Pec Sculpting for Men

Pec sculpting, also known as pec enhancement or chest augmentation, is an aesthetic plastic surgery procedure that improves the shape and definition of the chest. A robust and muscular chest has long been associated with the aesthetic ideal of masculinity. As a result, many men strive to improve the size and shape of their chests through diet and exercise. However, sometimes this is not enough. 

Some men are born with a flatter, less well-defined chest or find it difficult to add muscle mass to the area even with a consistent workout routine and proper nutrition. For others, genetic conditions or injuries can prevent them from building an ideal chest.⁽¹⁾ Through the use of liposuction, fat grafting, and silicone implants, a pec sculpting procedure can give men the upper-body definition they want. Fat that is collected during liposuction can be used to augment the chest, for a more muscular appearance!

If you are considering pec enhancement, contact Millard Plastic Surgery Center to schedule your personal consultation and find out more. Dr. John A. Millard is a board-certified plastic surgeon, internationally renowned for his expertise in liposuction, breast procedures, and body sculpting. Dr. Millard is committed to providing incredible results and an exceptional treatment experience for his patients. Our Denver, Colorado offices can be reached at (303) 792-5665. Give us a call to arrange your appointment!

About Pec Sculpting

The thick, fan-shaped pectoralis muscles are located on the chest, connecting the sternum (breast bone) and clavicle (collarbone) to the top of the humerus in the upper arm. The pectorals are responsible for internally rotating and bringing the arms closer to the chest such as during a hugging or pushing motion. Pectoral implants were first developed in 1988 for treating pectus excavatum, or a sunken sternum. In the early 90s, surgeons began utilizing pectoral implants for cosmetic augmentation.⁽¹⁾ Chest sculpting procedures can involve liposuction, fat grafting, synthetic implants or a combination of techniques to enhance the size and definition of the chest for a more muscular appearance. Additionally, some men may seek liposuction treatment for gynecomastia; the development of swollen male breast tissue due to hormonal changes. 

The Benefits of Pec Sculpting

Many men opt for fat grafting to increase the size and projection of their pectorals. This is a great use for unwanted fat, which can be taken from other “problem areas” like the abdomen, and then injected into the chest for better pectoral definition. 

Ideal Candidates

Candidates for a chest augmentation procedure are people who are healthy enough for surgery and want to alter the shape and appearance of their chest. Although it involves the use of liposuction, pectoral sculpting is not a weight loss treatment and ideal candidates should be within a healthy weight range. 

Personal Consultation

All patients are required to visit the Millard Plastic Surgery Center for a personal consultation prior to treatment. During the consultation, we will perform a physical evaluation and ask you about your medical history, current health status, and goals for the procedure. After getting a better understanding of your body contouring goals, Dr. Millard or Dr. Zuhlke will create a surgical plan tailored to your specific situation.

Preparation

Our experienced staff will ensure that you have all the necessary information to prepare for your procedure. It is important to cease smoking for two weeks before the procedure and throughout the recovery process, since tobacco products impair the body’s ability to heal and compound the risk of infection. Patients must also discontinue the use of alcohol and any blood-thinning supplements or medications such as ibuprofen or Vitamin E for at least five days prior to the procedure. These increase the risk of bleeding complications during surgery.

Pec Sculpting Procedures

Procedures take between two and four hours, depending on the treatment chosen.

Fat Grafting & Injection

Adding definition and chest muscle contour involves a multi-step and multi-layer fat removal and grafting process. First, fat is removed from the areas below and to the sides of the pectorals, as well as on the lower half of the pectorals above the muscle. The fat is then grafted in three layers below, within, and above the pectorals – allowing greater precision and control in sculpting the final shape of the chest.

VASER Liposculpture

The VASER Ultrasonic System is an innovative liposuction technology that allows Dr. Millard to remove fat faster, more efficiently, and with less damage to the surrounding tissue. After the treatment area has been infiltrated with tumescent fluid to aid in fat removal, The VASER (vibration application of sound energy at resonance) system emits ultrasound wavelengths, which agitates the tumescent fluid, and creates air bubbles. The expansion and collapse of these bubbles gently loosens the fat for extraction with less damage to the surrounding tissues. This results in significantly less blood loss, bruising, and faster recovery than traditional liposuction. 

VASER Hi Def

With VASER Hi Def Liposculpture, patients can achieve an even more chiseled, athletically enhanced appearance. In addition to removing fat, VASER Hi-Def facilitates skin tightening and has the ability to selectively target specific layers of fat, even those close to the surface of the skin. In contrast, traditional liposuction methods remove a lot of connective tissue such as blood vessels and nerves – often in uneven amounts which results in deformities and contour irregularities. Besides the chest, the following areas of the body are eligible for VASER Hi Def Liposuction treatment:

4D VASER Hi Def

Invented by Dr. Millard himself, 4D VASER Hi Def represents the frontier of body contouring technology. With an advanced liposculpting technique incorporating ultrasound guidance and autologous fat grafting (ATG), 4D VASER Hi Def allows for sculpting with unparalleled precision. Furthermore, the introduction of the compression coupling technique, 4D VASER Hi Def is able to achieve a 50% reduction in procedure time and a remarkable reduction in postoperative pain – with most patients needing no pain medication even after extensive treatments. 

Wells Johnson HVP Auto-Graft Infusion System

The Wells Johnson High Volume Precision Auto-Graft Infusion System is a cutting-edge fat collection and infusion device used for all fat-grafting procedures at Millard Plastic Surgery. The Wells HVP system collects high volumes of fat in sterilized collection canisters, while it separates the usable components during the fat collection process. Afterwards, it infuses the fat back into the body at the grafting site with higher levels of safety and efficiency. The Wells HVP system allows for a faster procedure, higher rates of viable fat for the transfer, and less strain on the body – leading to a faster recovery.

Liposuction for Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia surgery involves making an incision either under the pectoralis or under the areola. When the principal symptom of the gynecomastia is excessive fat tissue on the chest, VASER liposuction is used to remove it. In other cases, the glandular tissue of the chest will need to be removed. Dr. Millard or Dr. Zuhlke will determine the best method of surgery during your personal consultation 

Recovery

Upon completion of the procedure, we will bandage and wrap the chest in a compression garment. It is normal to experience swelling and bruising around the area for the next week or so. A follow-up appointment to drain chest fluid may be required. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication as needed. The duration of the recovery process will differ from person to person. We recommend taking at least three days off work after the procedure in order to rest and heal well. A compressive bandage should be worn for about a month, at which time the patient may resume strenuous physical activity.

Results

The final results of your pec enhancement procedure will become fully visible after about six months. This is because it requires time for your skin to settle into the new contours of your body. Once you’ve fully healed, you’ll look forward to taking off your shirt and enjoy a boost in self-esteem, and in compliments!

Non-Invasive Pec Sculpting

Emsculpt

For those who aren’t ready for surgery, but would still like to get body contouring treatment, Emsculpt may be right for you. Emsculpt is a non-invasive treatment that reduces body fat and increases muscle mass without the need for anesthesia, incisions, or injections. It’s also a great way to enhance pecs after you’ve healed from liposuction so that you can flaunt your new, more visible pectoral muscles!

For more information on other available treatments and procedures, visit our blog!

How Much Does Pec Sculpting Cost in Denver, Colorado?

The cost of pec sculpting will vary on an individual basis depending on the amount of fat removed, the locations of the fat transfer, and other considerations. Our offices will be able to provide you with an exact price during your personal consultation. You can find out more about our financing options at Millard Plastic Surgery Center here, or by giving us a call at (303) 792-5665.

FAQ

References

1. Ogley SC, John JD, Goldman JJ. Pectoral Implants. PubMed. Published January 1, 2022. Accessed September 15, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32965994/
2. Walden JL, Schmid RP, Blackwell SJ. Cross-chest lipoplasty and surgical excision for gynecomastia: a 10-year experience. Aesthetic surgery journal. 2004;24(3). doi:10.1016/j.asj.2004.03.005
3. Tahseen H, Taha A. Abstract: Gynecomastia: The 5 Zones Concept. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2018;6(9 Suppl). doi:10.1097/01.GOX.0000546766.35124.46