Correcting gynecomastia
By Mary Malik
In one of Ann Landers’ most famous columns, it was written: “The first 80 years are the hardest. Life begins at 80.”
Bill, an active and now highly confident 85-year-old, couldn’t agree more. Last summer, Bill M. had gynecomastia surgery performed by Dr. Paul Vanek, FACS, a double-board-certified plastic and general surgeon in Mentor, to correct a problem that had affected Bill’s self-confidence for a very long time.
“As early as my 20s I felt self-conscious about my chest,” says Bill. “Then, about 30 years ago, a doctor suggested a procedure that involved cutting the nipple and folding the skin. I decided against it and waited again for years to do something about my problem.”
When Bill was in his 60s, he had a liposuction procedure that removed some of the fat and reduced the size of his breasts.
“That procedure did remove some of the fatty tissue, but not enough,” says Bill. “I was still hesitant to get in the pool with the grandchildren. I would always wear a towel draped around my neck to hide my chest.”
That “towel around the neck” look is now in the past for Bill. After Dr. Vanek performed the Vaser Liposelection procedure with breast tissue removal, he is wearing his swimsuit proudly and could not be happier about the results.
“I walk around flaunting my body now,” says Bill. “The procedure opened up a whole new world for me. I joined a health and wellness center where I swim and enjoy the sauna and whirlpool several times a week. It has changed my life and improved my overall health.”
These words are music to the ears of Dr. Vanek and his staff at Vanek Plastic Surgery.
“The Vaser Liposelection procedure allows me to be very selective regarding where fat is removed, so I can achieve optimal results for my patients,” says Dr. Vanek. “The instrument pulses at 36,000 cycles per second, which liquefies the glandular fat cells and allows them to be removed more quickly and easily than traditional liposuction.”
Vaser Liposelection is minimally invasive and results in more precise body contouring. Desired results can be achieved with just one procedure and outcomes can be customized for a patient’s individual needs.
“Along with removing fat, the Vaser procedure promotes maximum skin retraction to shrink skin for a tighter and smoother result,” says Dr. Vanek. “It’s almost like the skin is shrink-wrapped around the muscle. Bill had a great outcome and I was so happy to help him achieve his goal after so many years.”
Bill knows he’s not the only male who is dealing with this issue. Many men are not aware of the options available to fix the problem, or they just may be too embarrassed to seek help. That’s why Bill agreed to tell his very personal story.
“I consider myself lucky to have found Dr. Vanek,” says Bill. “I just happened to see an article about him and the gynecomastia Vaser procedure, so I talked to my wife, made a phone call and went in for a consultation.”
After talking with Dr. Vanek and viewing the before-and-after gallery showing how one of the area’s leading plastic surgeons had helped so many other patients, Bill was ready to schedule his procedure and change his own life.
Bill’s Vaser procedure was done under general anesthesia but it can also be performed under local anesthesia and sedation. Patients return home within a few hours after surgery.
“Depending on where on the body the procedure is performed, some type of compression garment is needed for a week or more after surgery,” says Dr. Vanek. “This helps to reduce any swelling that may occur.”
With the gynecomastia procedure, massage therapy is also recommended in order for the tissue in the surrounding area to settle and redistribute naturally.
“I’ve been coming in for a massage once a week since my procedure,” says Bill. “Jeni, the therapist, is wonderful. My chest is as flat as can be, and I feel great.”
Vaser Liposelection is recommended for any area of the body where unwanted fat cells deposit, such as under the arms, the chest, neck, waist, hips, thighs and breasts.
“Vaser is a gentler liposuction,” says Dr. Vanek. “Instead of using a manual motion with a cannula to break down the fat tissue, the ultrasound technology gently breaks down the fat cells and results in a faster, more comfortable recovery.”
Bill was thrilled with his speedy recovery, and the procedure’s results have changed his entire outlook on life.
“I’m looking forward to my future,” says the re-energized 85-year-old. “I met a guy at the wellness center who hesitated to get into the pool because he wanted to get some of the fat off first. I thought to myself, do I have the doctor for you.”
When he enthusiastically refers others to Dr. Vanek for gynecomastia, or any procedure, Bill recommends they don’t wait like he did.
“This issue has troubled me my whole life,” says Bill. “I was finally ready to do something about it and Dr. Vanek was the perfect doctor to do it.”
Dr. Paul Vanek’s office is at 9485 Mentor Ave., Suite 100, in Mentor. Call 440-205-5750 for more information or visitMentorPlasticSurgery.com.