Pec Implants: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
How much they cost
How it works
How long recovery takes
How long results last
How safe they are
Fast facts
Pectoral implants are silicone gel or solid silicone implants that are surgically inserted to create the appearance of more highly developed male chest muscles (a.k.a. the pectoralis muscle).Â
While the procedure is especially popular among body builders, pectoral augmentation for male chest enhancement can also be a good option for men who:Â
- haven't been able to achieve a well-defined chest through exercise
- have a deep breastbone (called a pectus excavatum) that creates the appearance of a sunken chest
- are transitioning and have already undergone top surgery
There are two types of male pectoral implants: oval and vertical-rectangular. Both types are firmer and flatter than the breast implants used for breast augmentation in women.Â
“Oval pec implants generally enhance more of the lower part of the pectoral/chest area, whereas vertical-rectangular pec implants enhance the lower and upper chest, toward the collarbone, as well as along the middle of the chest from top to bottom,” says Miami-based plastic surgeon Dr. Sam Gershenbaum.Â
He says about 80% of his patients choose vertical-rectangular shaped implants, but it all depends on the type of results you're after. “Results will very much depend on what you’re starting with as far as the contours of your chest, the bony structure, the amount of muscle, and fatty tissue or gynecomastia, if present.”
Some men are self-conscious about the chest gap between their pectoral muscles and wonder if pec implants can chose it. According to Dr. Douglas Steinbrech, a plastic surgeon in New York City, “fat grafting into that area is probably your best option to create more fullness, centrally. A pectoral implant, depending on what you have in mind for your result, may also be helpful to increase that cleavage, with or without fat injections being involved.”
Pros
- They can create a more chiseled, masculine-looking chest than many people are able to achieve with exercise alone.Â
- They can help close a chest gap between your pectoral muscles.
- If you’ve had liposuction in the chest area and too much fat was removed, pec implants can successfully revolumize the chest.Â
Cons
- Individual results vary. For instance, it's possible that pec implants can shift after they're placed, which can result in asymmetry. Â
- You'll have omplete healing takes about six weeks.Â
- Some patients experience numbness in the area and muscle spasms.
- Average Cost:
- $8,575
- Range:
- $5,000 - $18,000
The cost of male pec implants varies by the experience level of your surgeon, their practice location, anesthesia and facility fees, and whether your implants are custom-made. During your consultation, ask your your surgeon for a detailed breakdown of all the costs involved, so you won't be surprised by additional fees.
Because pectoral augmentation is considered cosmetic surgery, insurance won't cover it.
Most surgeons offer payment plans or accept financing.Â
Related: Plastic Surgery Financing: How to Pay for Your Procedure
The pec implant photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Pectoral implant surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia (so you'd be fully asleep), though some surgeons do offer local or twilight anesthesia with sedation. Either way, you won't feel any discomfort during the surgery.
Your surgeon will make a small incision in the axilla (the armpit), where the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles meet. They'll insert the chest implant through this incision, positioning it between these two muscles.Â
This surgical procedure typically takes under two hours, and you'll be able to go home once the anesthesia has worn off. If you've had general anesthesia, make sure someone you trust is there to safely take you home and make sure you're comfortable.Â
RealSelf Tip: Some surgeons combine pectoral augmentation with liposculpture (also called high-def lipo) body contouring, which selectively removes fat to create the appearance of sculpted abs. If your aesthetic goals include sculpting your entire torso, find a surgeon who's skilled at both procedures.
You can expect to return to work and normal activities within a week (possibly in just a few days), but avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least two weeks.
During the first few days of your recovery, your chest area will be tight, painful, and swollen. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medication.
They may also ask you to wear a compression garment during the initial healing phase, both to help bring down the swelling and keep the implants from shifting.
Full healing takes about six weeks. Once all the swelling resolves, you'll see your final results.
Like breast implants, pec implants typically last about 10 years.Â
Eventually, you may need to consult with your surgeon about removing or replacing your implants.
Pec implants are generally safe.
As with any plastic surgery, there are risks like infection and bleeding with a pectoral implant procedure. You can reduce these risks by finding an experienced surgeon and following their aftercare instructions.Â
"Make sure that the plastic surgeon is board-certified, well-experienced, has an excellent safety record, and can demonstrate lots of examples of his or her work at achieving the types of results you are looking for," says La Mesa, CA plastic surgeon Tom J. Pousti.
Updated February 20, 2024