MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNECOMASTIA)

Gynecomastia is the medical term to define excess breast fat and glandular tissue in men. This common problem affects 40-60% of men and can affect one or both breasts. Though drugs, heredity, aging, and certain medical disorders have been linked with this condition, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help.

WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE?

Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy men of all ages. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours. Surgery may not be an option for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or dieting. Individuals who drink alcohol in excess, smoke, or take anabolic steroids are not the best candidates.

BEFORE SURGERY

During your initial consultation, the doctor will cover all areas of concern, including pre and post-operative care, risks, and answer any other questions you may have. Once he knows how much fat and glandular tissue is contained within the breast, he can choose a surgical approach to best suit your needs.

After your initial consultation, the doctor will do a complete physical examination and do some blood work at a second consultation. Photos will be taken to allow you to better see the physical changes once the operation is complete. The doctor will again review with you all the important issues regarding the surgery including pre and post-operative care, expectations and fees. He will also tell you what medications to avoid, such as aspirin, as it increases bleeding. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to avoid smoking two weeks before and after the procedure, as it can seriously affect the healing process.

THE SURGERY

The surgery is performed in our fully equipped surgery center under intravenous sedation and local anesthetic. The patient sleeps comfortably through the procedure and wakes up in the recovery room with no ill effects of general anesthetic.

If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excess fatty tissue, your surgeon will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola. The incision may also be placed in the underarm area. If excess glandular tissue is also the significant cause of the breast enlargement, it will be removed. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision is made in an inconspicuous location (usually the areola). Working through the incision, the surgeon removes the excess glandular tissue and fat from around the areola.

In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.

Once the incisions are closed, they are covered with a dressing and a compression vest is placed over the dressing.

AFTER THE SURGERY

The procedure is performed as a day surgery. After approximately one to two hours after surgery, patients are ready to be picked up by a responsible adult. You should also arrange for someone to stay with you for the next 24 hours. There will be some swelling and bruising for the next few weeks, but this discomfort can be controlled with prescribed medication. Vigorous activity should be avoided for 4 weeks, but you may return to work as early as 4 days after surgery. Stitches will be removed 1-2 weeks after the procedure. The final result of the surgery will be evident after 3 months.

Follow up appointments are booked for 10 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after the surgery.

RISKS

The risks associated with gynecomastia are uncommon, but do include reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, hematoma (blood collection), seroma (fluid collection), altered sensation of the nipple, minimal scarring, and nipple/breast asymmetry.

THE RESULTS

Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence. The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you’ll be very satisfied with your new look.