Men’s Health Week (10th to 16th June 2024) aims to raise awareness and create more conversation around men’s health issues to encourage a more proactive approach to tackling them. With this in mind, I would like to deep dive into our top three procedures for men.
1. Breast Reduction
What is it?
Also known as gynaecomastia surgery, this procedure helps to reduce the size of breast tissue. Gynaecomastia describes male breast enlargement that usually appears around puberty as the breast tissue reacts to external female hormones. Other reasons for this are due to high alcohol intake or recreational drug use. Unfortunately, once the tissue has become enlarged, it will not subside on its own even with lifestyle changes.
How is gynaecomastia treated?
First and foremost, if it is due to high alcohol intake or recreational drug use, all of these contributing factors should be removed from your lifestyle and you should aim to achieve a healthy BMI. Gynaecomastia can be treated medically, but the most common and successful treatment is through surgery. The surgery depends on what grade of gynaecomastia you have – you can find out more here.
What you can expect post-treatment
While the recovery time depends on the type of surgery, you can expect a recovery of around two weeks and may have to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks. Once the swelling has gone down, you can expect a tighter and smaller chest.
2. Tummy Tuck
What is it?
Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a procedure that helps to flatten and tighten your abdomen. Most men who enquire about a tummy tuck have recently lost a lot of weight and this surgery aims to repair their abdominal muscles.
How are tummy tucks performed?
I perform all my tummy tucks under general anaesthetic and the surgery lasts between two and three hours. You will also be required to stay in the hospital for one night.
What you can expect post-treatment
I recommend taking two weeks off work and six weeks away from heavy exercise. You will also need to wear a compression garment for a minimum of four weeks. Once your body has recovered, you can expect the excess skin to have been removed and to have a flatter and tighter stomach. I always try to position the scar as low as possible and in most cases, the scar will be below the underwear line.
3. Liposuction
What is it?
Liposuction, also known as liposcuplture, aims to remove fat and help bring out the contours of the body. This treatment is most successful in men who have an appropriate BMI and isolated pockets of fat. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution and is more aimed at reducing stubborn areas of fat rather than large quantities.
How is liposuction performed?
There are different techniques for liposuction but I prefer to use power-assisted liposuction. This is performed under general anaesthetic and involves making multiple small incisions in the area that is being treated and then sucking the fat cells out using a metal rod.
What you can expect post-treatment?
Taking two weeks off work or strenuous activities is recommended and you will have to wear a compression garment for at least six weeks. After 12 weeks, most of the swelling will have subsided and you will be able to notice the defined contours of your body.
My private practice in London specialises in both surgical and non-surgical treatments for men. Our team is available 24 hours a day to address any concerns you may have. If you would like to chat further about any of these treatments, please contact us.
