What is Male Breast Reduction?
Gynecomastia is a common disorder in which there is a benign enlargement of breast tissue in males. It is very common in adolescence and again later in life and has been reported in up to 70% of males at some point during puberty. Often it will resolve, but persistence can be physically deforming and cause significant psychological stress. Fortunately, gynecomastia is easily treatable with both liposuction and excisional techniques and seldom recurs.
Quick Facts
- LENGTH: 1.5 hours or more.
- ANESTHESIA: Light general. Usually outpatient surgery.
- SIDE EFFECTS: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation.
- RISK: Infection. Injury to the skin. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Asymmetry. Excessive scarring if tissue was cut away. Need for second procedure to remove additional tissue. Decrease nipple sensitivity.
- RECOVERY: Tasks of daily living may be resumed immediately. Back to non-strenuous work (no lifting greater than 10 lbs) in 5 to 7 days. No strong pushing, pulling or repetitive upper body movements for 3 weeks.
- EXERCISE: Resume low impact activities at 2 – 3 weeks (1/3 duration of exercise, repetitions, amount of weight and pulse rate). Moderate impact activity @ 4 – 6 weeks. Full intensity including high impact (running, horse back riding, high impact aerobics) @ 8 weeks.
- FADING & SCAR IMPROVEMENT: 6 to 12 months.
- SWELLING: Moderate/Significant 4 weeks, Subtle/Mild 2 to 3 months, all of which are dependent upon extent of procedure(s).
- DURATION OF RESULTS: Variable. Breast size may fluctuate with weight changes, but results should be permanent
- OFFICE VISITS: 1st 3 to 5 days / 2nd Visit 10 to 14 days. Anticipated office visits: 4 to 5 the first 3 months then yearly.
- GARMENT WORN: Elastic support vest for 3 to 4 weeks.
- PAIN MEDS: Ibuprofen or Narcotics as needed.
Considerations
Gynecomastia is a condition of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity or the use of certain drugs.
Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
Gynecomastia is characterized by:
- Excess localized fat
- Excess glandular tissue development
- Sometimes excess breast skin
- Presence unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)
Gynecomastia surgery reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.
In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.
Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty.