Male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia treatment, is a plastic surgery technique that removes excess fat and breast tissue to reveal a flatter, firmer, and more masculine contour to the chest area.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be attributed to a variety of factors including hormonal changes and weight gain. The condition affects millions of men in the U.S., and many sufferers report feelings of embarrassment and insecurity because their chest resembles the shape and projection of female breasts.
The exact cause of gynecomastia is unknown, but it has been linked to genetics, hormonal issues, and the use of certain medications. If medication isn’t an effective treatment option for a particular case of gynecomastia, male breast reduction surgery is the next best option. The composition of the individual breast tissue is the most defining factor of the male breast reduction procedure.
The Breast Reduction Procedure
The doctor will examine the area to determine the best approach and technique to deliver the desired outcome.
If a patient’s breast tissue is primarily composed of fat, tumescent liposuction will be the most effective treatment plan. Tumescent liposuction involves a tube that removes fatty deposits from the body using medical suction.
If the breast tissue consists of mostly glandular tissue, the excess tissue can’t be removed with liposuction alone and will require tissue excision surgery. During this procedure, the doctor makes an incision below the areola and carefully removes the excess glandular tissue. If the male breast contains stretched or sagging skin, it is removed, and the remaining skin tightened using this approach.
Male breast reduction is performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure takes two hours. Liposuction, tissue excision, or a combination of the two procedures is performed during surgery. In addition to reducing the overall size of the breast, the size of the areola can be changed to match the newly formed shape of the chest. Any incisions are closed using dissolvable stitches and covered with surgical bandages for protection.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Recovery time for male breast reduction surgery is relatively short. Swelling, bruising, and general discomfort is normal and expected, but should subside within a few weeks. If excess skin is removed during the procedure, a drainage tube may be inserted under the skin to remove excess blood.
Patients must wear an elastic garment or compression top for two to four weeks to help the chest maintain its new shape as the surgical site heals. Most patients may resume normal activities within four weeks of the procedure. Scarring is typically small, unnoticeable, and should fade over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is an ideal candidate?
You may be an ideal candidate for male breast reduction if you suffer from enlarged breasts due to:
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- Weight gain
- Genetics
- A hormonal imbalance that has triggered an increased production of estrogen
- Medication that acts as a hormone suppressant or stimulant
- A hormonal imbalance due to steroid treatment