Model Image Pectoral Implants FAQs

New York City, Pectoral Implants: frequently asked questions


Who can benefit from pectoral implants?
In men who cannot achieve their desired results through exercise, pectoral implantation can give the existing muscles a toned, enhanced look. Pectoral implants are designed to define and shape the chest area. For patients with congenital defects or loss of muscle in an accident or injury, the procedure can often reproduce a natural and more symmetric chest area.

Pectoral implants can help build self-confidence in individuals who were once embarrassed by their appearance. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, the result is the athletic, natural appearance of a well-proportioned torso.

What will happen at the initial consultation?
During your consultation, Dr. Zevon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. He will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and is risks and limitations. He will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility, and costs.

Dr. Zevon will begin with a complete medical history and examine your chest area. He will also take photos, and give you specific instructions preparing for surgery, including guideline for eating and drinking, smoking and taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications.

Dr. Zevon will also discuss the different shapes and sizes of pectoral implants that are available. Some patients may choose pre-shaped implants. Others, especially those with an accident or birth defect, may choose to have a custom implant made. This may delay the surgery. It generally takes 6-8 weeks to create the implant based on a mold of the chest area. In some cases, the surgeon may choose to take a standard implant, and carve it into the desired size and shape.

Dr. Zevon will help you pick the implant that is best for the shape and size of your muscles. The goal is an implant that will appear as natural and realistic as possible. Be sure to tell the surgeon if you have had previous implant surgery, if you smoke, or if you take any drugs or medications, including aspirin, and if you have a tendency to form large scars or keloids.

Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the surgery, and ask to see photos of the doctor’s recent patients, before and after surgery.

How is pectoral implant surgery performed?
Dr. Zevon may show you the different shapes and sizes of implants that are available. Together, you will pick one that forms naturally to the curves and shape of your existing muscles.

Dr. Zevon most often begins pectoral implant surgery by making a small incision in the armpit. Following the path of the incision, he places the implants under the pectoral muscles. The incisions are then sutured and the surgery is complete. The implants are held in place by the overlying chest muscles or by sutures that may temporarily be visible through the skin.

How long does the surgery take?
Pectoral implant surgery usually takes between one and two hours to complete and is typically done under a general anesthesia.

Where will the surgery be performed?
Pectoral implant surgery is performed in our AAAASF accredited ambulatory surgical facility at 75 Central Park West. Most pectoral implantations are performed under general anesthesia, so that you will not be awake during the procedure.

Typically, pectoral implant surgery is done on an outpatient basis. This means that you will be able to go home almost immediately afterward.

How much pain is there?
The amount of pain experienced varies by individual, and depends on the method used. You should discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with your Dr Zevon in order to help him/her determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best result for you.

What can I expect after surgery?
Dr. Zevon may apply incision dressings or drains after the surgery. In these cases, you will be given specific instructions about changing bandages etc. Most patients will wear an elastic bandage or vest to reduce swelling.

However, patients who undergo pectoral implant surgery usually experience mild to moderate amount of pain in the days following the procedure. Soreness and bruising are common and should fade within a week or so. Doctors may prescribe oral mediation to lessen the pain. Aspirin should be avoided as it may promote more bleeding and bruising. By the second week after the procedure, most individuals will be able to resume many normal, everyday activities.

What is the recovery period like?
Full recovery from pectoral implant surgery can take four to eight weeks. However, most patients are able to resume all activities within a month.

What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
Most people are pleased with the results of pectoral implants. The implants themselves are designed to last a lifetime. Barring significant complications, secondary surgery is rarely needed. The results of pectoral implantation are different for every individual. Remember that depending on your body shape and size, having the biggest implant may not be the most desirable option. Always discuss the changes that you want with your doctor in order to make sure that they are reasonable and achievable.

Other information
In some cases, pectoral implants can be combined with liposuction in order to create optimal results. The fat around the chest area may be removed before the implants are inserted. The combination of these two procedures can give the implants more definition.

May patients become concerned with the similarities between male and female breast implants. It should be noted that the pectoral implants are not made from the same silicone material used in female implants. For men, the material is actually a solid yet soft material (similar to the material often used in athletic mouth guards) that cannot leak or break.

Questions to ask Dr. Zevon:

  • Are the desired results I described realistic?
  • Where is the surgery performed? How long will the procedure take?
  • Can the results I want be achieved through exercise?
  • Are there other procedures that I should consider to enhance the affects of this procedure?
  • What kind of anesthesia is used?
  • How much does it cost?
  • Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated/corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
  • May I see “before and after” photos of recent patients?
  • May I have contact information for recent pectoral implant patients? (Follow up to get first-hand information on the procedure and the surgeon.)
  • What should I expect post-operatively, in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
  • Who will be assisting during the surgery? What are their qualifications? (Does the plastic surgeon perform the entire surgery?)
  • Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
  • Do you offer patient financing?


Be sure to:

  • Tell Dr. Zevon about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
  • Tell Dr. Zevon if you have any serious medial condition(s)
  • Tell Dr. Zevon about all medications you hare taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
  • Carefully follow any instructions your surgeon gives you regarding eating and drinking, smoking, and vitamins
  • Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines, as well as anti-inflammatory medicines such as Nuprin, Motrin, and Advil for two weeks prior to surgery. Also avoid herbal remedies such as St. John’s Wort, gingko biloba, some types of Chinese black mushrooms and other natural medicines and foods that may thin the blood.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.

Call (212) 496-6600