now. It takes about three to six weeks to recover fully from a breast surgery. Plus, the weather is still cool at this time of the year, so recovery will be more comfortable than if you schedule a surgery in the warmer months.

Schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg today to learn other ways how breast surgery can increase your love for your body.

Breast Implant Incisions: Can I Choose the Type of Incision I Want?

Breast augmentation involves several decisions that are critical to your surgery success. One of the decisions you have to make is to choose the type of implant incision. As with other variables involved in your breast augmentation journey, the choice of incision type is a personal matter.

While your doctor can recommend an incision type that’s most suitable for you, the final decision still rests on you. It’s your choice whether to follow your surgeon’s recommendation or opt for an incision type that you’re more comfortable with.

Of course, your choice of incisions is dependent on several factors. These include the following:

  • Your Anatomy
  • Implant Type
  • Degree of breast enlargement
  • Your surgeon’s preference based on your unique case

Your doctor will consider these aspects during your consultation to help you make an informed decision about your choice. Regardless of your decision, your surgeon will strive to enhance your breasts in a way that you will be satisfied.

Primary Incision Types for Breast Augmentation

Your choice of incisions will affect the kind of result you have in mind. That said, it’s essential that you choose the type that will complement your goal. There are three primary options for incision, and each has its own pros and cons. Your doctor will discuss them at your consultation.

Periareolar

This approach will create an incision around the areola to make scars less noticeable. This gives the doctor better control over the breast implant’s position.

Transaxillary

An incision is made in the armpit to create a channel from the underarm to the breast, where the implants will be inserted. The appeal to this type of incision is there are no scars visible in the chest area, as the incision is made far from the breasts.

Inframammary

In this type, the incision is made along the crease beneath the breasts. Although scars may develop in this area, they are less noticeable, as they are hidden beneath the breast fold. This is ideal if you plan to become pregnant in the future.

Before you decide on an incision type, come in and consult with one of our surgeons. This way, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that will help you achieve your desired outcome.  Call Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg today at 540-371-7730.

After Breast Augmentation- Tips for Taking Care of Your New Breasts

You’ve waited years for the breasts of your dreams. Now, thanks to breast augmentation, they are finally here. Take care of them and you can enjoy your new look for years to come. Here’s what you need to know about at-home care after breast augmentation.

Follow Recovery Instructions

We’ll give you detailed recovery instructions after surgery; make sure you follow them. Take the first few days easy and rest. While many women return to their regular activities in just a few days, you should take it slowly and give your body the time it needs. Avoid strenuous activities for several weeks and until you have the go-ahead from your surgeon.

Make sure you come to your follow up appointments. This will give us an opportunity to assess your healing and will give you the chance to ask questions and address concerns. Healing is a process, but the results are worth it.

No Underwires

Many women dream of their first lingerie shopping trip after breast augmentation. We want you to enjoy your new breasts (and show them off if you like), but bear in mind that recovery takes time. It will take several weeks for your implants to settle into place and soften. In fact, you may not achieve the final positioning of your breasts for up to 3 months. As you heal, skip the underwire bras. The wire can irritate the scar from your surgery (especially if you have an incision under the breast). Wait until your breasts have settled before you completely revamp your bra collection as your size and fit may change.

Get a Mammogram

If you have implants, you need regular mammograms, just like a woman without implants. Before you schedule your appointment, tell the facility doing the imaging about your implants. Sometimes additional pictures or a highly trained technician are needed to ensure that all of your breast tissue is visible.

Self-exams are important too. Get familiar with the look and feel of your new breasts so you can spot a problem should one ever develop.

Massage

We may ask you to massage your implants after surgery, a practice called implant displacement. This can help keep the breast pocket open and your implants soft.

Consider a Warranty

If you want to ensure your breasts will look great forever, consider a warranty on your implants. Our patients that receive Mentor saline or MemoryGel implants are automatically covered by a basic warranty. Upgrade options can give you better coverage for a small fee. Many of these warranties must be purchased shortly after surgery.

Keep your implants looking their best with these simple at-home care tips.

I Want to Get Ready for Summer … What Are My Options?

Looking gorgeous all summer long doesn’t just happen by chance. It takes a bit of preparation. If you want to look amazing this summer, now’s the time to come on in and see us. We’ve offer a variety of procedures (both surgical and non-surgical) to get ready for summer from head to toe. Call us today and book your appointment.

Liposuction

If stubborn fat is getting in the way of your ideal bikini body, liposuction might be the solution. This procedure suctions away stubborn fat permanently. Liposuction works great on the abdomen, thighs, love handles, and buttocks (and many other areas too) for a beach ready body.

We offer several different types of liposuction including tumescent liposuction and laser assisted SmartLipo.  Come see if liposuction is right for you.

Breast Surgery

Would you like bigger breasts? Have you lost breast volume after pregnancy? Are you starting to sag? We offer a variety of breast surgeries to get your body ready for swimsuit season. Breast augmentation is consistently one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures and can even be combined with other breast surgeries (like a breast lift). Think of how good you’ll look this summer with a larger bikini top.

Male Breast Reduction

Enlarged breast tissue in males (gynecomastia) is an embarrassing and surprisingly common condition. Men with gynecomastia often avoid taking off their shirts (hard to do when you’re lounging by the pool) due to embarrassment over their physique. Male breast reduction can help men to regain their confidence and achieve their ideal body by removing the excess tissue. We often use liposuction and surgical removal of glandular tissue to restore a masculine shape and create a flatter, smoother chest. We can work with you to create a surgical plan specific to your needs.

Permanent Makeup

Are you sick of your makeup coming off every time you jump in the pool? This summer, look great, even when you’re wet, with permanent makeup.  This procedure implants pigment into the dermal layer of the skin using a specialized rotary pen. The results last for years. This procedure is a great option for enhancing the lips and the eyes without the need for daily makeup application.

Chemical Peel

Summer means a lot of time without makeup. Let’s get your skin looking radiant. A chemical peel can remove dead skin cells, allowing the fresh skin underneath to shine through. This treatment is great for evening out skin tone, fighting fine lines, and dealing with problem skin. It’s very safe and effective.

Are you ready for summer? Come try one (or more) of these procedures and have your most beautiful summer yet. Call Plastic Surgery Services today for your complimentary consultation at 540-371-7730!