Breast reduction surgery reduces discomfort caused by large and heavy breasts.

Breast Enhancement Plastic surgery male breast reduction

Male Breast Reduction Surgery – Gynecomastia

Male Breast Reduction Surgery – The Less Talked About Surgery

Male Breast Reduction Surgery is the procedure to treat “woman-like breasts” or gynecomastia found in majority of men. Though Gynecomastia affects 40 – 60% of men, it is a less talked about surgery. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

Gynecomastia often results in terrible embarrassment, teasing and social trauma. Many will try to hide it with thick shirts, and by avoiding activities that involve a bare chest. Some even withdraw themselves from public exposure.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery – Definition

A male breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, is a lesser known procedure often considered by men. Gynecomastia comes from the Greek language and loosely translates into ‘woman-like breasts.” This condition is the result of genetics and is rarely talked about, even though it is quite common. Having a flatter, more masculine chest can help the patient’s self-esteem and confidence immensely.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery – Who is it for?

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, male breast reduction surgery can help. This cosmetic plastic surgery procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flat, firm and better contoured.

Male Breast Reduction – Find A Surgeon

In terms of finding the best possible surgeon for a male breast reduction, sometimes all a patient has to do is ask others that have had the procedure. If this is not possible (and given the social implications with this procedure it can be difficult to find men who willingly admit to having received this form of surgery), a patient can call the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to see who regularly performs the male breast reduction procedure. And it is imperative that a patient and doctor work well together.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery – Tips Before Surgery

Patients who are best suited for a male breast reduction need to be of a healthy mental state and realize that no surgery will stop time or make someone perfect. Male breast reduction patients need to be completely realistic about their expectations and discuss them with the surgeon. Men in good health and have completed growing are the best candidates for a male breast reduction. Patients who have not tried dieting and exercise to reduce the breasts are not prime candidates. All other methods of depleting the area must be attempted before a male breast reduction. Sometimes recreational drug use has been seen to increase a male’s chest area, thus the avoidance of these chemicals should be attempted before undergoing the procedure as well. And as is the case with all surgeries, nonsmokers will have an easier time with scars healing after a male breast reduction, so it is best to quit smoking well in advance of any surgery.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery - Consultation

In an initial consultation with a surgeon, a male breast reduction patient will need to be honest and open about any previous health history as well as his expectations for the results of the procedure. Each patient is different, and the realistic outcome of the surgery needs to be discussed in terms of how the patient wants to look and what the surgeon is able to achieve with a male breast reduction. The surgeon will examine the breasts and measure them when the patient is sitting and standing to determine the best course of action. Sometimes liposuction will be recommended instead. The surgeon will also discuss the risks of the breast reduction and the anesthesia choices for their particular procedure. A mammogram may be ordered to rule out breast cancer as that may cause the abnormal breast size.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery - Procedure

The male breast reduction is not considered a simple procedure and can take an hour and a half to perform—longer in some cases. A male breast reduction can be performed in a hospital or in a surgical center under general anesthesia or with a local anesthetic and mild sedation. The surgeon will make an anchor shaped incision from which breast skin will be removed in order to reshape the breast. Excess tissue within the breast will be removed to decrease the breast volume. The skin around the nipple area will be pulled downward and together in the effort to create a flat breast. Stitches are placed along the incision once the surgeon is satisfied with the results. Liposuction may be performed underneath the armpits to further make the newly shaped chest look in proportion to the rest of the body.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery – Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, the male breast reduction does carry a risk of complications occurring. And aside from the traditional risks associated with anesthesia, some possible effects can include noticeable scarring, asymmetry, and bleeding and infection that can lead to widened scars. Closely following your doctor’s advice before and after the male breast reduction will dramatically reduce the incidence of such complications.

Following the male breast reduction, a patient can expect to be sore and bruised for a few days. Elastic bandages may be used to prevent swelling, but there should not be severe pain following the breast reduction. If a patient does experience any soreness or warmth at the surgical site, it may be due to an infection and the patient should call the surgeon immediately. Other patients have reported a loss of sensation in the breasts following a male breast reduction and this is normal. Feeling will return as the swelling subsides, usually in about six weeks, but it can last up to a year, although in rare cases it is permanent.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery – Risks and Complications

Most patients find that they are feeling quite well a day or two after a male breast reduction and can return to work if they feel up to it. Normal activities can usually be resumed within a month of a male breast reduction. A patient should avoid any job activity that exposes them to a risk of a hit to the chest. The surgeon will instruct the patient when he can return to normal activity following the male breast reduction.

Besides several medical benefits of male breast reduction, it can also vastly improve a patient’s outlook on life. This male breast reduction procedure can instill confidence and help a man feel better about himself.