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Gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), is a common condition in men. In fact, it has been suggested excess development of breast tissue, occurs in half of all men. This condition can start in adolescence and may persist or can develop in an older man due to steroid abuse, weight gain, hormonal imbalance or a side effect of certain medications. Male breast reduction is used to remove fat and/or glandular tissue from the male breasts. Some cases may require that skin be removed, resulting in a firmer, flatter chest. For men who feel self-conscious, breast-reduction surgery can restore confidence by creating a more masculine chest.

The Surgery

Male breast reduction is performed on an outpatient basis using a general anesthesia. The procedure can last from one to three hours depending on the extent of correction. The excision of the fat or glandular tissue may be performed alone or in conjunction with a form of liposuction. Extra glandular tissue is removed in sections through a small incision around the nipple-areola complex and from the bottom and sides of the breast.

The Recovery

After surgery there will be swelling and bruising and you may feel numbness or burning sensation. Your surgeon will likely give you an elastic bandage or pressure garment as your breasts heal over the next several weeks. Generally, patients are back to work within a week, however physical activity and exercising should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Also, you should avoid direct sun exposure for six months.

The Best Candidates for Male Breast Reduction

Removal of excess breast tissue is usually not recommended for teenage boys because excess adolescent fat will likely disappear on its own. Most surgeons will not operate on obese men without first encouraging a routine of diet and exercise. If you are a heavy drinker, use marijuana or anabolic steroids you are not a good candidate for male breast reduction. Good skin elasticity, good health and realistic expectations are also important factors.

The Risks

The procedure may result in noticeable scars, permanent pigment changes and a rippling of the skin. A change in shape or position of the nipple is possible. Loss of breast sensation or numbness may last up to a year.

Background

Enlarged male breasts can be reduced by liposuction and/or by cutting out excess glandular tissue. This condition is far more common than many realize. Estimates of the number of men affected by gynecomastia vary widely (some estimates are as high as 40%). Although certain drugs (anabolic steroids, medications containing estrogen, alcohol, marijuana, etc.) and medical problems (cancer, impaired liver function, etc.) may cause or contribute to male breast enlargement, it is likely that a large percentage of cases stem from unknown sources.

Technique

The procedure for male breast reduction takes an average of two hours, usually on an outpatient basis, using general or local anesthesia. If excessive glandular tissue, fat and skin is present, it will be excised. Surgery may be performed alone or in conjunction with lipoplasty (where the suction device will typically be inserted through the existing incisions). For the removal of excess fatty tissue alone, liposuction should be all that is needed; in such cases, scars will be small and barely visible.

Benefits

• Results are permanent (although subsequent obesity can create a gynecomastia-like effect).
• Firmer, flatter, more contoured chest.
• Significant boost in self-confidence.
• Return to work in one week, unless strenuous activities are involved.

Other Considerations

• Some postoperative bruising, swelling, burning sensation. Numbness or lack of sensation could last up to a year.
• Infrequent complications may include infection, skin damage, fluid accumulation, bleeding, scarring or pigment changes.
• Patient will wear an elastic pressure garment for 3-6 weeks.
• Must avoid exposing scarred area to the sun for at least 6 months.
• Surgery may be discouraged for overweight men who have not first tried an exercise/diet regimen.
• Postoperative asymmetry, while rare, is possible; a second procedure may be needed to remove additional tissue.