Dr. Christopher Hess Discusses Gynecomastia in Healthline Article
Fairfax plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Hess of Hess Plastic Surgery was featured in a recent Healthline article, Everything You Need to Know About Gynecomastia Surgery. For many men who suffer from gynecomastia, a condition marked by excess breast tissue, gynecomastia treatment can be a life-changing procedure. In the article, Dr. Hess and two other respected plastic surgeons cover a variety of aspects of the surgery—including what the procedure entails, other procedures that are commonly performed in combination to treat gynecomastia, and how to prepare for a gynecomastia procedure.
Types of Gynecomastia Surgeries
During gynecomastia surgery, a plastic surgeon removes breast tissue to create a flatter, more sculpted chest. There are a few different male breast reduction techniques: liposuction, excision, and combination. Liposuction is a proven surgical method for contouring specific areas of the body, and when used to treat enlarged male breasts, it involves removing fatty tissue in the area; the glandular tissue may be left completely intact. The primary benefit of this option is that the scarring is minimal. It is most effectively used in patients who are prone to accumulating fat in the chest area. However, as Dr. Hess notes, liposuction is only a good option for patients whose skin has good elasticity, and for those who don’t have enlarged glandular tissue.
“Liposuction on its own is really only an option for people with good skin elasticity and minimal glandular tissue.”
True gynecomastia involves the glandular tissue and requires excision. This procedure is a bit more involved, as your plastic surgeon will make larger incisions to remove glandular breast tissue, but it offers dramatic results and recovery is typically quite easy. Because the sculpting power of liposuction is key to refining results, it’s often best to use a combination of liposuction and excision to achieve a rejuvenated, masculine chest contour.
Gynecomastia Recovery
A key part of preparing for gynecomastia treatment is understanding what the post-op recovery requires. Gynecomastia is typically an outpatient surgery, and in most cases, once the patient has recovered from anesthesia, they are able to return home that same day. Some discomfort around the surgical site is common, Dr. Hess explains, but your physician will prescribe medication to help manage these effects.
“Typically, patients return to work after about 1 to 2 weeks,” he says. “But they wear a compression vest for at least a month.”
A compression vest can help minimize discomfort, protect the surgical site, and reduce swelling. Patients are required to avoid soaking or swimming for at least 2 weeks; one must also avoid any vigorous physical activity or exercise for at least 1 month following surgery. It can take up to a year for a surgical scar to fully mature, but in most cases, they fade to near invisibility.
“Sun avoidance, scar massage, scar cream, and/or fractionated laser treatments all can help improve healing and minimize the appearance of male breast reduction scars,” he adds.
Once fully recovered, the overwhelming majority of male chest reduction patients find the procedure to be worth it. Dr. Hess can certainly attest to his own patients’ satisfaction. “The surgery opens up options for more fitted clothing and the opportunity to enjoy many activities with greater freedom and ease, which can result in increased confidence and improved self-image, and even more fulfilling relationships with themselves, friends, family, and co-workers,” he explains.
Male breast reduction surgery typically brings increased confidence and improved self-image.
Choosing Your Gynecomastia Surgeon
If you are looking for a plastic surgeon to perform gynecomastia surgery, it is essential you choose someone with significant experience and relevant qualifications. “Selecting a properly trained and qualified surgeon will greatly increase your chances for a successful and safe operation,” says Dr. Hess. Be sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon who operates in an accredited facility and is supported by a qualified medical team.
Read the full article on Healthline
Board certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher L. Hess specializes in face, breast, and body aesthetics. He has served patients in the Fairfax/Northern VA area for over 20 years and has been repeatedly named one of Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Plastic Surgeons. Find out why Dr. Hess’s patients leave reviews like, “I could not achieve the body of my dreams just with exercise alone! It has only been less than 36 hrs and I feel great and look great!”
Dr. Hess would love to meet with you one-on-one at his Fairfax plastic surgery practice and help you create a customized treatment plan to achieve your goals. Schedule your consultation with us online or call (703) 752-6608 to get started on your personal transformation.