Popular Male Plastic Surgical Procedures

Male Plastic Surgery in Mountain View

It’s easy to believe that today’s “selfie culture” is a recent phenomenon. In reality, image has always been important, with roots that go far deeper than the Me Decade or the legendary self-regard of the Baby Boomers. After all, it was Aristotle who wrote: “The soul never thinks without a picture.” Continue reading “Popular Male Plastic Surgical Procedures”

Why Gynecomastia Correction Is One of the Most Popular Male Plastic Surgery Procedures

There was a time when the overwhelming majority of plastic surgery patients were women. Nowadays, it isn’t at all unusual for a man to pursue plastic surgery to correct features that bother him. Plastic surgeons like Dr. Alexander Ereso has seen a noticeable uptick in the number of men requesting plastic surgery.

In this post, Dr. Ereso wants to discuss one of the most popular procedures among male patients: male breast reduction to correct gynecomastia.

Understanding Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition in which men develop enlarged or oversized breasts. It may occur due to hormonal changes, genetic factors or medication use. Men with true gynecomastia have excessive glandular tissue, which cannot be reduced through diet and exercise efforts like fat reduction can. Glandular tissue must be removed surgically. The weight of the tissue can cause the breasts to sag and the areolas (dark skin surrounding the nipple) may enlarge as well.

Gynecomastia is often associated with feelings of emotional discomfort and low self-esteem. Many men with gynecomastia withdraw from social activities and intimacy because they are embarrassed by feminine-looking breasts.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

During gynecomastia correction, Dr. Ereso excises excess breast tissue and use liposuction techniques to remove additional excess fatty tissue from the breasts and chest. This flattens the breasts and creates a more masculine-looking chest contour. The addition of ultrasonic liposuction can be used to help tighten sagging skin.  The size of an enlarged areola is also reduced. Dr. Ereso perform the entire operation through a small incision along the lower border of the areola which, when healed, becomes inconspicuous.

Anesthesia is administered for complete patient comfort. Scarring is minimal and a return to normal routine occurs after about a week. Men usually take a week or less off from work after surgery, and are able to resume normal exercise about a month post-op. The results continue to improve for three to six months after surgery.

Men typically experience a boost in self-confidence and happiness after surgery. The confidence that comes from having a defined, masculine chest is undeniable. Many men find themselves eager to expand their social lives, move forward with their careers and re-enter the dating pool after gynecomastia correction.

Contact Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center

If you or a loved one is experiencing low self-esteem due to oversized “man boobs,” Dr. Ereso can help. Please call or email Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center to book a consultation to discuss your treatment options.

What Men Don’t Like about Their Bodies

A few months ago, RealSelf.com, a leading portal for plastic surgeons and their patients, surveyed doctors about plastic surgery trends in 2016. One of the most agreed-upon trends was the increase in men seeking plastic surgery to address physical insecurities. RealSelf identified five physical attributes that men are likely to mention in consultation with plastic surgeons. Since male plastic surgery is an area of interest at Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Alexander Ereso would like to share with our readers what these physical characteristics are, and explain what can be done about them.  

 1. Chin/Jawline

Since a strong, well-defined chin is a much-desired masculine characteristic, it is no surprise that most of the doctors surveyed by RealSelf expect an uptick in requests for chin and neck work this year. Our team has seen this trend reflected in our own practice. In fact, in April of last year, Dr. Pearl reported that aging corporate executives seek his expertise to enhance their chins and jawlines for a more virile look. Sometimes the problem is a receding chin, which can be built up with a chin implant. When the issue is a double chin, the injectable, Kybella can help reduce excess fat.

 2. Neck

Thanks to the increase in “selfies” and the quality of smartphone cameras, many men have become much more aware of their neck and desire a longer and leaner neck contour. There are several ways that Dr. Ereso can accomplish this, depending on the needs of the patient. Options include neck lift, neck liposuction and non-surgical skin tightening.

 3. Chest

With a large number of men suffering from gynecomastia (excessive breast tissue), achieving a flat, firm chest is a priority for many. According to 2015 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons – that we reviewed in February – 40 percent of breast reduction patients are now male.

 4. Eyes/Eyelids

The eyes and eyelids are a major contributing factor to the overall youthfulness of the face. In the past, our team has suggested that enhancing the eye area through eyelid surgery or brow lift can boost a person’s self-confidence and possibly even help employees over 50 maintain a competitive edge in the workplace.

 5. Lower Abdomen

Both men and women find it difficult to spot-tone the abdomen, especially the lower portion under the navel. RealSelf reports that men are more likely to seek treatments that women have been having for years, including liposuction, to flatten a protruding abdomen.

For more information about any of the procedures mentioned in this post, or to discuss your unique cosmetic concerns with our doctors, please call Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center at (650) 964-6600 today.

Can Plastic Surgery Help Your Career?

A number of studies have shown that the more attractive a person is, the more likely they will be given opportunities for career advancement. Therefore, it is no wonder that people – especially those in the age range of 50 and over – have turned to plastic surgery to give them a more youthful, alert and confident appearance. But can having plastic surgery really help a person’s career? Dr. Alexander Ereso of Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center helps to answer that question in this post.

Matching a Youthful, Competitive Environment

With more men and women in their 50s and 60s looking for work in a difficult job market, many of them are cognizant of having to compete with much younger applicants for jobs or promotions. Although age discrimination is illegal and unethical, many employers still often lean towards hiring younger people. For this reason, many people – both women and men –are taking extra steps to smooth out wrinkles and gain a more youthful, alert appearance. Even people as young as their 20s who are just out of college are using plastic surgery to make themselves more attractive for job interviews.

Better Self-Confidence to Propel You to the Next Level

Not only does our appearance have an impact on the world around us, it also fuels self-confidence, which often determines whether a person will put themselves out there for that promotion or ask for that raise. This is true for people of any age that wish to change something about their appearance that bothers them. A person who has had plastic surgery to enhance their appearance will more likely be able to look their boss in the eye, speak in a confident and relaxed manner and display other non-verbal communication cues that will cause their colleagues to pay more attention.

Popular Procedures for the Career-Minded

Recent studies suggests that the highest-ranking procedures for people looking to use plastic surgery as a means to further their career are:

  • Facelift surgery
  • Eyelid surgery
  • Brow lift surgery
  • Botox injections

Learn about Your Cosmetic Enhancement Options

If you find yourself lacking confidence because of some aspect of your appearance, we can help you to look and feel your best with one of our cosmetic procedures, some of which involve no surgery or downtime. If you would like to learn more about the procedures offered at Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center, schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Alexander Ereso by calling (650) 964-6600.

Does Drinking Beer Cause Man Boobs?

Lately, a troubling rumor has circulated the Internet claiming that drinking beer – especially “hoppy” styles like India Pale Ales – contributes to the development of excessive male breast tissue. Since Dr. Alexander Ereso treats men with enlarged breasts at Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center, he thought he would address this rumor. Here, the doctor sets the record straight on whether beer causes man boobs.

Where the Rumor Originated

Stephen Harrod Buhner, an herbalist and author, told the VICE News blog Munchies that a plant chemical in hops (found in beers) imitates the estrogen hormone. He claimed that drinking beer with lots of hops causes men to develop feminine attributes like large breasts and to suffer from sexual problems, including impotence. Fox News published an article piggybacking on Buhner’s claims, suggesting that men who drink strong India Pale Ales may notice their breasts overdeveloping.

Business Insider spoke with a University of Illinois professor, Richard van Breemen, who disputed Buhner’s claim, noting that there is a small amount of the estrogen-like compound, but it is so little that it is unlikely to disrupt a man’s hormones to the point of causing breast development.

With that information, feel free to continue to enjoy IPAs (responsibly, of course).

So, What Actually Causes Man Boobs?

Dr. Ereso explored the causes of excessive male breast tissue (a condition called gynecomastia) in a blog post in December. It is not always possible to diagnose the exact cause of gynecomastia. However, doctors believe it is usually due to hormonal imbalances, medical conditions and the use of steroids. Before recommending male breast reduction surgery, our doctors recommend candidates visit their primary care physicians for a full physical work-up to rule out any underlying medical causes.

If a candidate is deemed physically (and psychologically) healthy enough for surgery, our doctors can explore treatment options in more detail. Male breast reduction surgery involves removing excess breast tissue and reshaping the chest so it looks flatter and firmer. Enlarged or droopy areolas can also be corrected during surgery.

Male breast reduction can be a life-changing experience. Most men experience an enormous boost in self-confidence and are comfortable going shirtless at the beach, pool or gym.

Contact Our Plastic Surgeons

To learn more about gynecomastia and male breast reduction surgery, please contact Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center today and request a consultation. You can reach us by calling (650) 964-6600 today.

Number of Men Having Plastic Surgery Continues to Rise

One of the surprises in the recent plastic surgery procedural statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) was the rise in demand for male plastic surgery. According to the ASPS report, one out of every 10 plastic surgery patients is male.

Dr. Alexander Ereso has noticed an increasing number of men flocking to our plastic surgery practice in recent years. While each patient is considered on an individual basis and treatment is always personalized to their specific needs, there’s no denying that certain trends have emerged amongst our male clientele.

Here, the surgeons discuss some of these trends.

The Busy, Sleep-Deprived Father

Men may not carry and birth children, but their bodies are not immune to the effects of parenthood. Dr. Ereso commonly works with fathers that have noticeable signs of stress and sleep deprivation on their face, including lines, wrinkles and undereye bags. Often, the solution at Pearl-Ereso Plastic Surgery Center is to treat men non-surgically with cosmetic injectables to address these concerns and restore a rested, attractive facial appearance.

With their busy schedules, many dads find it difficult to get to the gym regularly, and may struggle with excess fat around the body (especially the midsection). SAFELipo body contouring is a great way to safely reduce unwanted fat for a flatter and firmer abdomen.

The Corporate Executive

With the job market as competitive as ever, older executives don’t want to be passed over for promotion because of their age. Aging men must communicate that they have the energy to sign new business, lead a team or land a promotion as effectively as someone younger. To “look the part,” many corporate executives seek Dr. Ereso’s male facial rejuvenation expertise.

Procedures as simple as the use of Botox to soften deep frown and forehead lines can make a significant improvement in your appearance with virtually no downtime. The placement of Voluma has been a fantastic addition to non-surgical improvement, particularly of the cheek and jawline area. The results in these areas typically last 1 ½ years or more! Voluma is a great way to restore lost volume to the face.

“The Voluma treatments I had significantly improved my mid-face appearance without having surgery!” according to Dr. Pearl.

Facelift or eyelid surgery can minimize signs of aging and give an executive the boost of confidence he needs to stay successful in the workplace.

The Muscular Bodybuilder

Competitive bodybuilders are extremely dedicated to sculpting their physiques. However, according to a report from the ASPS, many bodybuilders struggle with their chest, no matter how hard they work out. Anabolic steroids and hormone supplements, which some bodybuilders take to enhance their performance, can cause the development of excess breast tissue (a condition called gynecomastia). Oversized breasts may have serious career implications for these professionals. Luckily, our surgeons can eliminate excess breast tissue and sculpt the chest with male breast reduction surgery.

As a man, Dr. Ereso has an innate understanding of the ideal male aesthetic. He knows that men want to look natural, rugged and masculine, and he tailors his surgical techniques to deliver these kinds of results.

To learn more about plastic surgery for men, please contact Dr. Ereso and schedule an informational consultation. Call (650) 964-6600 today to make an appointment.

What Is Gynecomastia and How Is It Treated?

Gynecomastia is a term that means “enlarged male breasts.” Studies show that nearly half of all men will experience gynecomastia during their lives. Physically, it is not a cause for concern; however, it can be psychologically difficult to accept. Many men with gynecomastia feel uncomfortable or self-conscious of their bodies. Luckily, plastic surgeons have developed a solution: male breast reduction surgery.

Dr. Alexander Ereso treats gynecomastia at their Mountain View-based plastic surgery practice. Here, they explain what causes the condition, and what can be done about it.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is primarily caused by a hormonal imbalance. If a man develops high estrogen levels, his body will start to produce more breast tissue and his chest will look larger. Other possible causes include:

  • Medications – e.g., anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications
  • Drugs and alcohol – e.g., marijuana
  • Medical problems –e.g., kidney or liver disease, hyperthyroidism

Some men develop gynecomastia simply as the result of the aging process.

During your consultation, the plastic surgeon will take down a detailed health history to rule out any medical problems that could be causing excessive breast tissue. He will ask for a list of medications you currently take, including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies, and look for any drugs that could be contributing to the problem.

Certain cases of gynecomastia will resolve over time. If yours does not, and you are struggling with the appearance of enlarged breasts, you may opt for surgical treatment.

Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia surgery removes excess glandular and fatty tissue to produce a flatter, firmer and more masculine-looking chest.

Your treatment plan will be tailored to your unique needs, but generally, the surgical steps are as follows:

First, the plastic surgeon will make an incision along the lower edge of the nipple-areola complex. He will surgically excise excess glandular tissue to flatten the breasts. Then, he will use ultrasound-assisted liposuction techniques to remove localized fat deposits and “fine-tune” the results. Finally, he will close the incisions with sutures.

Swelling and mild discomfort are normal post-operative side effects, and will subside within a few weeks. The plastic surgeon will likely place a supportive garment around the chest to control the swelling.

While initial results are noticeable almost immediately after surgery, it can take several months for the full results to appear. Since the surgical incision is small, scarring is minimal.

Learn More about Gynecomastia Treatment

If you feel self-conscious about excessive breast tissue and desire a more masculine-looking chest, please contact our plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexander Ereso, today and book a consultation. Call (650) 964-6600 or send us an email at [email protected].