Pectoral Etching: A Viable Option for Men with Poorly Defined Chests, ASPS Study...

Pectoral Etching: A Viable Option for Men with Poorly Defined Chests, ASPSStudy FindsFringe Procedure Removes Shame of Full ChestARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Nov 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For men with mildgynecomastia or excess breast tissue, the shame of their pecs can beparalyzing. Pectoral etching is proving to be a viable option for men who donot want pectoral implants but want to feel more comfortable with their chest,according to a study in December's Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(R)

(PRS), the official medical journal of the American Society of PlasticSurgeons (ASPS). "Although not common, requests for pectoral etching are increasing slowly,"said Henry Mentz, MD, ASPS Member Surgeon and study co-author. "Many mensimply don't know the procedure is even out there let alone that it's a safe,effective option for them."During pectoral etching, targeted liposuction is used along the lower andouter edges of the chest muscles. A modest fat pad is left over the pecs,creating a noticeable contrast outlining the muscle. Many patients who want the procedure suffer from minor gynecomastia or havelost weight but still have a more feminine-looking chest. Other patients areserious athletes that, despite working out and eating right, cannot developthe masculine, muscular chest they desire. To get a balanced look, thesepatients often have both abdominal and pectoral etching.Unlike pectoral implants, etching leaves virtually undetectable scars, has nopotential rejection issues and offers permanent results. Of the more than 200men who had pectoral etching, only four experienced minor complications,according to the study."Pectoral etching can be a life-altering experience for patients," said Dr.Mentz. "For 74 years, one patient wouldn't remove his shirt in public. Lastyear he proudly spent his vacation on the beach in Hawaii."In a recent study presented at Plastic Surgery 2007, the annual scientificmeeting of the ASPS, all study participants who had abdominal etching, asimilar procedure, reported an improvement in appearance. In addition, 86percent reported they were satisfied with their surgery. More than 1.1 million men had plastic surgery in 2006, up 8 percent since2000, according to ASPS statistics. More than 400 pectoral implant procedureswere performed on men last year, up 99 percent since 2005.Visit www.plasticsurgery.org for referrals to ASPS Member Surgeons and tolearn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization ofboard-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 6,000 members,the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source oncosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 90percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Foundedin 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board ofPlastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.SOURCE American Society for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryASPS Public Relations, +1-847-228-9900, media@plasticsurgery.org