uh oh - wearing compression vest for first time tonight...

[Chodel]

eek, i know its not exactly a major thing, but wearing my underworks vest to bowling tonight.  rather nervous my friends will spot something, but equally looking forward to wearing just a t shirt.

However, concerned they might think... blihhhhmey how come he isnt covering up so much (assuming they have noticed in the past), so i am being careful to not be too showy.  Even been practicing bowling moves to see if the shirt rides up and reveals it lol  (the things we do).  Oh well, just got to try it and see, its not a long term thing but at least i might be able to enjoy wearing a t shirt once in a while (til surgery).  Also if it is spotted my excuse is "its a sport vest" - i pulled muscles in my lower back and the doctor suggested this.  Let's hope it will do if it comes to this!  although i'm sure im worrying too much.

anyway,

/ramble off

[tunapuff]

Try not to think about it...in reality no one actually looks that closely anyway.

[DrBermant]

eek, i know its not exactly a major thing, but wearing my underworks vest to bowling tonight.  rather nervous my friends will spot something, but equally looking forward to wearing just a t shirt.

However, concerned they might think... blihhhhmey how come he isnt covering up so much (assuming they have noticed in the past), so i am being careful to not be too showy.  Even been practicing bowling moves to see if the shirt rides up and reveals it lol  (the things we do).  Oh well, just got to try it and see, its not a long term thing but at least i might be able to enjoy wearing a t shirt once in a while (til surgery).  Also if it is spotted my excuse is "its a sport vest" - i pulled muscles in my lower back and the doctor suggested this.  Let's hope it will do if it comes to this!  although i'm sure im worrying too much.

anyway,

/ramble off

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.

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