As a man in the United States who lives in Pennsylvania and chose to have breast implants, I've learned that balancing personal body choices with traditional professional expectations comes down to being comfortable with who you are while understanding the environment you work in.
I work in a professional setting where I interact with employers, community organizations, government agencies, Federal, County, and State prisons, and the general public. I understand that a man having breasts isn't something everyone is accustomed to seeing, especially in more traditional workplaces.
I had my first breast augmentation in March 2023 and a revision in January 2026. I made these decisions for myself, not to make a statement, challenge anyone's beliefs, or seek attention. Having breasts was something I wanted for many years, and I'm still the same man I was before surgery.
When it comes to my professional life, I believe in dressing appropriately for the situation without compromising who I am.
Sometimes that means wearing a button-down shirt, with an undershirt, or a compression bra to make my chest less noticeable. Other times, I wear my regular clothes and don't give it much thought. I don't go out of my way to hide my breasts every day, but I appreciate having the option to be more discreet when I feel it's appropriate.
I also don't believe I owe everyone an explanation about my body. My coworkers, employers, and the people I serve should know me for my experience, work ethic, professionalism, and how I treat others. If someone genuinely asks about my chest, I can decide whether I want to discuss it.
My wife has also been a tremendous source of support throughout this journey. Having someone who understands and supports my decision has made it easier to be comfortable with myself, both personally and professionally.
I recognize that attitudes toward personal appearance and body choices vary considerably throughout the United States. What might be accepted without a second thought in one workplace or community could attract unwanted attention in another. That's simply a reality I take into consideration.
But here's how I look at it.
My body is my personal business, and my professionalism should be measured by the quality of my work, not the shape of my chest.
At 63 years old, I've reached a point in my life where I'm not interested in spending the rest of my years worrying about whether everyone approves of my appearance. I spent enough years thinking about breast augmentation before finally making the decision to do something for myself.
I don't expect everyone to understand my choice, and I don't need everyone to agree with it. I simply expect to be treated with the same professional respect I extend to others.
Finding that balance for me means using good judgment, respecting the workplace, and staying true to myself. Having breasts doesn't change my abilities, my character, or my dedication to my job.
I'm a man who happens to have breast implants. It's part of who I am, but it doesn't define everything about me.
What about everyone else? How do you navigate the balance between your personal body choices and the traditional expectations of the professional world?