Gynecomastia Reduction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for men. Over the last 20 years, the number of Gynecomastia Reductions performed has increased 50% – from twenty-thousand in the year 2000 to thirty-thousand procedures last year. However, the examples I am sharing today are not your typical gynecomastia reductions.
Gynecomastia Reduction after Massive Weight Loss is a different operation than the typical gynecomastia reduction. The large amount of excess skin and extremely low nipple position require special attention to detail and appropriate treatment to achieve a great result. This patient had chest skin reduction (a male breast lift), reduction and repositioning of his nipples along with a tummy tuck to restore his physique after impressive weight loss.
Types of Gynecomastia Reductions
Male Breast Reduction techniques vary depending on the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. Small lumps of firm glandular tissue located beneath the nipple/areola complex (NAC) can be excised directly via a small incision around the edge of the areolae. Large reductions may also require liposuction to remove excess fat (aka pseudogynecomastia). Gynecomastia reduction associated with loose skin, or sagging nipples, is more challenging and is the topic of today’s Massive Gynecomastia Reduction Video. This situation is most commonly seen after large weight loss from either Bariatric Surgery or a change in lifestyle resulting in massive weight loss.
Massive Gynecomastia Reduction Video
The following Plastic Surgery Video Presentation shows several methods of Extreme Gynecomastia Reduction. These are common Post-Bariatric Plastic Surgery techniques, but are not the most common methods used for routine Male Breast Reduction. This segment is taken from my TV show Body Beautiful which airs on the San Francisco Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4.
Post-Bariatric Male Chest Reduction with Tummy Tuck
The goal of Bariatric Surgery is weight loss and the health improvements that come along with it. The improvement, and sometimes the resolution, of diabetes and high blood pressure are frequently seen after weight loss.
On the other hand, massive weight loss also usually leaves behind a large amount of excess skin, and this continues to makes it difficult for patients to feel comfortable. Even with the loss of mass, redundant skin makes finding clothes that are flattering and which fit well difficult.
A massive amount of excess skin is apparent on the trunk of the patient below. His chest is deflated and overhangs laterally, and even in clothes, it looks like he has breasts. His abdominal skin excess is uncomfortable and a nuisance, especially at the belt-line.
Body Lift after massive weight loss including: chest reduction (massive gynecomastia reduction), areolar reduction, breast lift and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). The early scars are more noticeable in the first several weeks to months after surgery, but will continue to improve and fade during the year or two after surgery.
A combination of Gynecomastia Reduction with skin excision and a Tummy Tuck was used to redefine his trunk. The scars beneath his chest are still healing and will fade with time. There is another scar running below the belt-line which allowed for the tightening of his abdominal muscles and removal of his skin laxity. When loose skin extends all the way around the waist, a Lower Body Lift is often the procedure of choice.
Gynecomastia Reduction Revision Surgery
Gynecomastia Reduction Revision Surgery is perhaps the most challenging of all Gynecomastia surgery. In the case below, the patient complained of still having breast fullness after a previous Male Breast Reduction. He had bottoming out of his chest skin resulting in the appearance of breasts in clothing. Paradoxically, he also has severe indentation of his nipples from the previous resection. This can happen when a large amount of breast tissue is removed.
The patient shown below was treated with skin excision and restoration of volume beneath his nipples to smooth his contour both in and out of clothing. Like the patient above, he has scars located beneath the breasts, but these have faded over time.
This patient had gynecomastia surgery prior to presenting to my office. Revision gynecomastia surgery was performed including restoration of volume beneath the nipples (left > right) and resection of the excess skin that remained along the lower chest. His scars have had time to heal and are less noticeable; however, individual results will vary.
Gynecomastia surgery can be rewarding and build self confidence. Prior to surgery, his sunburn was confined to the open collar area of his chest. After surgery, he was confident in his appearance and went shirtless. The unfortunate result was a burn to his entire chest. He got the sunscreen lecture, but I was also happy that he finally felt comfortable in his own skin.
You have heard it before and will hear it here again on the San Francisco Plastic Surgery Blog. Use of appropriate sun protection is recommended to help prevent skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. In the postoperative period, sun protection is especially important to help prevent the scars from tanning, turning dark and becoming more noticeable.
Breast Reduction for Men Consultations
As mentioned previously, the type of Male Breast Reduction shown above is usually only necessary after massive weight loss. There are exceptions, however, and I have had to perform this surgical variation for men after hormone therapy for prostate cancer and also for a gentleman whose breast enlarged massively with CoolSculpting®. Though rare, Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH) after CoolSculpting® is definitely not cool.
If you count yourself among the 33% of men who continue to have Gynecomastia after puberty, and you would like to learn exactly what treatment options are available for you, call (925) 943-6353 today, to schedule a private consultation appointment. You can also submit your questions via the contact form on this page.
As seen in the photo above, disproportionate fat of the sides causes the muffin top, which flows over the top of jeans. Liposuction removes disproportionate fat and flattens the treated area creating a more svelte figure.
Liposuction is used to remove disproportionate fat. It is best for removing bulges caused by fat beneath otherwise firm skin. Popular areas for liposuction include the:
Muffin top (waist)
Back
Abdomen
Thighs
Male chest
Arms
Neck
The following Liposuction Video Presentation shows examples of Liposuction of many of the areas mentioned above. A general review of Liposuction, its indications and recovery is also provided along with several before and after pictures.
Liposuction Video Presentation
Liposuction can improve body proportions from head to almost the toes. In this video from KRON 4’s Body Beautiful, San Francisco Bay Area, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Joseph Mele explains and shows examples of his work. Liposuction of the abdomen, thighs, arms and back are narrated with Liposuction Before and After Pictures.
More About Liposuction
While the trunk and thighs are the most common regions for Liposuction, for properly selected patients, liposuction of the arms can provide an aesthetic benefit. When the upper arm is full, and the skin tone is good, Liposuction is used to reduce the girth of the arm, and reveal muscle definition.
Before and after pictures of arm liposuction reveal smaller arms with better muscle definition after liposculpture.
Liposuction will not significantly shrink the skin, even when a laser or ultrasound is used. If the skin is already loose and hangs off the arm, Brachioplasty (Arm Lift Surgery) should be discussed with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
Gynecomastia Reduction
Next week’s video is about Gynecomastia Reduction (male breast reduction surgery). Not simple Gynecomastia, because there are plenty of “normal” Gynecomastia Reduction Videos on my site already. Next week, I discuss massive gynecomastia, like that seen after massive weight loss. Here is a preview of a more usual case where Liposuction alone, or liposuction with direct excision of the gland, is appropriate.
Liposuction can be used for gynecomastia reduction in selected cases. If the fullness beneath the nipple is fat, liposuction alone may help. If it is glandular tissue, direct excision of the gland is needed.
When the fullness of the male chest is due to fat (pseudogynecomastia), Liposuction alone can often provide adequate reduction. When a collection of firm glandular tissue adds bulk beneath the nipple/areola complex, direct excision of the gland may be necessary. In the above case, the skin is tight, so it will shrink on its own. When the skin is loose, additional surgery is needed, and this is what I will discuss next week, so stay tuned.
Liposuction Consultations
For more information about Liposuction, be sure to visit our Liposuction Page. For personalized information, call (925) 943-6353 for a private consultation appointment. The details of the procedure, treatment options, expected recovery and your goals will be reviewed in detail.
The above Breast Reduction Before and After Side View Photos show improvement in breast shape, size and nipple position after Reduction Mammoplasty Surgery.
Today, I am posting the latest episode of KRON 4’s Body Beautiful. This video segment continues where the last post left off, discussing Breast Reduction for Women. This new Breast Reduction Video Presentation contains:
Recovery information and tips for after Reduction Mammoplasty
Narration of specific examples of Breast Reduction
Breast Reduction Video Presentation
You Are Not Alone
The above Breast Reduction Video is intended to provide general information about the procedure. However, there is no substitute for an in-person consultation with and experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Years of learning, practice and experience have shaped how I perform Breast Reduction. Many thousands of women have breast reduction surgery annually, but each case is different. Your plastic surgeon is here to guide you through each option and help you achieve the best possible results.
The Best Breast Reduction for You
There are several methods of Breast Reduction which may or may not apply to your specific needs. I tailor my approach to each individual patient, by choosing the option that will achieve the best result in the safest and most predictable manner.
These Breast Reduction before and after pictures demonstrate the amount of reduction and enormous lift possible with the inverted T-technique. You will notice that the breast hangs well below the level of the mole visible anterior to the crook of her elbow in the before photo, while in the after photo, the base of the breast is well above it.
Breast Reduction Consultation Appointments
For your Breast Reduction, you will want an experienced and well qualified Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Members of the ASAPS (the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) are particularly well suited for breast reduction surgery, as they are Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who specialize in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, including all aspects of Breast Enhancement.
If you are in the greater San Francisco Bay Area and would like to schedule a personalized consultation appointment, call (925) 943-6363 today. Learn what is possible in a safe and private plastic surgery office that specializes in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.
Breast Reduction Before and After Photos: Breast Reduction can significantly reduce neck, back and shoulder pain.
Breast Reduction Surgery
Breast Reduction is one of the most rewarding plastic surgery procedures I perform. While the Reduction Mammoplasty is a procedure that often provides aesthetic improvement, it is more commonly performed to reduce the symptoms associated with large breasts.
Reasons For Breast Reduction Surgery
Each patient is different, so Breast Reduction is customized to your specific needs. The most common reasons for Reduction Mammoplasty are:
Breast pain
Neck pain
Back pain
Shoulder pain
Bra strap shoulder rutting
Recurrent rashes under the breasts
Inability to perform routine activities of daily living
Limitations on physical activity
Often, documentation of these types of symptoms is required for insurance coverage.
Reduction Mammoplasty Before and After Pictures: Breast Reduction not only helps reduce the symptoms associated with large breasts but can also improve how your clothes fit. The amount of elevation is easy to measure, just look at the position of the breast with respect to elbows in the above pictures.
Will Insurance Cover My Breast Reduction?
Your insurance may cover Breast Reduction. To find out, contact your insurance company directly. You may be required to see your primary doctor for authorization, be required to lose weight, undergo weeks to months of physical therapy, see only a plastic surgeon chosen by your insurance, wait a year and other hurdles. Letters from your primary doctor, physical therapist and chiropractor can help in obtaining prior authorization. Sadly, despite the tremendous amount of relief that comes from the procedure, many insurance companies have begun excluding coverage for Reduction Mammoplasty altogether.
Breast Reduction Before and After Photos: Breast Reduction combines reduction of the breast volume with a breast lift to reduce the torque on the back and the neck.
Breast Reduction Consultations
Breast Reduction is one of the most rewarding of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures because it relieves suffering. You can improve your chances of a good result by seeking an experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
To schedule a personal, private, in-person consultation call (925) 943-6353, today. The goals, procedure and expected recovery, specific to your needs, will be reviewed in detail.
For the 7th year in a row, Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS, received the Talk Award for Customer Service in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.
Thank You
Thank You to all my happy patients who took the time to write a review. Thanks to you, for the seventh year in a row, Joseph A. Mele, III, MD, Inc., has received the Talk Award for Excellence in Patient Satisfaction.
The Talk Awards were created to calculate customer satisfaction ratings for a variety of businesses, based on customer feedback online, and help businesses gain control of their image and reputation by providing consumers a fair and unbiased overview of their business. Both business owners and consumers search our award pages to see who has received top honors. Only the highest rated businesses, those with a 4-star to 5-star rating, win The Talk Award.
There are hundreds of new websites dedicated to rating almost everything on the planet. Because these websites are typically free and uncensored, they can be scathingly accurate. For better or for worse, even large review sites, like Yelp, state right in their terms of service, “Reviews will not be removed because they are false.” It can be confusing, but millions of people are using these sites as referrals before jumping into any new product, service or whatever else they are going to buy.
The goal of the Talk Awards is: “To give consumers an overview of business’ customer reviews and feedback while helping businesses gain the winning edge that attracts new interest and generates new revenue. As a company, we (the Talk Awards) vow to benefit consumers and businesses alike by providing comprehensive and accurate research in the area of customer satisfaction for businesses in the United States and Canada. We will accomplish this through a fair and balanced rating system that combines data collected from customer reviews, surveys, blogs, social networks, business-rating services, and other honors and accolades to determine the top consumer- rated businesses across the United States and Canada.”
Thank you to my patients for this wonderful and humbling award.
Thank You to My Happy Patients
Thank you for all your kind words. When it comes to Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, how patients feel about their results is the bottom line. It is a privilege to practice Plastic Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area, and my goal is make you glad you came into my office. Thank you for selecting me as your preferred Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon. I look forward to serving you for years to come.
Today’s episode of Body Beautiful discusses Eyelid Lifts including: the upper eyelid fold and skin excess and lower eyelid bags and loss of tone. Blepharoplasty can correct multiple problems with the eyelids and encompasses many specific techniques. The following Blepharoplasty Video illustrates several of these procedures and demonstrates what is possible with carefully planned Eyelid Rejuvenation Surgery.
Upper and Lower Blepharoplasty Before and After Pictures: Sagging upper eyelids, caused by excess upper eyelid skin, leads to a tired and disinterested appearance. Blepharoplasty can open your eyes to a more youthful, bright and alert appearance.
The Eyelid Lift Video segment below is from the Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4’s, Body Beautiful. The show features the latest in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery News, and uses before and after pictures to show what is possible for actual patients.
Eyelid Lifts and Double Eyelid Surgery Video Presentation
Double Eyelid Surgery
Asian Eyelids are anatomically distinct from Caucasian eyelids. Asian eyelids often lack a distinct palpebral fold, and when the fold does exist, it may be indistinct or crease at multiple levels. An example of this is show below. The patient’s right upper eyelid has multiple folds. She has a high fold, a low fold and a third fold in between on the inner eyelid. Her left upper eyelid has a single fold, but it is low and becomes indistinct as it extends toward the nose medially.
Double Eyelid Surgery can correct low, indistinct or multiple eyelid folds. These double eyelid before and after pictures show how the folds can be raised, sharpened and made more symmetrical.
Double Eyelid Surgery is the procedure used to raise the eyelid folds, reduce multiple folds and improve the symmetry of the upper eyelids. The after picture reveals improvement in all these areas. Trying to form a fold when there is none, or it is in the wrong position, is more difficult than just removing excess skin, so revisions are more common with Double Eyelid Surgery when compared to standard Upper Blepharoplasty.
Eyelid Surgery Consultations
Eyelid Surgery is one of the most meticulous of all cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. While the operation can be performed safely and reproducibly, even under local anesthesia when desired, you can improve the chances of a good result by seeking an experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Oculoplastic Surgeon. A plastic surgeon can also address other aspects of Facial Plastic Surgery and maintain facial harmony with other rejuvenating procedures such as: Brow Lifts, Face Lifts or Neck Lifts. This is particularly important if these areas are aging at the same rate as the eyelids.
To schedule a personal, private, in-person consultation call (925) 943-6353, today. The goals, procedure and anticipated recovery, specific to your needs, will be reviewed in detail.
The Tummy Tuck is half of a Mommy Makeover. The patient shown above wanted her pre-baby belly and breasts back. The combination of Abdominoplasty and Breast Augmentation with a Breast Lift restored what nature had given and taken away.
The Tummy Tuck remains one of the most sought after cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. Also termed, Abdominoplasty, it literally means belly changing, and that is exactly what it does.
Tummy Tuck and Mommy Makeover Video
Today’s episode of Body Beautiful reviews the Tummy Tuck procedure, and beautifully illustrates what Abdominoplasty can do to restore abdominal contours often lost after pregnancy or changes in weight. This video segment is from the Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4’s, Body Beautiful. The show features the latest in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, and uses before and after pictures liberally to demonstrate what is possible.
Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy or Weight Loss
After pregnancy or weight loss, the abdomen is often left flaccid. The muscles, even when strong, are stretched out and cannot support the abdominal contents the way they used to. The skin itself is stretched out, often leaving stretch marks and rolls. The result: clothes don’t fit the way they used to.
What is a Mommy Makeover?
The breasts often suffer a similar fate, so restoring breast volume and perkiness is often performed at the same time as the Tummy Tuck via Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift or the combination Breast Augmentation Lift.
More Mommy Makeover before and afters: Again, Abdominoplasty is combined with Breast Enhancement. In this case, a Breast Lift was combined with a Tummy Tuck for a uplifted, aesthetic result.
Because this is commonly a problem after pregnancy, the combination of Breast Enhancement and Tummy Tuck goes by the name Mommy Makeover. In the Mommy Makeover Before and After Pictures above, a Breast Lift (Mastopexy) was combined with a Tummy Tuck for maximum aesthetic results.
Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover Consultations
There is no substitute for proper training and experience. When considering a Tummy Tuck, Mommy Makeover or any Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, consult with an experienced and Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. If you are in the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353 to schedule a private and personalized consultation appointment, today.
Summer may be over, but Breast Augmentation is still one of the most frequently requested Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedures here in the San Francisco Bay Area. For many, this is the best time of year for the procedure. As the weather cools down, it is easier to cover up during recovery. Moreover, you will be well healed by the time Spring comes around.
Gummy Bear Breast Implants are the newest technology. With a strong, cohesive gel inside, they can provide more projection, less rippling and the safety reduced gel migration.
This Breast Implant Video Presentation illustrates the options and the results of Breast Enlargement. There are many reasons for Breast Augmentation. Sometimes it’s for size. Sometimes it’s for shape. The latest breast implants provide shape and support for the breasts with the increased safety of strong, highly cohesive gel inside them. These “Gummy Bear” Breast Implants reduces gel migration and some other problems seen in the past after Breast Augmentation with Silicone Gel Breast Implants.
Breast Augmentation Video (Augmentation Mammoplasty)
This Body Beautiful video segment from the San Francisco Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4, reviews Breast Augmentation with the latest Gummy Bear Breast Implants. This Breast Implant Video reviews many of the options and illustrates the benefits of Augmentation Mastopexy with numerous Breast Aug Before and After Photos.
Breast Implant Consultations
If you are considering Breast Augmentation or Breast Implant Revision Surgery, consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area. When in the San Francisco Bay Area, call (925) 943-6353 today, and schedule a personal and private consultation appointment.
One of the most common questions Plastic Surgeons get is,”How do I choose the best breast implants?” While more often than not, this is in reference to size, there are multiple aspects to consider. The most important thing to remember is that you are not on your own. Your plastic surgeon should have a wealth of experience in this area, and they can help simplify and reassure you in your selection.
Breast Augmentation remains the most popular Cosmetic Plastic Surgery procedure.
In my San Francisco Plastic Surgery office I depend on my patients to provide me with a clear idea of the size they want, and they depend on me to help them select the details that are most likely to give them a happy result. Let’s review some of the details.
Breast Implant Size
The amount of augmentation is determined by the volume of the breast implants. If you are looking for a particular cup size, the amount of volume needed will depend on many factors including:
The amount of breast volume you have before augmentation
Which bra you wear – Each manufacturer has a different definition of cup size.
The fullness you wish to achieve
The tightness of your chest skin and muscles
The shape of your breasts
The width of your chest
For the best results, do your pre-breast augmentation homework. Buy a bra the size you want to be. Stuff it. Wear it. Try it with different clothes. The clearer your goal, the easier it will be to communicate to your Plastic Surgeon and to achieve your ideal breasts.
Breast Implant Profile
Choosing the right size for you is the most important aspect of Breast Augmentation.
Size matters, but so does shape. If you are trying to make a statement with your breasts, larger, high-profile breast implants will fill the breasts maximally. If you are considering proportionate breast augmentation, moderate profile breast implants may be more to your liking. If you are a marathon runner looking for a B-cup, low profile implants may provide enough augmentation to the breasts’ foundation to give you the shapelier breasts you desire.
Breast Implant Filling
Breast implants are filled with two materials: Saline and Silicone. While the majority of breast augmentation performed today is with smooth round silicone breast implants, sometimes, saline is a better answer. It is important to choose an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can evaluate these options and help you determine what is most likely to work best for your goals.
Breast Implant Placement
The best breast augmentation is achieved by selecting breast implants that are proportionate to the chest.
Breast Implants can be placed in front of or behind the pectoralis major muscles. There are advantages and disadvantages to both positions. It is important that you know the differences and have guidance to select the placement which works best for you.
FDA Approved Breast Implants
There are currently three FDA approved Breast Implant manufacturers in the US. They provide many variations of sizes, shapes, filler and textures. While there are still some options that are not available, the options we have make it difficult to justify using a non-FDA approved breast implant. You should know exactly which implants your surgeon plans to use, and you should receive a card identifying those breast implants after your procedure. This is very important for warranty enforcement, breast implant replacement and for future breast implant maintenance.
Help Choosing Your Breast Implants
If you are considering Breast Augmentation, call my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office at (925) 943-6353, and schedule a private, confidential consultation appointment. I will go over your goals, your options and will use my greater than 20 years of experience to help you choose a plan that is best suited to your needs.
Otoplasty (cosmetic ear surgery) is performed for men and women, children and adults. The most common reason is to reduce the appearance of prominent ears, sometimes called ear pinning.
Otoplasty – Ear Pinning
In the San Francisco Bay Area, Otoplasty is a popular procedure. This cosmetic ear surgery is used to reduce the appearance of Prominent Ears, and it is probably the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery for children.
Otoplasty Video
The video segment below is from the San Francisco Bay Area’s News Station, KRON 4’s, Body Beautiful show. Included are several examples of Otoplasties and many of the details of cosmetic ear surgery are explained.
Cosmetic Ear Surgery Video (Otoplasty)
Short Hair and Prominent Ears
Short hair does not disguise prominent ears. However, since the incisions are hidden in the fold behind the ears, short hair is not a problem for concealing the Otoplasty incision.
Many men and women leave their hair long to hide their prominent ears, but short hair is not an obstacle for Otoplasty. The incision for cosmetic ear surgery is hidden in the fold behind the ear, and usually heals very well. It is not necessary to cut your hair before Otoplasty; however, after the procedure, you’ll have the option to do so.
Otoplasty Consultations
To schedule a personal consultation appointment for yourself or your child, call (925) 943-6353, today. Whether it’s just one ear or both, ears that are too prominent or folded over, Otoplasty can help. To learn more about cosmetic ear surgery, visit the links embedded in this post; however, only an in-person consultation can be tailored to your specific needs.
