Breast Reduction for Men

Breast Reduction for Men - Gynecomastia Correction Surgery

What is Gynecomastia correction surgery?

Excessive tissue in the male breast, known as Gynecomastia, is a common condition among men affecting an estimated 40-60% of men. It many affect only one breast or both. The exact cause is not known, however hormonal changes, medications and substances, along with obesity and genetic predisposition all may play a role. Though rarely a sign of a pathologic condition, enlarged male breasts can adversely impact self-esteem and body image.

Who are the Ideal Candidates?

The best candidates for male breast reduction (or correction of gynecomastia) are men with stabilized breast development who are at or near an ideal body weight. Men who are bothered by the feeling that their breast are too large and have realistic expectations. Men who are healthy without medical conditions that can impair healing. And most importantly, men that do not take hormones, steroids and or substances that promote gynecomastia.

While breast reduction surgery is a viable option that can successfully treat the issue, doctors rarely recommend it for young men under the age of 18. Because the hormonal changes that happen throughout the teenage years, many boys will outgrow it as they approach adulthood. Parents who want to help their sons overcome adolescent gynecomastia should evaluate their son's weight and level of physical fitness. By teaching their sons to stay active and eat a healthy diet, parents may overcome a natural, non-invasisve solution to the problem. Parents can also see a medical professional to evaluate their sons' hormone levels and ensure there are no chemical imbalances causing the problem.

About the Procedure

There are two components to gynecomastia; excess fat and excess breast gland. Frequently the breast can be properly contoured using liposuction techniques for removal of the fatty component. In order to remove the fat within the breast gland Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL) is more effective than the classic liposuction technique. When most of the breast enlargement is due to the gland component, a small incision at the border of the areola (the pigmented area around the nipple) provides easy access for removal of the gland. Massive weight loss can result in loose hanging breast that detract from a a man's appearance and in these cases the surgical procedure involves removal of the excess skin along with the excess breast tissue and tightening of the remaining breast skin envelope. If asymmetry is significant, a second, touch up, procedure may be performed to remove additional tissue. Surgery for gynecomastia usually takes between one and two hours depending on the complexity. Male breast reduction is usually performed on an outpatient basis either with local anesthesia with IV sedation or a light general anesthesia.

What is Recovery Like?

Whether you have had excisions with of glandular tissue or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery that can be controlled with medications. You will be swollen and bruised for several weeks and you will be advised to sear an elastic pressure garment continuously for one to two weeks and for a few weeks longer at night. Although the most of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.. You will be able to return to work ( if not heavy manual labor) within 3 days but Dr. Stamatiou will advise you to avoid heavy exercise and sports for at least four weeks. You should also avoid exposing the scars to the sun fro at least six months. This surgery is associated with a high patient satisfaction rate and gynecomastia patients frequently experience improved self esteem and confidence.