Male Breast Reduction

Commonly referred to as “man boobs”, enlarged male breasts (either one or both breasts) can result in self-esteem issues that my lead to the wearing of heavy shirts and sweaters and the avoidance of athletic activities that may reveal the condition to others. This can especially hold true for adolescent males who may be the subject of teasing from their contemporaries and thus experience social trauma. However, this is not an unusual condition and is present in an estimated 40-60 percent of the male population.

An initial consultation with the surgeon is essential to determine if this procedure is right for you. Good candidates for surgery include those who have firm and elastic skin that will allow for effective re-shaping of body contours.

Gynecomastia surgery should be performed when the patient has passed puberty and fully mature, physically and emotionally. This will also allow the opportunity for the condition to correct itself, as it does in some cases by age 18 or 19. Exceptions to this may be in cases where the emotional trauma is severe, this should be discussed with the surgeon.

The causes of Gynecomastia can be varied and in a significant number of cases the causes can be unknown. However, contributing factors can be the use of steroids, medications containing the use of estrogen, alcohol, hormonal imbalances and heredity factors. The results are an increase in fat and glandular tissue in the breasts that cannot be addressed with diet or exercise. In some cases, exercise may even make the condition more noticeable.

Techniques

Liposculpture  - This is used in cases where the cause of the Gynecomastia is simply fatty deposits in the breast area as opposed to excess skin and glandular tissue. In Liposculpture Surgery, small incisions are made near the nipple and the excess fat is suctioned out through a thin hollow tube (cannula). The results, although permanent, may be less noticeable should subsequent obesity occur.

Surgical Removal of Glandular Tissue  - An incision is made at the lower edge of the areola and the glandular mass is removed through this site. This area is subsequently contoured (sometimes with the assistance of Liposculpture).

In rare instances where the excess skin also needs to removed, incisions are made underneath and around the areola as they would be in a female breast reduction or breast lift. The incisions are then sutured, and bandages will be applied to protect the area.

Recovery

Downtime is limited with the procedure and the patient usually returns to work within a week.  Light activity is resumed in a couple of days and sports or strenuous activities may be resumed in 2 to 4 weeks (depending on the surgeon’s instructions). There will be some pain along with bruising and swelling, you will be provided with a prescription for antibiotics and a pain medication, should you need it.  A special compression garment or dressing is usually worn for a couple of weeks (depending on the surgeon’s instructions).

Possible Risks and Complications

Some possible risks and complications from Gynecomastia Surgery are rare, but can include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, infection and excess fluid accumulation under the skin. The amount of scarring is dependent on the procedure, but is usually minimal. There can also be asymmetry issues involving size of the breasts and placement of the nipples.

In some cases, additional surgery may be indicated in order to correct asymmetry issues. The most important thing to note is that even though complications are relatively rare, the possibilities should be discussed, in detail, with the surgeon prior to surgery.