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Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Men who develop enlarged breasts suffer from many emotions such as shame, embarrassment, humiliation and overall low self-esteem. This condition may make a man feel the need to keep hidden or keep his body hidden.
Male breast reduction surgery can correct this problem and restore one's self-esteem and confidence. Male breast reduction surgery reduces the size of the breast by removing excess skin and fat tissue from the breast area. If there is an excessive amount of fat, liposuction may also be used to remove the fat.
The cause of gynecomastia or enlarged breasts is unknown in most cases. It is believed that the condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance. It is also thought that heredity and certain diseases also contribute to the condition. Drugs such as anti-depressants, marijuana, blood pressure medicine and steroids can also contribute to the problem.
Some boys and young men develop fat on their chests which make their breast appear to be enlarged. This is not gynecomastia and can be corrected through proper diet and exercise unlike gynecomastia which doesn't change with lifestyle changes. The fat may need to be surgically removed if it has become resistant to diet and exercise.
While it is not a serious medical condition, gynecomastia can cause pain. It is also extremely embarrassing for teen boys who may be teased by their peers. Most teen boys with enlarged breast will see a decrease in breast size within a couple years when hormones levels have stabilized.
Older men can develop enlarged breasts due to the decrease in testosterone levels and in increase in fat deposits.
Breast reduction surgery in men can reshape the breast, creating a masculine contour. Surgery can also be used to detect any abnormal growths in the breasts. Usually, both breasts will be enlarged. If only one breast is enlarged and appears to have a firm lump, one should consult with a doctor immediately to rule out male breast cancer.
The treatment of gynecomastia may involve liposuction if there is excess fatty tissue that must be removed. Excision will be used to remove excess glandular tissue. Both procedures can be performed at the same time to achieve the desired shape. The surgeon will make an incision either at the edge of the nipple or the underarm area. Through the incision, the surgeon cuts away excess fat, skin and glandular tissue. Major reductions may require larger incisions which may leave more visible scars. If liposuction is used, a cannula will be inserted through the incisions to remove excess fat.
Surgery is often performed in an outpatient clinic. Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia may be used.
As with any surgery, the risk of infection or complications with anesthesia are always of concern. Your doctor will take a complete medical history and assess your current health which will minimize the risks involved. Other risks of surgery include scarring, bleeding, bruising, swelling, poor wound healing, necrosis (dying of fatty tissue deep under the skin), fluid accumulation, breast asymmetry, thrombosis, pulmonary and cardiac complications, pain, possible revision surgery and loss of sensation to the nipple area.
You should ensure that your surgeon is credentialed and has experience with breast reduction surgery. This will greatly reduce any risks associated with the surgery and your recovery.
Once surgery is complete, you will be able to recover at home. You will receive prescription medication to help manage pain. You will need to wear a support garment for the first few days after surgery to reduce swelling and speed healing. Stitches will be removed a couple weeks after surgery. Your doctor will also advise you on what to do should any complications develop.
View before and after photos of male breast reduction surgery.
