Male Plastic Surgery Now Represents 25-30% of Chicago Practice's Patients

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Apr 4, 2013) - Dr. Brian Braithwaite and Dr. Lorri Cobbins cater to both men and women at their Chicago plastic surgery practice. In fact, approximately 25-30% of The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago's patient population is male.

According to Dr. Cobbins, the most common surgical treatment for the male patient population is correction of gynecomastia (otherwise known as male breast tissue). This male breast reduction procedure is used to correct overdeveloped or enlarged male breasts.

Men typically seek out treatment for gynecomastia if they are unable to achieve a flat, muscular-appearing chest even though they maintain a healthy diet, practice weightlifting, and are otherwise in excellent physical condition. Drs. Braithwaite and Cobbins also hear men speak of feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable taking off a shirt in public settings. Many men deal with this condition from the time of puberty. However, once they become aware that the condition is common and treatable, the patients of The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago are relieved to know a fairly non-invasive procedure can be used to correct the problem.

The Chicago plastic surgeons perform gynecomastia using liposuction, direct excision, or a combination of both. The specific techniques used will vary from case to case, depending upon if fatty tissue, fibrous breast tissue, or a combination of both is causing the condition. The small scar from liposuction is hidden near the underarm, and if direct excision is performed, the scar is placed within the junction of the pigmented areola and chest skin making it barely visible. This outpatient procedure is often performed in the office under local anesthesia and many men are able to drive themselves home from the office.

Immediately following their gynecomastia procedure, the men can see their results. Drs. Braithwaite and Cobbins note that, as with any surgical procedure, a moderate amount of swelling can occur and typically lasts for 4-6 weeks. During this time, patients should avoid any heavy lifting and wear a soft compression vest for the first two weeks to help keep swelling to a minimum. Both Chicago plastic surgeons encourage their gynecomastia patients to resume exercise with light cardio activities after one week.

About Lorri Cobbins, MD

Dr. Lorri Cobbins is a board-certified plastic surgeon. She earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri. Dr. Cobbins is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She practices full-time at The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, located in the West Loop. Dr. Cobbins is available for interview upon request.

About Brian Braithwaite, MD

Dr. Brian Braithwaite is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. Dr. Braithwaite previously served as Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He currently practices full-time at The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, located in the West Loop. He is available for interview upon request.