Introduction to Male Breast Reduction
(Correction of Gynecomastia)
Enlarged breasts in men, a condition called gynecomastia,
affects up to 60% of the male population to some degree.
The condition is common in adolescent boys, but symptoms
can remain into adulthood where it can disrupt social
and physical activities and cause psychological trauma.
Although certain drugs (anabolic steroids, medications
containing estrogen, alcohol and marijuana) and certain
medical problems may cause or contribute to male breast
enlargement, the true cause is not completely understood.
In cases of obesity, weight loss can improve the condition,
but may not eliminate it. Gynecomastia can be caused
by excessive glandular breast tissue, an accumulation
of fat, or a combination of the two.
Best Candidates for Gynecomastia Correction
Healthy males with good skin tone, 20’s to 40’s;
mature young men, age 15 or older, are often considered
for the procedure if it is causing significant psychological
problems. Overweight or obese men who have not attempted
weight loss are discouraged from the procedure, as well
as individuals who consume excessive alcohol, marijuana
or steroids.
What to Expect at Your Consultation
At your initial consultation, Dr. James Matas will
discuss your goals and motivations for surgery, along
with assessing your physical and emotional health and
reviewing information you provide about previous surgeries,
past and current medical conditions, as well as nutritional
supplements, herbal remedies and pharmaceutical medications
you take or have taken in the past.
He will examine your chest area to determine the quantity
of tissue to be removed, as well as the tone and thickness
of your skin. Since correction of gynecomastia can be
accomplished by several methods, he will recommend the
exact procedure(s) needed to bring about the desired
result, outlining the techniques and incisions needed,
the type of anesthesia, where the surgery will be performed
and the risks and possibility of complications.
How Gynecomastia Correction is Performed
Correction can be accomplished by using ultrasonic-assisted
liposuction to remove excess fat from the breasts, by
surgically removing the excess breast tissue or with
a combination of the two procedures. The new ultrasound
technique, which uses soundwaves to liquefy the fat
before it is suctioned, results in less trauma to the
surrounding structures and is most effective due to
the fibrous nature of male breast tissue. We have found
the combination approach to be appropriate for most
patients.
First, small incisions are made below the nipple in
a half-moon shape. A small cannula is inserted into
each breast and, using ultrasonic liposuction, the excess
fatty tissue is broken down and removed through a gentle
suctioning process. Once the fat is removed, the excess
glandular tissue is carefully excised away from the
pectoralis muscle, and the incisions are then closed
using several layers of sutures. Surgical foam is applied
over each breast, which provides gentle compression
to the treated areas, along with a surgical compression
garment.
The outpatient procedure is done under general anesthesia
and normally takes 2 to 3 hours to perform.
Recovery from Breast Reduction
After surgery, bruising, swelling, numbness and/or
a burning sensation is common and can last several weeks
to several months. An elastic compression garment is
worn for 3 weeks, and sun exposure to the incisions
should be avoided for one year.
Postoperative massage therapy generally begins one
week after surgery, and is used to relieve swelling,
soften scar tissue and improve discomfort.
Your New Look
Within weeks, you will observe a firmer, flatter, more
contoured chest. You may also feel a surge in self-confidence,
no longer having to wear special outfits to hide your
problem. Your results will be long-lasting and permanent,
although excessive weight gain could create a gynecomastia-like
effect.
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