Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia) is treated by the removal of excess breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin, if necessary, to achieve a proportioned breast size for your body. Gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, can occur in men of any age, but is most common in teenagers and men over 50. Excessive male breast tissue may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts). Large breast in men can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impact your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
Breast Reduction Surgery For Men Is A Good Option If:
- You are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
- You have realistic expectations
- Your breast development has stabilized
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
Gynecomastia Resources
For more information about Gynecomastia, visit Gynecomastia.com
Male breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure typically performed under a general anesthetic. Male breast tissue is made up of a combination of fat and glandular tissue. If male breast enlargement is predominately fat then liposuction is the treatment of choice (some refer to this as liposuction gynecomastia). Liposuction will give the smoothest contour with the least visible external scarring. Many men will also opt for treatment of their "love handles", "double chin" or excess abdominal fat with liposuction at the same time as they have liposuction to treat excessive male breast tissue.
If there is a significant component of firm glandular tissue causing the gynecomastia then it will need to be directly surgically excised. If there is a large amount of excess skin on the male breast, then male breast reduction surgery will require skin reduction with special care given to minimizing scarring.
You will likely have an elastic bandage, compression garment or T-shirt (similar to Under Armour) applied to your chest if you undergo liposuction. You will wear this compression garment continuously for one to two weeks, and then at night time only for another month to minimize swelling. You may have a simple band aid dressing over the liposuction portals.
If you require direct excision of breast tissue and or skin you may require a dressing over your incision that will stay in place for several days until your post op visit. If you require a large amount of tissue to be directly excised you may have a drain tube that will be removed at your first post op visit. We recommend loose fitting clothing as this is the most comfortable during the immediate post op period. Discomfort following your breast reduction surgery can be controlled with oral medication that your surgeon will prescribe for you.
It is advisable to limit the amount of lifting or overhead activities for the first few days after surgery. You should be able to return to normal activities within 3 days. your fist post-operative visit for the breast reduction surgery is within five to seven days.
Strenuous occupational demands or strenuous exercise such as running, weight lifting, swimming or biking should be avoided for two weeks as this may cause increased bleeding and swelling.
The final results of your breast reduction will appear over the next few months as swelling. Incision lines, if any, are permanent, but will continue to fade over time. You should expect to see your doctor for another visit in 3 weeks and again in 3 months after your breast reduction surgery. You will return to your plastic surgeon's office for follow-up care at designated intervals to evaluate your progress.
