Lost a lot of weight, but still heavy (really need gynecomastia)

[x1weak]

Hey everyone,

I was 423lbs (had gastric bypass) and am currently around 240lbs.  I am 5'9" and I really need gynecomastia.  I know it is best to get to "normal weight" before having plastic surgery, but I am having PS in 5 other areas.  I am currently losing about a pound a week and I know I should be patient, but its very hard dealing with all this excess skin.  What would you say was a good goal weight to reach before having any plastic surgery?

thanks

[9Wolf]

Wow! You've lost a lot of pounds buddy. I had a friend that did that but he stalled out at 290 (from 450.)

I myself lost about 60 pounds via just an ordinary low-carb diet (from 225 to 165) to get myself ready for the surgery. I'm same height as you, about 5'10. In my opinion, it will make it easier on the surgeon to do a better job because he can clearly see your natural muscle and body contours the slimmer you are. If he has to sift through too much fat, it will make it that much harder for him to get the right amount out and do it right the first time I would think. Mainly because if you have too much around you in other areas, he has to leave an equalizing amount in your chest to make it look normal, and that's where problems can occur... just my opinion.

[DrBermant]

Hey everyone,

I was 423lbs (had gastric bypass) and am currently around 240lbs.  I am 5'9" and I really need gynecomastia.  I know it is best to get to "normal weight" before having plastic surgery, but I am having PS in 5 other areas.  I am currently losing about a pound a week and I know I should be patient, but its very hard dealing with all this excess skin.  What would you say was a good goal weight to reach before having any plastic surgery?

thanks

Congratulations on the weight loss so far!  Does it not feel so much better with all of that mass gone?

Wearing the extra fat is not healthy.  Check out your risks with a BMI Calculator (Body Mass Index)

Plastic surgery is better after weight loss, losing weight is a coarse tool. Plastic surgery is better used for refinement.

Here is an example of the major change in fat after weight loss, residual fat, gland, and skin can still be issues that surgery can help.

Weight Loss, Dealing With Excess Skin of the Chest and Body is also a major emotional issue.

Check out this resource on the emotion of body lift surgery for those after massive weight loss:

Personal experiences and emotions of dealing with weight, loose skin, and body lift surgery.

We have many patients, family members, and parents who have raved how a compression garment can really help while waiting for surgery or until stabilization of a problem.

Body shaping garments are a good temporary contouring solution.  They do not help remove or treat gynecomastia.  When the garment is removed, the gynecomastia is still there.  They can provide an emotional band-aid for the stress of contour issues and bouncing tissues.

There is a theoretical advantage for the person losing weight.  Scars that evolve under pressure do better than scars without pressure.  These garments are designed to help with pressure and scar evolution.  With weight loss, there is the issue of skin shrinkage.  Pressure may help.  However, there are no studies to evaluate such issues.  Trying to desing such a study is difficult if not impossible.

You can see actual examples of Compression Chest Contouring Without Surgery for different types of gynecomastia here:

Compression Contouring After Massive Weight Loss

Body Shaping for Puffy Nipples

Body Shaping Compression Contouring for Overweight Male - This one shows the Black Vest in use.

Body Shaper Compression Garment for Severly Obese Male

Check out the multiple views for each patient. Clink on the links to see other views of the garment and features of this design I prefer.  We have tried many other brands and none seem to come close to what this one offers.

After surgery compression garments do not do well in pool water or sea water.  The salt or chlorine can damage the fabric.  There are Sun Protection Clothing Options designed for water use. 

A wet suit can also help.  Using a thin neoprene like Microprene can flatten the chest in water like a compression garment can help on land.  The after surgery garments do not work well in water, the wet suits do.  Both can be hot to wear, that is why I prefer a very thin garment.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Chest Sculpture

[Grandpa Bambu]

Hey everyone,

I was 423lbs (had gastric bypass) and am currently around 240lbs.  I am 5'9" and I really need gynecomastia.

You are the first guy I've known who wants Gynecomastia! 

GB

[DrBermant]

Hey everyone,

I was 423lbs (had gastric bypass) and am currently around 240lbs.  I am 5'9" and I really need gynecomastia.

You are the first guy I've known who wants Gynecomastia! 

GB

My guess is that he wants gynecomastia correction.  The male chest deformity after massive weight loss can exert an enormous emotional toll on patients who suffered being overweight.  As they lose the weight, the loose skin and drooping tissues can freak many out to the degree that give up and put the weight back on!  Emotional support can help as well as the above mentioned body shaping techniques until enought weight is off and the skin has had a chance to adjust as much as it can.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Chest Sculpture