Meeting the Aesthetic Expectations of the Bodybuilder

Gynecomastia Surgery: A Closer Look
Gynecomastia is an unacceptable condition when it comes to bodybuilders.  Gynecomastia can develop in bodybuilders for many reasons.  Some hormones affecting growth and differentiation of breast tissue are growth hormone, estrogen, androgens, and progesterone.  A myriad of other peptides both endogenous and exogenously introduced can contribute to developing this condition.  Whatever the cause, the development is analogous to female breast development and the results are devastating.  It is unacceptable for a bodybuilder who invests the most time, energy, and money per day of life than any other sport or form of human competition to be hindered by breast tissue development.

Drug based therapy is not a viable solution for gynecomastia in the bodybuilder. Surgery is the only effective means of treating this condition.  It is important to note that of the general public gynecomastia patients, 50% are not satisfied with the post-operative outcome, as their aesthetic expectations have not been meet.  That being said, what the bodybuilder considers aesthetically acceptable is drastically more demanding than a general patient.  One can deduce from this, bodybuilders who do not extensively research for an exceptional, experienced surgeon will likely be disappointed with the results.

Gynecomastia is unacceptable to athletes, recreational bodybuilders, and especially competitive bodybuilders.  The staple poses of the competitor are the: quarter turn, front double bicep, front lat spread, abs and thigh, side chest, side tricep, rear double bicep, rear lat spread, and of course most muscular.  Competitors suffering from even a mild case of gynecomastia will be most vulnerable in posing the: quarter turn, side chest, and side tricep.

Most Vulnerable Poses

Quarter Turn

Side Chest

Side Tricep

Apex of Aesthetic Points

Contour
A surgery thats primary intention is to remove mammillary glandular tissue will often result in failure.  There are several features that demand more attention in catering a corrective surgical protocol to bodybuilders.  Bodybuilders obtain an extremely low percent body fat for a duration of time.  Percent body fat is inversely proportional to the aesthetic appearance of the gynecomastia present.  This is another reason why correcting the condition is required.  The musculature of the chest is a focal point in posing and more generally an accented feature on bodybuilders.  Breast tissue proceeds to develop as follows: growth and division of ducts, formation of club-shaped terminal end buds, then forming alveolar buds, clusters of buds make up a lobule, lobules differentiate into ductules.  This is significant because of the protrusion caused behind the nipple often made more pronounced by adipose tissue behind the gland.  The amount of tissue removed will be unique to the severity of each bodybuilder’s condition and physique.  Not removing enough tissue results in the failure to meet aesthetic requirements and enables the possibility of further breast development.  Removing excess tissue may result in depressions that cannot be acceptably fixed.  Achieving a natural contour is key to a successful surgery.  Achieving a natural contour will require a plastic surgeon with specialized experience, perfected technique, and skill.

Scars
Scars are unwanted by a general patient and as such are absolutely unacceptable for bodybuilders.  Avoiding scars requires delicate cosmetic surgical techniques.  A periareolar incision does not rule out the possibility of scaring.  A specialized surgeon with experience is key.

Example of Successful Surgical Treatment of Gynecomastia
Post-Operative Photos: 1 Year

Before photo: Bodybuilder with Bilateral symmetric gynecomastia.  Post Op Photo: No scarring.

Before photo: 3/4 Turn showing protrusion feminizing chest. Post-Operative Photo: Tight, natural contour with no scarring or depressions.

Gynecomastia Corrective Surgery performed by Dr. Mordcai Blau

Posted in Bodybuilders
Tags: Bodybuilders, Gynecomastia, Gynecomastia Surgery, Male Breast Reduction