Male Breast
Reduction
(Gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia, an overdevelopment of male
breast tissue, is a condition that affects an estimated 40 to
60 percent of males. And although it is quite common, it remains
a source of embarrassment and many men affected with this condition
are extremely self-conscious. Some studies have linked certain
drugs, medications and medical problems to this condition. This
procedure can help to create better contour, flatness and a firmer
look to the male chest.
Male breast reduction surgery can eliminate
excess fat and/or glandular tissue. This is accomplished through
liposuction or by cutting out or excising fat or glandular tissue,
creating a look to the chest that is considered to be more masculine.
The Procedure
If your condition is mainly the result of
excess fatty tissue, liposuction will be utilized to remove the
excess fat. A small incision, less than half an inch in size,
is made around the edge of the areola--the pigmented area encircling
the nipple. A slender, hollow tube-like instrument, called a
cannula, is attached to a vacuum pump and inserted into the incision.
The cannula is then guided by your surgeon to break up layers
of fat beneath the skin and suction it out of the breast.
If excess glandular tissue is the main cause
of enlarged breasts, your surgeon will choose to excise or cut
out this tissue out using a scalpel. The excision will be made
in a well- concealed area on the edge of the areola or under
the arm. Working through this incision the surgeon will excise
the glandular tissue. Excision may be performed alone or in conjunction
with liposuction.
For men who have an extremely large amount
of fat or glandular tissue in the breasts, it may be necessary
to also excise skin. Skin may not contour well to the breast
area once fat or glandular tissue is removed leaving the patient
with saggy breast skin.
Who is a candidate for male breast
reduction?
- The best candidates for breast reduction are men who have
firmness and good elasticity in the skin that will reshape to
the breasts new contour after reduction.
- Those men with excess fat or glandular tissue in one or both
breasts who are self-conscious and avoid taking their shirts
off, going to the beach or working out at the gym due to embarrassment.
How will I look and feel after surgery?
- You can expect swelling, bruising and some discomfort for
a few days following surgery. Much of this discomfort can be
controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon.
- To reduce swelling, you will wear a compression garment for
the first couple of weeks or longer.
- Most of the swelling bruising and discomfort will decrease
within a few weeks.
- Results of your surgery may not truly be noticeable for up
to 2-3 months or more.
- A scar will be noticeable in the areola or through the armpit
but the scar appearance may improve with time.
When can I resume normal activities?
- You can return to work after a day or two or when you feel
well enough to do so.
- Walking and moving around is encouraged within a day or two.
- Heavy activities such as working out, should be avoided for
about 4 weeks
- It will be about 4 weeks until you return to all of your
normal activities.
- Sun exposure should be avoided for about 6 months to help
eliminate darkening of your scar.
Results of the surgery
Men who choose to
eliminate excess breast tissue are extremely satisfied with
their results. Flatness and firmness as well as improved shape
to the breasts can increase self-confidence and improve life
for many patients. Those who were self conscious about doing
things that most men take for granted such as swimming, working
out or going to the beach can now enjoy life’s pleasures
without worrying about their appearance.
The results of male breast reduction are
permanent.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE
- There are risks associated with any surgical
procedure.
- The specific risks
and suitability of each procedure for a given individual can
only be determined at the time of consultation.
- Minor complications that do not affect
the outcome may occasionally occur.
- Major complications are rare.
- Your plastic surgeon will review any and
all risks and benefits with you during a private consultation.
