Male Breast Reduction

Introduction to Male Breast Reduction
(Correction of Gynecomastia)

nlarged 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

Male Breast Reduction Example 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.