What to consider when pursuing male breast surgery

Gynecomastia is an increase size in male breasts. It can be a psychologically and emotionally debilitating problem for men. Many men avoid wearing tight shirts and are self conscious at the gym or swimming pool.  Gynecomastia is caused by significant weight gain, changes in hormones, body building steroids and other types of medication.

Gynecomastia correction involves liposuction of the fatty components. This method lives minimal scaring because fat is removed with a cannula in a few millimeter incision.  In more severe cases of gynecomastia the procedure includes both liposuction and direct excision of extra skin and fat. This method removes both hanging skin and fat, but will leave a longer scar. A compression vest will be worn for 6 weeks to help swelling go down. This procedure can be very satisfying and can boost self-esteem.

Contact Dr. Chen to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss an individualize treatment plan, 858.255.1538.

Commonly Asked Questions about Liposuction

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures performed by plastic surgeons. 

1. What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure that breaks down and removes the fat under the skin. It is not a weight loss procedure but a procedure that removes stubborn fat that does not diminish with diet and exercise. 

2. Where is liposuction be performed?

• Double Chin

• Back of Neck

• Bottom of Upper Arms

• Female Breasts

• Outer Thighs or Saddlebags

• Bra Strap Area

• Abdomen or Belly Pooch

• Muffin Top

• Love Handles

• Male Breasts

3. Who is an ideal candidate for the procedure?

The best candidates for liposuction are patients close to their goal weight, have good skin elasticity and are nonsmokers. These patients have subcutaneous fat between the muscle and the skin.  

4. Is liposuction a weight loss procedure? 

Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment; it is a fat reduction procedure. It is used to remove stubborn pockets of fat and for contouring of the body. Fat itself does not hold much weight.

5. How does a patient prepare for liposuction?

It is important to enlist a supportive family member who can drive you to and from surgery. Also, it is important to have someone who is available to assist you with your postsurgical care. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications prior to surgery and to stay hydrated before and after your procedure. 

7. How is fat removed?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves making small incisions and inserting a cannula with a suction device to extract fat. 

8. What is the recovery like?

The most common postsurgical effect is swelling to the treated areas. Dr. Chen can provide some post-operative medication to help with discomfort. A post operative compression garment should be worn following the procedure. The patient can return to work in a few days. Activities such as exercise can resume within 2-4 weeks. It is important to stay hydrated to ensure a faster healing time and to minimize chances of complications.

9. Is there scarring?

The cannula is a small instrument so the scars are minimal as well. The number of scars is based on the number of areas treated. 

10. Can the fat be added to other areas of my body?

Yes, it is very common to put fat removed from one area of your body into another. We often put fat into breast or buttocks, and this is called fat grafting. 

What is a “Vampire Facial,” or PRP facial?

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

This treatment is a combination of microdermabrasion or microneedling followed by the application of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). PRP is the serum portion of the blood which contains platelets. The platelets are high in growth factors, which can help stimulate healthy skin cell activity. 

The process begins with a blood draw and then running the blood through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. You'll then receive microneedling or microdermabrasion to prep and help improve penetration of the PRP. Once the platelets have been separated and the skin has been prepped, it is time to apply the PRP. Applying the PRP helps improve skin’s collagen and elasticity with its antioxidant and hydrating properties. 

PRP facial is great to prevent wrinkles and improve skin texture. It gives your skin an even tone and fresh appearance. It is great preventative option to keep your skin youthful, but it also can be used to help address current skin damage from the sun or gravity. 

Most people are great candidates for PRP facial, whether their goals are for preventative or restorative effects. However, if you have a history of blood disease, clotting or bleeding disorders, then PRP treatment may not be a safe option for you.

Dr. Chen is a board certified plastic surgeon who has years of experience performing PRP treatments. Please contact our office for a complimentary consultation to discuss if PRP treatments are right for you. 

What is a Brachioplasty or Arm Lift?

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

 The Brachioplasty procedure, also called an Arm Lift, is a procedure that contours the upper arm to give it a tighter and smoother appearance. Brachioplasty removes loose skin which can be attributed to gravity, medications, or significant weight loss. This excess skin may be difficult or impossible to work off through exercise alone. When elasticity is lost, the most powerful tool to improve this area is through removal of the skin. An incision is made from the armpit extending distally to where there is excess skin. This procedure can be performed in conjunction with liposuction to remove any stubborn fat in surrounding areas. A compression garment is necessary afterwards for continued contour of the area. If you are interested in a brachioplasty procedure, contact Dr. Charlie Chen for your complimentary consultation. 

How to Reduce Dark Spots

AUTHORED BY: CHARLIE CHEN, M.D.

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

Dark spots on the skin can come in many forms: sun spots, melasma, inflammation, trauma, and/or hyperpigmented scars. Your best defense against sunspot is a good sunscreen. This involves protection against not only sunlight but also our daily digital electronics, which emit HEV blue light. ZO® Skin Care has multiple sunscreen options including sunscreen + primer, sheer broad-spectrum sunscreen, and smart tone sunscreen. ZO® sunscreen has a wider range of protection in comparison to drugstore brands, as it protects against: UVB, UVA, BLUE LIGHT (HEV), and INFRARED (IR-A) light. Protection against harmful rays is key to keeping your skin complexion healthy and supple.

If you already have dark spots, there are more options today than ever before to lighten these hyperpigmented areas. ZO® Pigment control program + Hydroquinone is designed to combat the skin cells producing discoloration. It also helps with texture damage and restoration of skin health. There are also options to address dark sports that do not contain Hydroquinone, such as ZO® Retinol Skin Brightener 1%, Daily Power Defense, Wrinkle + Texture Repair and Brightalive Skin Brightener.

You don’t have to live with dark spots anymore. Depending on the cause, there are multiple treatments to target and lighten your skin, all while improving your overall skin complexion. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a ZO physician, Dr. Charlie Chen, for a free consultation at 858.255.1538. Dr. Chen can provide you with a customized skin care program to target your specific needs. ZO® allows for flexibility and customization because they understand that not all skin problems are alike.

Breast Implant Illness

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 

What is breast implant illness (BII)?

In some women, symptoms have been related with breast implants, including health problems such as: fatigue, weight fluctuations, joint pain, depression, sleep disturbance, rash, photosensitivity, chills, hair loss, chest pain, headaches, anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and fever. While research is ongoing on whether breast implants directly cause these symptoms, you know your body the best. You have the right to an en bloc implant removal procedure if you believe it is right for you. As Plastic Surgeons who place implants into your body, it is equally important to be able to remove them as necessary.

An en bloc implant removal entails removing the implant and capsule in one piece. This is a meticulous process in which every part of the capsule is removed, including parts that may be adherent to your chest wall. The contents of the breast implant and the capsule are then sent off to pathology for further analysis, including testing for bacteria, fungal infections, and cancers markers.

What is the post operative course like?

After surgery, you will have drains to collect any fluid that may fill up the breast space. A compression garment will also be used to collapse the previous implant space. The contents of removal will be examined by pathology, the results which may take one week to return. Also, Dr. Chen may also prescribe you antibiotics and antifungal medications to ensure we are treating potential infections.

How will I know if removing my breast implants will cure my symptoms?

There are no tests to help diagnose breast implant illness, but having your breast implants removed can help assess whether they were the cause of your symptoms. While BII patients may report improvement of symptoms once the implants are removed, there is always a chance that your symptoms may persist.

Complimentary Consultation

Dr. Chen is committed to treating the whole patient. He is dedicated to ensuring every meticulous step is taken to addressed your needs.  Contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss if en bloc capsulectomy and implant removal is the right decision for you, 858-255-1538.

What is a Non-Surgical Nose Job?

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 

Nose reshaping is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Patients often are looking to get rid of the bump in their nose or straighten out their nose.  The only surgical option available to change the shape of the nose use to be surgery. Now, we often perform what is known as a “liquid nose job.” It is a nonsurgical procedure that allows us to inject filler into various parts of the nose.

During a liquid rhinoplasty we use fillers to alter its shape, the nostrils or bridge height. The fillers add volume to the bridge of the nose which makes a nasal bump less visible and a give the nose a straighter appearance. We can also inject the fillers into the tip of the nose to create more of a turn up, and refine the facial harmony. The procedure takes around 20 minutes but slightly longer if numbing cream is applied.  There isn’t any downtime and the patient can return to work that day. 

The results of a “liquid nose job” can last between six to twelve months. The benefit of a “liquid rhinoplasty” is the filler can be dissolved with an injectable enzyme if you do not like the appearance, unlike a surgical rhinoplasty.  Also, some people opt for a “liquid rhinoplasty” to get an idea of what they might look like if they choose to go with the surgical rhinoplasty. Dr. Chen has experiencing in both liquid and surgical rhinoplasties.  You can contact our office at info@charliechenmd.com, or 858.255.1538 to schedule your free consultation today.

How to Reduce a Double Chin: Is Kybella or Liposuction Right for You?

Authored by: Charlie Chen, M.D.,

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Charlie Chen, a plastic surgeon of San Diego has several great options for double chin reduction, including neck liposuction and Kybella injections. Liposuction is a one-time procedure to remove fat from the neck area.  It is a surgical procedure so it comes along with some downtime, but there is no reason to return for more treatments. Kybella is a non-surgical option. It takes 15 minutes and has minimal downtime. There is some temporary swelling but patients are able to return to work that day. Most patients require four to six treatments so there can be an inconvenience of multiple appointments.

It is important to know both treatments are designed to remove fat from the neck area, not skin. So, it is important to discuss if your double chin is a product of fat or loose skin. If your double chin is a result of loose skin, than a neck lift is the correct surgical procedure. Dr. Charlie Chen has the experience and training to determine which options are best for you.

While having choices is important, Dr. Charlie Chen will carefully curate treatment options that are safe, effective and help you to reach your goals. To learn more about fat reduction options, call 858.255.1538 for a complimentary consultation.