Orange County, California
Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)
Gynecomastia removes fat and tissue from the breast area to create a flatter, more masculine-looking chest.
No one knows for sure why about half of all men have some degree of breast development, although certain types of drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast enlargement. It may be present unilaterally or bilaterally.
Men who have over-developed breasts may feel self-conscious wearing t-shirts or going bare-chested. Correcting this condition improves a man’s appearance and self-image allowing him to feel more confident about himself.
Who’s a Candidate?
The best candidates for male breast reduction are men who are troubled by large, over-developed breasts that restrict their activities and cause them physical or emotional discomfort or social embarrassment. This surgery is not performed until all other medical, hormonal, and pharmacologic reasons for this condition are ruled out. Adolescents during puberty with high hormone levels are given extra time to see if this condition resolves on its own. You have to be physically healthy and relatively normal weight.
What Are the Risks of Gynecomastia?
As with any surgery, there is always a possibility of complications, including bleeding, infection or reaction to anesthesia. Some patients develop small sores around their nipples following surgery that can be treated with antibiotic cream.
The procedure may leave noticeable, permanent scars or fat necrosis if fat resection is undertaken. Poor healing, wider scars are more common in smokers. It can also leave you with slightly mismatched breasts or unevenly positioned nipples. Some patients also experience a permanent loss of feeling in their nipples or chest. If liposuction is used, there could be uneven contour to the breasts, permanent pigmentation changes, or fluid accumulation.
Preparing for Surgery
The surgeon will examine and measure your breasts. He or she will discuss the variables that may affect the procedure such as your age, the size and shape of your breasts, the condition of your skin and excess skin and/or glandular tissue. Your health history and medication use, including herbal supplements and steroids, will be reviewed. Diagnostic testing such as endocrine function may be performed.
The Surgery
Male breast reduction is usually done as an outpatient procedure. The surgery usually takes two to three hours. This operation is performed under general anesthesia.
Liposuction
This method of gynecomastia correction is used in cases where the problem is a result of excess fatty tissue. This method uses a cannula or a thin tube through small incisions to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed by suction. Ultrasound assistance to loosen the tougher fat may be used here.
Excision
This method is used in cases where glandular tissue and/or excess skin must be removed for correction. Also in cases where the size and location of the nipples need to be changed, excision method is used. This would leave you with scars around and possibly under your nipple areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), concealed within natural contours. Sometimes both liposuction and excision are used to treat gynecomastia.
After Your Surgery
For the first few days, the area may be swollen. Dressings should remain dry and intact. Pain or discomfort can be controlled by medication. In case of shortness of breath or chest pains, seek medical attention immediately. Instructions on showering and compression garments will be given to you by your physician. Follow up appointments will be scheduled and questions should be directed to the physician or staff.
©2009