Male Breast Reduction
If your chest is an area you’d like to improve, you’re not alone. It’s not uncommon for men struggling with an excessive amount of breast tissue to seek a solution for their condition. When you’ve exhausted all other treatment options for your gynecomastia, then male breast reduction might be the solution for you. Here’s how we can help restore your chest to help boost your confidence.
What is Male Breast Reduction?
Simply put, male breast reduction is a procedure that helps men who struggle with gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition where the male breast tissue becomes enlarged and takes on an appearance similar to women’s breasts. It is an extremely common condition, even in men who are at or near a healthy weight. Gynecomastia may make some men feel uncomfortable with their body image, and treating it may boost their self-confidence. Whether you are looking to explore your options or you have decided on treatment, our team of experienced plastic surgeons can help you decide the best course of action.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Before deciding on a male breast reduction, it is important to learn the cause of your gynecomastia as there might be an alternative treatment that’s better for you. There are many factors that could likely be contributing to your enlarged tissue. Gynecomastia is most often a result of one of the following:
- Weight change
- Aging
- Fluctuating hormones
- Medications and drugs
- Dietary supplements
If you do not see an improvement in your condition with diet and exercise or by stopping a certain medication or supplement, a male breast reduction could be your best option to make the changes you want to see. Once you and your doctor rule out these possibilities, you can schedule your consultation to discuss your next steps with one of our providers.
When to Talk to a Medical Professional
In some cases, a patient’s enlarged tissue could be linked to a medical condition. While it is rare for our patients with gynecomastia to also have one of these conditions, the possibility shouldn’t be overlooked. Some serious health conditions linked to gynecomastia include:
- Hypogonadism
- Kidney or liver failure
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disorders
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Gilbert’s syndrome
Your health comes first. Before you seek surgery to improve your condition, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor to eliminate the possibility that your gynecomastia is related to serious health problems or medications.
Your Male Breast Reduction Options
We customize all procedures to fit the needs of our patients, and your male breast reduction is no exception. At your consultation, you and your provider will discuss which procedure will suit your needs and produce the results you desire. With that said, there are generally two options for male breast reduction.
In both methods, your surgeon does not need to remove the nipple. Instead, your surgeon may make incisions around the edge to disguise it. The rest of your incisions will depend on the amount of tissue or fat your surgeon has to remove and which incisions give the best result. You and your provider will discuss how we will customize your surgery for you at your consultation.
Liposuction
Your provider might recommend liposuction as your best option if the extra tissue is mostly composed of fat. For this method, your surgeon will use liposuction to remove excess fat from under the tissue and readjust the extra skin if necessary to restore your chest’s appearance.
Excision
If your gynecomastia is caused by an excess of glandular tissue, your provider will likely recommend an excision for your male breast reduction. In this approach, your surgeon will surgically remove any extra tissue and readjust the skin if need be to improve your chest’s shape.
What to Expect for Your Male Breast Reduction
After you schedule your surgery, you’re ready for your first pre-op, which will take place two to four weeks before your procedure. At this appointment, you’ll meet with one of our nurses who will go over your current health and health history to ensure there are no complications. The nurse will also give you your pre and post-op care instructions and answer any questions you may have about them.
Your second pre-op appointment will take place with your surgeon, also two to four weeks before your surgery. Your surgeon will walk you through the procedure and discuss any questions or concerns you have about it. On the day of surgery, you’ll meet with OR nurses who will prepare you for surgery. You will also talk with the anesthesiologist about any possible past anesthesia issues. Before the procedure begins, your surgeon will make any necessary markings and address any last-minute questions that you may have.
Your Male Breast Reduction Recovery
At your first pre-op, the nurse will provide you with a packet of instructions to follow for your recovery. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the best results and reduce the likelihood of any complications that could prevent you from healing. After surgery, it’s common for patients to feel some discomfort and swelling. We require you to wear a compression garment to reduce the swelling and encourage proper healing. It is also possible that some patients may need drains during their recovery.
After your surgery, your provider will tell you to restrict the amount of weight you are lifting and to avoid heavy lifting. You should be able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple of days and full activity in a month. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Your Male Breast Reduction Consultation
Once you decide you want a male breast reduction, we require you to meet with one of our providers for a consultation. At this appointment, you and your provider will discuss your health history, current medications, and surgical history to reduce the possibility of complications. For your safety, it is important to answer your provider honestly, as any unknown health issues could impair your recovery. During this time, your provider will also do a brief examination to feel the tissue and determine which technique will provide you with the best results. They will take this into consideration along with your expectations and goals. Your voice is an important part of the process, so don’t hesitate to inform us of any questions, wishes, or concerns. We are always ready to listen and to provide you with the best outcome.
Your Results
After six months, you will be able to see the full results of your male breast reduction. The goal is to restore a flatter appearance to your chest. At this time, you will come back to take your after pictures so you can see the difference side by side. For long-lasting results, we recommend that you keep a healthy diet and maintain a consistent exercise routine.
Male Breast Reduction Risks
No surgery comes without its risks. That is why we want you to be fully informed before you decide to proceed with scheduling your surgery. At your consultation, your provider will educate you on the potential risks associated with male breast reduction along with addressing any questions and concerns you may have. Your safety comes first, and we assure you that our team takes every precaution to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Guiding You Towards the Best Treatment
We understand how you may feel sensitive regarding this issue, but rest assured that we provide a safe, judgment-free space for you to express your concerns. Your provider will work with you to evaluate your condition and determine the best course of action for your treatment. Our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience delivering satisfactory results to male breast reduction patients as well as other body contouring patients. To see these results for yourself, we invite you to look at our Before and After Gallery. We can help you make the change you want to see.