"Gynecomastia or male breast reduction can be a very sensitive and highly emotional experience for male patients regardless of age. Unlike the breast of a woman, the male chest is expected to be flat and muscular. For an aesthetically pleasing pectoral muscle, or the "ideal" male chest, fat or breast tissue should be minimal above the muscle (similar to "six pack" abs). Realistically only very few athletes will have this kind of "ideal" chest." --Dr. Mordcai Blau
Gynecomastia (often referred to as ‘bitch tits') is a condition which is actually extremely common amongst male bodybuilders and can vary from mild to extreme depending on the genetic disposition of the individual.
In bodybuilding circles it can usually be attributed to the use/abuse of anabolic steroids.
As most people reading this will already be aware, when testosterone levels rise beyond a certain point the body can respond by producing enzy
mes that turn the extra testosterone into estrogen (a process known as aromatization) this leads to long term changes in the breasts and the development of female like breast tissue (Gynecomastia) in the male. Now due to the desire to keep this condition ‘under wraps' some men may refrain from going shirtless (not the best of situations for a bodybuilder) or attempt to mask the symptoms by using anti-estrogen drugs or aromatize blockers. These drugs may do a little to reduce the problem but in real life terms the ONLY way to eradicate Gynecomastia is via surgery...which brings us to the main aim of this article...
THE SURGERY
Let's face it, no one in their right mind LIKES surgery and many (myself included) have great anxiety and fear when it comes to confronting just the word, let alone the process itself! So when we are told that ‘surgery is the only real answer' we bury our heads in the sand in an ostrich like manner, apply some more ‘band aids' (estrogen blockers etc) and hope for the best. However, as anyone who read my recent story here on RX will know, I am about to undertake some major chest reconstruction surgery for my own gender realignment, so if I can do that...I call on all you guys out there still in denial about your Gynecomastia to really take charge of the situation and make a positive step towards enhancing your life.
THE SURGEON
So, with that in mind, let's take this journey towards a major life change one step at a time. First of all, a great amount of the fear will dissipate if you find yourself a really good surgeon. Thankfully, here at RX you can access one of the leading Gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr Mordcai Blau. He is the ONLY man our very own Dave Palumbo recommends to those seeking treatment - and for many good reasons!
Dr Blau performs over 200 operations every year to remove Gynecomastia (indeed that number could be
 |
 |
| Before | After |
closer to 300) thus making him the leading surgeon in the world for this procedure. His work has included performing surgery on many top competitive bodybuilders (including Dave Palumbo himself who was in fact one of Blau's first Gynecomastia patients over 20 years ago). In addition to being a world renowned cosmetic surgeon with numerous awards, certifications and recognitions one of the things I find very interesting about Dr Blau is that he is also highly respected in the art world for his painting and sculpting and has received an Excellence in Art Award from the Ruben Dario Cultural Institute. I find this both interesting and noteworthy as it is yet another insight into this man's eye for detail and aesthetic excellence. He also served in the Israeli Army and conducted reconstructive surgery for soldiers severely injured in battle. In fact, Dr Blau's merits and awards are so numerous that I have listed just a few of them below so that you can see the level of accomplishment this man has achieved and feel re-assured that consulting him and having him conduct your elected surgery is probably one of the wisest choices you will ever make...
DR MORCAI BLAU....A BRIEF OVERVIEW
Dr. Blau is a board certified plastic surgeon and has received his certification in the field of Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, which is the only organization recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties to certify a plastic surgeon. He is also a Diplomat of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons for the last fifteen years. Dr. Blau formerly was the Chief of Plastic Surgery in the Westchester Ambulatory Surgical Center (with approximately 100 surgeons)
 |
 |
Dr. Blau specializes in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. The University of Tel-Aviv awarded Dr. Blau his Medical Degree in 1973. His internship and residency in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery were completed at Albert Einstein Medical School in New York. Dr. Blau instructed medical students in the anatomy labs of both Albert Einstein Medical College and the New York Medical College.
Several times each year, Dr. Blau updates his training in courses given by top U.S. Universities (Harvard, UCLA and NYU) among others. He regularly attends seminars and conventions, both in and out-of-state, for the purpose of continuing education.
Most of the cosmetic surgery procedures are done in Dr. Blau's surgical office-based facility in White Plains, NY, which is fully accredited by JCAHO (the same prestigious organization accredits 80% of the hospitals in the U.S.). His staff of professionals (anesthesiologists and nurses) are fully accredited.
Dr. Blau is affiliated with the well reputed White Plains Hospital, which is located just 2 blocks from the office.
YOUR SURGERY
Now, having been introduced to the man, how about your surgery? Well let's hear from Dr Blau himself as he discusses his Gynecomastia surgery technique...
"Everything I do is carried out through a 1" to 1 1/2" incision into the lower part of the areola (at the border of the pigmented skin). I can remove as much as 15cm of glandular tissue through this incision. I usually do only one incision. If I do liposuction as well I do liposuction of the left breast from the right side and the right breast from the left side...which means you have only one incision in each breast. It is a common misconception that placing the incision on the side rather than in the front of the breast makes the scar less noticeable. When I put it between the breasts (the areola and the skin) 99% of the time people tell me that no -one notices it. I even have people say ‘oh, you didn't make any incision!' On the other hand, if you put the incision on the side - even a smaller one for liposuction - 50% of the time the scar is a lot worse.
"This brings me to another point...there are some surgeons who claim to be able to get rid of Gynecomastia with liposuction. Let me tell you, there is no way you can eradicate Gynecomastia with liposuction. They may tell you that they have special instruments, but trust me, this is all bull...there is no way you can remove true Gynecomastia this way.
"In over 200 cases, I have rarely used drains or other compression garments. Routine follow-ups include a suture removal visit in 5-7 days. Training can normally resume in 2-3 weeks in a gradual manner.
The most important thing about my procedure is that it has practically eliminated the need for additional surgery. The most commonly used surgical technique usually results in the need for additional surgeries since most surgeons do not remove all the underlying breast tissue. My motto has always been, let's get it correct the first time so that we can minimize your time under the proverbial knife!"
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Having selected your surgeon, your first step is to have an initial consultation during which you will be expected to supply your physician with a complete medical history. An examination and certain lab tests may be conducted at this time also. A mammogram or breast ex ray may be recommended to determine the amount of fat and glandular tissue present. At this stage it is wise to fully discuss any questions you may have regarding the treatment and the costs.
You will be given specific instructions, including diet, taking certain vitamins and medications and ceasing anything that may impede healing. It is important to note here that Hematoma and Seroma (the accumulation of blood and blood products) may cause excessive swelling of the breast after Gynecomastia treatment surgery which sometimes requires intervention. The use of supplements such as Omega 3's, Vitamin E, aspirin or blood thinners and anabolic steroids must be stopped prior to surgery in order to avoid unnecessary complications.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
It is perfectly normal to experience some form of discomfort for a few days after your procedure. This can be controlled with medication and it is wise to have someone drive you home after surgery and help you for a couple of days afterwards if necessary. Bruising and swelling may also make it look like there has been no improvement in your condition; however this will disappear in the first few weeks. You may also be told to wear an elastic pressure garment around the clock for a week or two (and perhaps for longer at night).
Light activity can be resumed within a week but heavy exercise should not be undertaken for at least three weeks - you will be advised by your surgeon on this. Sun exposure to the area where the scars are present must be avoided for at least six months as sunlight can cause the scar to darken permanently.
IN CONCLUSION
There is no doubt in my mind that anyone who suffers from Gynecomastia owes it to themselves to consult with a surgeon such as Dr Blau. His results speak for themselves and you can see more of his work by going to one of his many specialized websites www.gynecomastia-md.com. As he says "A picture is worth a thousand words" and his results are truly amazing.
In the months ahead I will be looking at some of Dr Blau's other procedures, including breast augmentation. In addition, I will be documenting my own personal experience with this phenomenal surgeon as he undertakes my chest reconstruction surgery at the beginning of next year.
You can contact Dr Blau for more information on his surgical procedures on the aforementioned website and also http://www.cosmetic-md.com. In addition you can check out his exclusive Q & A column on the RX Forums.
Subscribe to RxMuscle on Youtube
