Gynecomastia, also known as Male Breast Reduction
What You Need to Know About Gynecomastia Surgery
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Although rarely discussed, enlarged male breasts is a common condition. Gynecomastia affects approximately 40 to 60 percent of men. There is no known cause for gynecomastia, although there has been some correlation with various drugs or medical conditions.
Men who feel self-conscious about their appearance are helped with breast-reduction surgery. The procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a contoured chest that is flatter and firmer.
More about Gynecomastia or Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia is a medical term that originates from the Greek words for “women-like breasts.” This condition is far more common than many realize. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population. It may affect only one breast or both. Although certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, medications containing estrogen, alcohol, marijuana, etc., and medical conditions including cancer, impaired liver function, to name a few, may cause or contribute to enlarged male breasts, it is widely accepted that a large percentage of cases derive from unknown sources.
Men of any age who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours. In some instances, surgery may be discouraged for overweight men who have not first tried an exercise and diet regimen.
Enlarged male breasts can be reduced by liposuction and/or by cutting out excess glandular tissue. The procedure for male breast reduction takes an average of two hours, usually on an outpatient basis, using general or local anesthesia. If excessive glandular tissue, fat and skin is present, it will be removed.
Plastic surgery may be performed alone or in conjunction with lipoplasty, where the suction device will typically be inserted through the existing incisions. For the removal of excess fatty tissue alone, liposuction may be all that is needed; in such cases, scars will be small and barely visible.
Liposuction
before
after
Excision
Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.
before
after
Results are permanent, although subsequent obesity can create a gynecomastia-like effect. Some of the benefits of surgery include a firmer, flatter, more contoured chest which may give the male patient a boost in self-confidence. There is little downtime, and you may return to work within one week usually, unless you are involved in strenuous activities. There will be scarring around the nipple of the breast (areola) from this procedure but will fade over a period of time and be less visible. There will be some post-operative bruising, swelling, and burning sensation. To assist with the healing process, the patient will wear an elastic pressure garment for 3-6 weeks and must avoid exposing scarred areas to the sun for at least 6 months.
Other considerations include temporary numbness or lack of sensation that could last up to a year. Infrequent complications may include infection, skin damage, fluid accumulation, bleeding, scarring or pigment changes. Post-operative asymmetry, while rare, is possible; a second procedure may be needed to remove additional tissue.
Contact Dr. Glassman’s office today to schedule an appointment. Dr. Glassman and the friendly staff at Glassman Plastic Surgery will be more than happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have regarding a Gynecomastia procedure.
More Information About Male Breast Reduction
Here are some helpful links to help you learn more about male breast reduction surgery:
Male Breast Reduction from American Society of Plastic Surgeons Web Site
Male Breast Reduction from The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Web Site
