At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, our goal is to help our clients feel as confident in their appearance as possible. To accomplish this goal, we offer a number of cosmetic procedures and treatments. Today, we’re focusing on one of our most popular body sculpting treatments, TruSculpt iD. If you’re interested in learning about how body contouring works and whether it’s a good fit for you, read on to learn more.

How Does Body Sculpting Work? 

TruSculpt iD is an incredibly safe, effective body sculpting technique that works in just a few painless steps. During your initial body contouring consultation, we will review your areas of concern, verifying that this treatment will be safe and effective for you. If it is, we will advise you on all of the preparation steps you will need to take to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.

On the day of your treatment, the skin in your targeted areas will be evaluated to verify that it is not irritated in any way. Then, we will ensure the targeted areas are free from cosmetics and apply the TruSculpt iD device. This device will pulse for several minutes at a time, painlessly penetrating down to the deepest depths of your dermis.

How Quickly Does This Treatment Work? 

Each TruSculpt iD session is extremely convenient, and the treatment starts to work right away. If you’re only targeting one area for treatment, your session may only take around 15 minutes to complete. If you’re targeting several areas, especially if they are relatively large, your session may take closer to an hour. However, that’s the only time commitment you will need to make. There is no downtime required after the treatment.

While a large amount of localized fat cells can be melted to death in a 15-minute treatment session, it may be several months before you are satisfied with your appearance. Depending on several factors, including the amount of fat destroyed during each session, it may take you only four weeks to see your final results. However, if you need multiple sessions to achieve your desired results since sessions are spaced several weeks apart, it may take closer to seven months.

How Many Treatment Sessions Will I Need? 

You should only anticipate needing one body sculpting session if you are happy with your weight but displeased with your contours. If you feel like you need to lose some weight in addition to improving your contours, you may need two or three treatment sessions. Individual experiences vary, but you may have your sessions spaced four to 16 weeks apart.

We will evaluate your areas of concern and discuss your goals during your initial consultation. If it seems likely that you will need more than one treatment session to achieve your desired results, we may advise you to come back a month or two after your first session so we can make a better determination regarding whether you need a touch-up session. We may advise you to wait another month or two so your body has all the time it needs to flush out the dead fat.

What Can I Do To See My Final Results Faster? 

To see your final fat removal results as quickly as possible, you should commit to getting 30 to 60 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five days per week. Aerobic exercise is important because it supports your cardiovascular system which supports your lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system is ultimately responsible for your results. It flushes out the melted fat cells, slimming the treated areas significantly.

To see your final skin tightening results faster, moisturizing your skin daily is vital. Several key pieces need to be put into place for your skin to tighten itself. Skin tightening occurs after this body contouring treatment because the heat from the radiofrequency energy stimulates extra collagen production. For this production process to take place, your skin needs hydration, nutrients, and oxygen. It is advisable to moisturize once or twice daily depending on your skin type.

How Effective Is This Treatment? 

This treatment is incredibly effective. Individual results vary, but you should expect this treatment to destroy roughly a quarter of the fat cells in your areas of concern assuming they are large. If you would like to target smaller areas for fat removal, roughly three-quarters of the fat stored in the targeted areas can be removed with each treatment session.

How Long Do the Results Last?  

The fat removal results of this body contouring treatment are considered permanent. Fat cells are unique in that they are the only type of cell in the human body that is not constantly being produced. The human body only produces fat cells for roughly 25 years. After that point, there is a set number of fat cells. When you lose weight through a caloric deficit, you first burn stored glycogen as fuel. Then, your body turns to the energy stored in the fat cells.

The fat cells shrink as they release their stored energy, but they never leave the body. They remain, waiting for a caloric surplus that will refill them. This body contouring treatment melts the localized fat cells, killing them so they can never expand to store energy again. Even better, your body views these dead fat cells as waste and flushes them out. If you are at least 25 when you get treated, your body will never grow new fat cells to replenish its stores.

How Long Will the Skin Tightening Results Last? 

You can generally expect the skin-tightening results of this treatment to be long-lasting. However, exceptions apply. For example, if you get this treatment to correct abdominal concerns and you become pregnant after treatment, you may need a follow-up session in the future. Similarly, pregnancy can cause you to store excess fat in the fat cells not eliminated during your course of treatments.

If you gain fat after your treatments are over, you may need to come in for a touch-up session in the future. To keep your skin tight, smooth, and healthy-looking for as long as possible, it is important that you wear sunscreen every day and refrain from smoking.

Am I a Good TruSculpt iD Candidate? 

To find out for sure whether you’re a good TruSculpt iD candidate, you need to come in for an initial consultation with an aesthetic expert. If you are concerned about one or more of your contours, like your abdomen or your flanks, there is a good chance you will qualify for treatment. There is also a good chance that you will qualify for this treatment if you are worried about other areas, like the:

• Thighs
• Upper back
• Lower back
• Buttocks
• Submental region

It bears noting that this treatment is usually used to remove excess fat, but it is also sometimes used to tighten loose, sagging skin. If you have concerns about any of the aforementioned areas, regardless of whether it is related to stubborn fat deposits or loose skin, or both, you should strongly consider coming in for a TruSculpt iD consultation.

Who Is a Poor Fit for This Treatment? 

After reviewing the results of several independent clinical trials, the FDA determined that this treatment is both effective and safe for most relatively healthy adults with concerns about excess fat or loose skin. However, this treatment is not safe and effective for everyone. There is a chance you will be deemed a poor fit for this treatment if you are underweight because there may not be enough subcutaneous fat for this treatment to be effective.

On the flip side of the same coin, you may be deemed a poor fit for this treatment if you suffer from obesity. This is because there may be so much excess fat in your areas of concern that you may not be satisfied with your results. Moreover, this treatment may be deemed wrong for you if you are in poor health due to an acute or chronic condition, like a viral infection or heart disease.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

TruSculpt iD sculpts beautiful contours thanks to the power of radiofrequency energy. The highly innovative device quickly and comfortably warms the targeted areas, eventually resulting in permanent fat removal and long-lasting skin tightening. To learn more, contact us now at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI to schedule an initial body sculpting evaluation.

A tummy tuck, otherwise known as abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we are proud to offer this procedure to help our clients improve their self-confidence and quality of life. Today, we are discussing some of the factors we consider when determining who is a good candidate and answering some FAQs.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

The only way to determine definitely whether you are a good tummy tuck candidate is to come in for an initial evaluation. However, there is a good chance you will qualify if you are concerned about your abdominal region and are relatively healthy. Here is a closer look at some of the signs that you may be a good fit for this procedure:

You Are a Non-Smoker

It is also important that you do not consume nicotine during the first two weeks after surgery. If you do not feel confident you can go 28 days without smoking or consuming other forms of nicotine, let us know during your initial conversation. It may affect your candidacy.

You Can Abstain From Alcohol Consumption

Another sign abdominoplasty may be right for you is that you can abstain from alcohol consumption for 14 days prior to surgery. Like nicotine, alcohol can increase your blood pressure measurably. To reiterate, it is important that your blood pressure is normal at the time of your surgery. It is also important that you feel confident going 14 days without alcohol after surgery.

In addition to mitigating the risk that your blood pressure is too high at the time of surgery, abstaining from alcohol mitigates the risk that you are dehydrated or lacking vital nutrients when you come in for your procedure. Two very important preparation steps you must take prior to surgery are ensuring you are hydrated and well-nourished. You should also avoid eating unhealthy foods, like highly processed breakfast bars or excessive amounts of sodium.

You Are Relatively Healthy

To reiterate, a sign that abdominoplasty is right for you is that you are relatively healthy. We will discuss your health during your initial consultation. Certain chronic conditions, like cancer or uncontrolled diabetes, will disqualify you. Furthermore, you will be considered a poor fit for this procedure if you are suffering from an acute illness, like the flu or an acne outbreak, at the time of surgery.

You Are Concerned About the Appearance of Your Lower Abdomen

Another sign that abdominoplasty will be deemed a good fit for you is that you are concerned about the appearance of your lower abdomen. If you are only concerned about the appearance of your lower abdomen, you will be considered a better fit for a mini tuck. The scope of this procedure entails improving the appearance below the navel by tightening loose skin, removing excess skin, and excising a small amount of excess fat.

If you have concerns about a significant amount of excess fat, liposuction will also probably be a good fit for you. Liposuction is a fat removal procedure designed to improve the appearance of just about any region of your body with excess subcutaneous fat.

You Are Concerned About the Appearance of Your Upper Abdomen

Yet another sign that abdominoplasty may be right for you is that you are concerned about the appearance of your upper abdomen. You’ll need to opt for a complete tuck if you have concerns about your upper and lower abdomen. If you opt for a complete tuck, you will be able to tighten loose abdominal wall muscles and address other concerns, like stress urinary incontinence, lower back pain, and a ventral hernia.

Other FAQs Answered

How Long Will My Procedure Take?

If you opt for full abdominoplasty, it may take approximately two to five hours for your procedure to complete. On the other hand, if you opt for a mini tuck, your procedure won’t take as long. We will give you a better idea of how long to expect your procedure to take during your initial consultation. Your procedure will also take longer if you get multiple procedures, like liposuction, during your abdominoplasty session.

How Long Will My Recovery Take?

For all intents and purposes, your recovery period will only take between six and eight weeks to complete. It is only during this time that you should expect to be restricted in your activities. However, it can take closer to a year for your incision sites to heal completely. How long your recovery takes to complete depends on several factors, including your age, post-op diet, and post-op lifestyle choices.

If you want to recover from surgery as quickly as possible, it is very important that your diet is on point. You will need to make sure that you stay hydrated, and you also need to make sure that you eat nutritiously. Furthermore, it is important that you minimize your consumption of junk food. You should also do your best to sleep on your back for at least 7.5 to nine hours nightly.

Will I Need to Fast Before Surgery?

We’ll advise you on whether fasting before surgery is necessary during your initial consultation. Whether you need to fast pre-op depends on the type of anesthetic you will receive to keep you comfortable during your procedure. If you only opt for a mini tuck to improve your confidence and quality of life, there is a good chance you will only be given a sedative and local anesthetic.

On the other hand, if the scope of your procedure is significant, there is a better chance that general anesthesia will be recommended. If you only need a local anesthetic, you will be able to eat and hydrate yourself normally prior to surgery. If you need general anesthesia, you will need to fast for a third of the day prior to surgery. Similarly, you must commit to a two-hour dry fast during which you do not even consume clear liquids, like water and white tea.

What Other Preparation Steps Will I Need to Be Aware of?

We will give you a complete set of preparation instructions during your initial consultation. In addition to maintaining a healthy diet and refraining from nicotine and alcohol consumption, it is extremely important that you take steps to mitigate the risk of skin irritation in your abdominal region at the time of surgery.

For example, you should do your best to minimize your exposure to UV rays. Do not visit any tanning beds, and do not sunbathe. If your abdominal region will be exposed to sunlight, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor that is adequate based on your family health history. If you have pale skin or a family history of melanoma, you may need an SPF of 55. If you have dark skin, you may only need an SPF of 35.

What Other Procedures May Help Me Improve My Self-Confidence?

During your initial consultation, we will discuss all of your aesthetic concerns. We’ve already touched on liposuction being potentially effective for the treatment of excess abdominal fat. You should know that this procedure can also be effective for the treatment of excess fat in other areas, like the upper arms and chest.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your upper arms, you may be considered a good candidate for liposuction and brachioplasty (an arm lift). Brachioplasty involves removing excess arm skin and tightening loose localized tissues through a small incision.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today

Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that can be used to improve the appearance of the nose or to correct functional issues with breathing. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery, we offer this surgical treatment to patients in and around Portage, MI.

Dr. Raghu Elluru is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing this delicate procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Elluru will work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Last?

The procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon who will make incisions in order to access the bone and cartilage. They will then sculpt the nose to the desired shape and size before closing the incisions. Surgery can take anywhere from one to three hours to complete depending on the extent of the surgery. However, the results of a nose job are usually permanent, and many patients are happy with their new noses.

If you are considering getting this surgical procedure, be sure to consult with our board-certified surgeon to discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment. We will be happy to help you improve the appearance of your nose.

Consultation

Here at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery, we want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. That’s why we offer free consultations for anyone considering this procedure. Here are a few things you can expect during your consultation:

A Discussion About Your Goals

A nose job is a very personal procedure, and everyone has their own reasons for wanting it. Maybe you want to change the way your nose looks, or perhaps you’re having difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum. Whatever your reasons may be, we want to know what you hope to achieve through surgery.

An Assessment of Your Nose

A big part of determining whether or not this treatment is right for you is examining your nose to see what kind of work needs to be done. This examination will also give us a better idea of what goals are achievable.

For example, if you’re hoping to completely change the shape of your nose, that may not be possible depending on the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage. However, if you’re simply looking to reduce the size of your nose, that is definitely something we can do.

A Walk-Through of the Procedure

You can expect to receive a detailed explanation of the surgical procedure during your consultation. This will include information on the incisions that will be made, the steps of the surgery, and what you can expect in terms of recovery and results. The surgeon will also go over the risks and potential complications of the surgery.

Importance

There are several reasons why it is essential to have a clear understanding of what the surgery will entail. First, it will help you make an informed decision about your treatment. Secondly, it is essential to understand the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery. Thirdly, we want to ensure that you are comfortable with the anesthesia and pain management plan.

Fourth, it is crucial to set realistic expectations for the results of the surgery so that you don’t get any disappointments later on. Finally, we want to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about the procedure. By taking the time to discuss the details of the surgery, we can help ensure that you have a positive experience as you look forward to achieving your desired results.

Computer Imaging

This technology can be immensely helpful in achieving the results you desire from your surgery. We will start by taking measurements of your nose from different angles. These measurements will be used to create a 3D model of your nose. You and your surgeon will then be able to visualize how your nose will look after surgery and make any necessary adjustments to the planned procedure.

Computer imaging also allows you to see how different surgical techniques could affect the final results. For example, if you are considering a reduction procedure, the surgeon can show you how different approaches to the surgery could change the shape of your nose. This can help you make an informed decision about which technique is right for you.

Importance

Overall, computer imaging is a valuable tool that can help ensure you are happy with your results after surgery. Your surgeon will be able to use it to give you a realistic preview of what to expect and make sure that your expectations are realistic. If you have any specific concerns or requests, computer imaging can be used to address them and ensure that they are taken into account during your surgery.

A Review of Your Medical History

Not everyone is a good candidate for this type of surgery. There are certain medical conditions that can make rhinoplasty a risky proposition. That’s why you should review your medical history with your surgeon before making any decisions. Here are six medical conditions that could make you ineligible for surgery:

1. Autoimmune Diseases

If you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, you may not be a good candidate for a nose job. That’s because people with autoimmune diseases are more susceptible to infection and inflammation.

2. Bleeding Disorders

If you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, you may not benefit from this treatment. That’s because people with bleeding disorders tend to bleed more during and after surgery. This can lead to serious complications and even death. If you have a bleeding disorder, be sure to tell your doctor before scheduling surgery.

3. Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease describes any condition which affects the heart or blood vessels, and can include conditions such as coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure. People with cardiovascular disease may not be able to safely undergo treatment because of the risk of complications during surgery.

There is a risk of abnormal bleeding during surgery as well as a risk of infection. In addition, people with cardiovascular disease may be more likely to experience negative side effects from the anesthesia used during surgery.

4. Diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to blood vessels, which could lead to bleeding during surgery or slow healing after surgery. In addition, people with diabetes often have impaired immune function, which means they may be more susceptible to developing an infection after surgery.

5. High Blood Pressure

People with high blood pressure are at greater risk for complications such as bleeding and infection, and they may also have a higher risk of anesthesia complications. As a result, people with high blood pressure often need to undergo a more extensive preoperative evaluation before they can be cleared for surgery. In some cases, the risks may be too great and the person may not be able to have the procedure at all.

6. Lung Disease

There are several factors that need to be considered before someone with lung disease can undergo surgery. First and foremost, the severity of the lung disease needs to be taken into account. If the patient’s lung function is severely impaired, it may not be possible for them to tolerate the anesthesia and surgery required.

Additionally, patients with active lung infections or those who are currently experiencing difficulty breathing may also not be candidates for surgery usually due to immunosuppression and a decreased ability to take deep breaths. Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to proceed with surgery in patients with lung disease is a complex one that needs to be made on a case-by-case basis by an experienced surgeon.

Is a Rhinoplasty Covered by Insurance?

The answer to this question depends on the purpose of the surgery. If you’re looking to repair a broken nose, then insurance will most likely cover the procedure. However, if you’re looking to have surgery to change the shape of your nose for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover the procedure. We offer a variety of payment options and loyalty programs to make cosmetic surgery more affordable.

Transform Your Appearance and Feel More Confident

If you are concerned about the shape, size, or symmetry of your nose, a rhinoplasty can help you to achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing appearance. In addition to improving your appearance, this procedure can also boost your confidence and self-esteem. The results of the surgery are typically permanent. Contact Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Microneedling is a popular and effective treatment for a variety of hard-to-treat skin conditions that might not respond well to other forms of therapy. Its collagen-stimulating effects can successfully minimize the appearance of lines, wrinkles, discolorations, scars, loose skin, and other conditions while naturally rejuvenating one’s appearance. Here at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, this therapy is performed by a trained and licensed professional in a relaxing setting.

In addition to its corrective effects, this treatment can also be used to prevent some skin issues before they occur by promoting collagen production, which helps to keep the skin healthy and radiant. For this reason, it can be an appropriate solution for people of all ages and can be safely repeated multiple times until improvements are achieved.

How Often Can You Get Microneedling Treatments?

This treatment can be safely repeated once per month, but how often you’ll need to return can depend on different factors. Some conditions may not require more than one treatment, as is the case with enlarged pores, which often respond favorably after just a single therapy session. Other issues, like acne scars, may require six to eight sessions spaced out every four to eight weeks before permanent improvements take place.

Then there are age-related conditions, like wrinkles and lines, that require regular maintenance sessions anywhere between every three months to every twelve months. For milder issues, at least three appointments are normally needed, but it’s your choice whether you’d like to schedule regular appointments to stay on top of your skincare goals or return only when needed.

How Does This Therapy Work?

Microneedling, which is also known as percutaneous collagen induction, is a therapeutic option that has shown to be effective in treating many different types of health and cosmetic issues, including some skin conditions of the face. It works by using small needles to induce an immune response within the skin, which can lead to increases in proteins that help heal the skin, including collagen and elastin.

Because both elastin and collagen can play a role in the skin’s elasticity and appearance, this therapy can be beneficial for those with sagging skin, wrinkles, discoloration issues, enlarged pores, and other otherwise chronic or permanent conditions.

What Happens During Treatment?

The Treatment Process

To start the therapy session, we’ll normally begin by applying lidocaine gel or another numbing solution to the skin about 40 minutes beforehand. We’ll then move on to the needling part of the session, which involves passing a handheld device over the target areas of the skin where treatment is needed.

Tiny needles attached to the device will move back and forth in the skin producing microscopic holes. While this may sound painful, most patients do not experience any significant pain and the anesthetic we apply beforehand can make this process more comfortable.

Aftercare Recommendations

After your appointment, you’ll be able to return to your usual activities again, whether it’s returning to work or going for a walk, but we’ll give you some aftercare instructions to ensure that you receive the most optimal results from this therapy.

Some things that should typically be avoided for a while after treatment include strenuous exercise, rubbing your face, excessive heat, and anything else that the skin is likely to be sensitive to while it’s healing. There’s otherwise no downtime and the recovery period itself is usually less than seven days.

How Quickly Will I See Results?

Most of our patients begin to notice results within a few months after their initial treatment, but repeated treatments are often necessary for certain conditions. As the tiny wounds made by the microneedling process heal within the first week, the skin often responds favorably with a brighter and fuller appearance.

As more time passes, the skin may continue to respond to the collagen-stimulating effects of the treatment by removing dead skin cells, replacing them with healthy ones, and repairing damage while giving the skin a smoother texture.

How Long Do the Results Last?

This therapy can lead to long-term improvements that may or may not require regularly scheduled treatments to maintain results. Most patients will need to return for touch-ups at some point, and this can vary anywhere between every few months to once per year. The following factors can all play a role in how long the results will last:

Your Age

The single biggest factor in how long the results will last is your age, as we naturally lose collagen and elastin in the body as we grow older. This therapy can retrain the skin into regularly producing adequate levels of collagen, but this effect may last longer and be more noticeable over time for those who are younger.

Condition

Some conditions are simply easier to treat and respond more favorably to this treatment than others. For example, if you have acne scars, any improvements seen after treatment are likely to last, whereas wrinkles or fine lines are more likely to require regular touch-ups every now and then to maintain collagen levels and keep these issues from surfacing again.

Lifestyle

Your skin responds to the environment and what you put into your body in either a positive or negative way, depending on the stimuli. Alcohol, smoking, excessive sun exposure, and stress can all have a negative effect on skin health, as they can lead to skin damage and a loss of both collagen and elastin, the proteins that play a major role in how effective this treatment is.

Prior Sessions

If you’ve had multiple microneedling sessions, you may notice some cumulative improvements over time. After your first session, your skin will likely produce more collagen, which can soften the skin and improve the appearance of many conditions. These prior effects can help boost the effectiveness of this therapy when you return for additional treatments by making the skin more responsive over time.

What Is the Best Age to Start This Treatment?

Adults of all ages can benefit from microneedling, as it has both preventative and corrective effects and can be started before skin issues appear. So whether you’re in your 20s or your 60s, you can start this treatment at any time with the following approaches:

Corrective Approach

This therapy can be extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions, even long-standing ones that you may have been told were otherwise permanent. By boosting collagen and stimulating blood vessels, it has shown effectiveness in minimizing or eliminating lines, wrinkles, acne scars, dark patches, and sagging skin. For this reason, it can be used correctively at any age where you can come in for treatments whenever you have a skin issue that you’d like to minimize or resolve.

Preventative Approach

Microneedling can also be used preventively, to slow or completely halt the development of many skin conditions. Many of our patients choose to start treatments in their 20s, before the tell-tale signs of aging, like lines and wrinkles, have had a chance to form. When we treat your skin with a preventative approach, you can simply let us know if you’d like to target specific areas or the usual locations on the face where these types of issues are likely to appear later in life.

What Makes Microneedling Safe?

This therapy is considered to be safer than most other skin-rejuvenation techniques for many reasons. The following are some of the characteristics that help to make it a safe option:

Minimally Invasive

The microneedles we use only reach a maximum depth of 3mm within the skin, making this a minimally invasive solution that doesn’t go deep enough for any structural changes to take place beyond the skin.

No Harsh Chemicals

The only chemicals we use are alcohol or acetone to clean the face and an aesthetic to numb your skin, which have only temporary effects. No harsh chemicals are used during the treatment process itself.

No Heat or Lasers

Treatments that use heat and lasers often lead to hyperpigmentation, which is a darkening of the skin, as a side effect. Microneedling doesn’t use any form of heat or lasers, making it safer for patients with darker complexions.

Relatively Painless

Not only are the microneedles we use so tiny that they’re unlikely to produce any noteworthy pain, but we also use a topical numbing agent before your therapy session for extra comfort.

Contact Us Today

Whether you’re currently experiencing any of the common signs of aging, such as wrinkles or sagging skin, or you’re looking for an effective solution for scars, dark patches of skin, or other aesthetic conditions, microneedling may be able to help. To see what this treatment can do for you and if it’s an appropriate option for your skin issues, contact us today at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI.

Gynecomastia is a condition that affects an estimated 50-65% of men and boys. If you’re one of the many men who are struggling with this condition, you’ve come to the right place. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we offer surgical options to correct gynecomastia. We have extensive experience in treating this condition and will help you restore your confidence and improve your quality of life.

How Do You Fix Gynecomastia?

Understand What the Condition Is

Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs when there is an enlargement of the breast tissue in males and can be the result of hormonal changes, weight gain, or certain medications. Although it is not a serious medical condition, enlarged male breasts can be difficult to deal with both emotionally and physically. Fortunately, our practice offers two surgical options for correcting the problem: liposuction and breast reduction.

Liposuction

Liposuction is the most common type of surgery used to correct enlarged male breasts. The procedure involves removing excess fat and tissue from the breasts through a small incision. Liposuction can be performed using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the extent of the surgery.

During the procedure, our surgeon, Dr. Raghu Elluru, will make a small incision in the breast area and insert a cannula, or thin tube, into the incision. The cannula is then used to suction out excess fat and tissue. Liposuction is considered safe and effective for most men who undergo the procedure. However, liposuction is best for simple cases of enlarged breasts and may not be appropriate for all patients.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat and tissue from the breasts, and it can be performed using different techniques. Depending on the severity of the gynecomastia, we may use direct excision in combination with liposuction. Direct excision involves making an incision in the breast and removing excess tissue directly. In most cases, a combination of both techniques is used. The surgery typically takes one or two hours to perform.

In severe cases, the nipple and areola may also be removed and repositioned. The incisions are then closed with stitches and covered with a dressing. Recovery from surgery usually takes a few weeks. Patients may experience some pain and swelling, but this is easily managed and typically goes away. After recovery, the patient will experience a significant reduction in breast size and will have a more masculine chest appearance.

What Causes Enlarged Male Breasts?

There are a number of different conditions that can cause enlarged man breasts. In most cases, it’s due to an imbalance in hormone levels. However, there are also a number of medications that can cause enlarged breasts by altering hormone levels. If you think you may have enlarged man breasts due to one of these conditions or medications, it’s important to speak to us so we can properly diagnose and treat you.

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Hypogonadism

This is a condition in which the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that’s responsible for masculinization during puberty. If testosterone levels are too low, it can lead to enlarged breasts.

Hyperthyroidism

This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates metabolism, and an excess can lead to weight gain and enlarged breasts.

Cushing’s Syndrome

This is a condition that’s caused by high levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can lead to weight gain, which can in turn cause enlarged breasts.

2. Medication

Antiandrogens

These are medications that are used to treat conditions like prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). They work by blocking the effects of testosterone, which can lead to enlarged breasts.

Estrogens

These are hormones that are typically given to women during menopause in order to help with hot flashes and other symptoms. However, they can also be used to treat breast cancer in men. While estrogens can help reduce the size of tumors, they can also cause enlarged breasts.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

These medications are used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, which can alter hormone levels and lead to enlarged breasts.

Antipsychotics

These medications are used to treat psychosis and other mental health conditions. They work by inhibiting the effects of dopamine, which can alter hormone levels and lead to enlarged breasts.

3. Health Conditions

Liver Disease

The liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess hormones from the body. When the liver is not functioning properly, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to enlarged breast tissue. Liver disease can also cause a build-up of toxins in the body, which can disrupt hormone levels and lead to enlarged male breasts.

Kidney Disease

The kidneys are responsible for filtering hormones from the blood. Like the liver, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to enlarged breast tissue.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can disrupt hormone levels and lead to enlarged breast tissue. Lung cancer can also cause a build-up of toxins in the body, which can disrupt hormone levels.

Hormonally Active Tumor

A tumor that produces hormones can also cause male boobs. This is because the excess hormones produced by the tumor can disrupt hormone levels. Hormone-producing tumors are most commonly found in the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, or testicles.

Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter Syndrome is a disorder that affects males and is characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome. The condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including tall stature, small testicles, and infertility. One of the less well-known symptoms is an increased risk for enlarged breasts. This is because the extra X chromosome can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to an increase in the levels of the hormone estrogen.

4. Recreational Drugs

Alcohol

Alcohol itself does not directly cause enlarged male breasts, but it can interfere with the body’s production of hormones and lead to the development of the condition. In addition, alcohol consumption can also exacerbate underlying health conditions that can contribute to enlarged male breasts, such as liver disease.

If you are concerned about your risk of developing this condition, you should talk to us about your alcohol consumption and get tested for any underlying health conditions. Taking these steps can help you lower your risk of developing gynecomastia.

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of testosterone, and they are often used by bodybuilders and other athletes to increase muscle mass. However, when steroids convert to estrogen in the body, they can cause a number of unwanted side effects, including the development of enlarged male breasts. In some cases, this condition may be permanent, even after discontinuing steroid use.

Amphetamines

Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that increase alertness and energy. They’re prescribed to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, they’re also sometimes used illegally as “study drugs” or as party drugs. Amphetamines can cause a number of side effects, including weight loss, increased blood pressure, and heart palpitations.

In rare cases, amphetamines can also lead to male breast enlargement. This side effect is thought to be caused by an increase in the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is responsible for milk production in women who are breastfeeding. The hormone is also present in men, but at lower levels. When levels are increased, it can lead to breast enlargement.

Marijuana

Research has shown that marijuana use can lead to an increase in the levels of the hormone prolactin, which can in turn lead to enlarged male breasts. In addition, marijuana use can also lead to an increase in the levels of estrogen. While not all men who use marijuana will develop enlarged breasts, it is important to be aware of the connection between the two.

Methadone

Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is commonly used to treat pain and addiction. While it is generally considered to be safe, it can cause several side effects, including enlargement of male breasts. In most cases, this is due to the fact that methadone inhibits the production of testosterone. As a result, men taking methadone may develop breasts that are larger than usual.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

At our practice, we offer both liposuction and breast reduction to treat this condition. These procedures can provide patients with significant improvement in their appearance, as well as boost their self-confidence. In addition, we are highly experienced in performing these procedures, so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands. Contact us today at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, to schedule an appointment.