What is male breast reduction surgery and how is it performed?
The procedure is formally referred to as gynecomastia surgery. Male breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery is basically liposuction of the chest area. In some cases it may also involve removal of tissue around the nipple area. This is done for men who seem to have perky or erect nipples that sometimes show through their shirt. This can severely lower some men’s confidence in regards to removing their shirt at the beach or pool, or even just wearing a tight t-shirt. Some weight lifters also can experience a perkiness of the nipple area which can be fixed or corrected through simple surgery.
Surgery for male chest reduction or male breasts.
Male breast reduction essentially uses the same process that normal liposuction uses. First the patient is either put to sleep or sedated. A small incision is made (2-3mm) in order to insert a narrow cannula (tube) with which a fluid is injected into the chest area. This fluid contains a pain killer and also a drug to slow down the bleeding during the surgery. After this fluid is injected the fat is then sucked out through the same incision hole with a different set of cannulas (small tubes). The area is sculpted for symmetry using this process and then if needed, the nipple areas are reduced in size using a smaller cannula and/or a dissection process. The small incision areas are stitched closed and the surgery is finished. The patient is then instructed to wear a compression bandage (ace wrap or other garment) for a specified amount of time.
Will I be awake or asleep for the surgery?
The surgery can be performed under full general anesthesia (asleep) or just under sedation (partially awake / comfortable) depending on the patients individual needs and the particular surgery being performed. Many men have had this surgery under local sedation without experiencing any pain and very minor discomfort.
How long is the surgery? Is the surgery safe?
The surgery is completely safe and can be completed in around 2 hours time (depending on the particular patient).
Who should consider having this surgery?
This surgery may be performed on any healthy, emotionally stable individual. Ideal patients would be those with firm, elastic skin that will respond to the changes in the body’s shape.
Are there any risks or complications involved with male breast reduction surgery?
Every major surgery comes with the risk of infection, or of adverse reactions to the anesthesia administered. Other complications that may occur are skin injuries, excessive bleeding, and excessive fluid loss or accumulation. Temporarily there may be a loss of sensation in the breast area, which may last up to a year. This is due to the shifting of the nerves during surgery. While it may take as long as a year for the nerves to fully recover and for sensation to return, this period is usually significantly shorter for most patients.
Male breast reduction consultation
The initial consultation before surgery is very important, as before surgery may be performed it is important to determine the cause of the gynecomastia. This may be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from an impaired liver function to the use of anabolic steroids.
The causes of gynecomastia may include the following:
- Puberty
- Obesity
- Klinefelter Syndrome
- Gilbert’s Syndrome
- Aging
- Problems with testicular hormone production
- The use of common prescription medications
- The use of medications containing estrogen
- The use of anabolic steroids
- The use of herbal testosterone additives
- Impaired liver function
Male breast reduction preoperative instructions
We provide a set list of instructions to our patients to follow in preparation for surgery, usually beginning two weeks before the surgery date. We ask the patient to eat healthy, take certain vitamins and medications, and to avoid alcohol and smoking, even during the recovery period. Smoking is known to decrease circulation in the body, and may contribute to bad scarring.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males. It can be common in younger adolescent boys and grown men alike. Gynecomastia is caused by an endocrine disorder and the effects of hormonal changes often experienced during puberty. Anybody who has gynecomastia can attest to the psychological effects it carries with it such as: reluctance to disrobe at a young age or go shirtless, lack of social confidence, embarrassment. Gynecomastia surgery is a simple and virtually guaranteed solution.
Gynecomastia surgery information
Gynecomastia surgery or male chest reduction surgery entails removing (often via liposuction) excess breast tissue in males. The surgery itself is very straightforward and doesn’t involve much risk. Gynecomastia surgery is an outpatient procedure and is typically completed in 2-3 hours. Although mild cases of gynecomastia can be corrected under sedation with local anesthetic it is usually done with general anesthesia where the patient is fully asleep in order to avoid any pain or discomfort to the patient.
