Breast Reduction for Men (Correction of Gynecomastia)

What is Breast Reduction for Men (Correction of Gynecomastia)?

Also known as gynecomastia, breast reduction for men is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.

Am I a candidate for Breast Reduction for Men (Correction of Gynecomastia)?

Gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

This procedure is a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large

Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.

Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on:

• Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia

How is Breast Reduction for Men (Correction of Gynecomastia) done?

Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty, and reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.

In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases, the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Liposuction

In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used.

This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.

There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

Excision

Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.

Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced, or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

Will there be scars?

Any surgical treatment to correct gynecomastia will require incisions. While most incision lines are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible and are a necessary result of breast reduction surgery.