Male Breast Reduction

A fairly common problem for men is enlarged breasts or gynecomastia. Men with gynecomastia are often self-conscious about the size or shape of their breasts. They have often attempted to improve their condition through strenuous workouts with little or no success.

Male breast reduction surgery is a good option for men with enlarged breasts. It typically involves a combined approach with liposuction to the breast tissue and excision of remaining glandular tissue via a small incision on the breast.

Your Consultation

We believe you need to be well-informed about the surgical procedure in which you are interested. That includes the processes of preparing for a procedure, and the recovery period. The physician will meet with you about your concerns and personal goals. Feel free to bring in images of looks that you do or don’t like to help us understand your aesthetic tastes and goals. The surgeon will then examine you, and base her opinion on how to achieve your goals based on best practices, and how the procedure will affect you.

Choosing a surgeon is an intensely personal decision. We encourage you to take time to question the physician, and her team. We believe the formation of a personal bond is an integral part of the surgery and healing process.

The Surgery

There are two key techniques used by surgeons to treat gynecomastia: liposuction (or laser lipolysis) and excision. Excision techniques remove glandular tissue and excess skin. If the excess breast tissue has enlarged the areola (the darker skin around the nipple), the size and positioning of the areola can be adjusted during the surgery, as well. Liposuction may be used alone or in addition to excision to remove excess fatty tissue, and achieve the desired chest contour.

The male breast reduction surgery usually takes 2 to 5 hours of time, and is performed with general anesthesia. Some patients go home the day of surgery, but for some it is recommended that they stay in the hospital overnight. Men should plan to restrict their activity and remain off work for at least one week after surgery, but some men may require additional time to heal.

Recovery

The recovery period involves some bruising and swelling that improves significantly over the first week, and some mild residual swelling that disappears over the following weeks to months. The patient should plan for a reduced activity level over the first few weeks, and then can typically return to full activity, including working out, after four to six weeks. A compression garment is typically worn during this time period to aid with swelling reduction.

Risks

Gynecomastia, as with all surgical procedures, carries a certain amount of risk. It is important that you understand these risks, and the possible complications or adverse events, associated with them. Your surgeon will discuss any risks with you during your consultation and pre-operative appointments.

Contact the Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery

Our plastic surgeons offer confidential treatment options to improve gynecomastia. If you would like more information on male breast reduction, or if you would like to schedule a private consultation here at our practice, please contact the Waldorf Center for Plastic Surgery.