 Gynecomastia Male Breast Reduction
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Many men have gynecomastia -- enlarged, female-like breasts--caused by excess glandular tissue or fat.
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Male breast reduction is a plastic surgical procedure designed to make an enlarged male breast flatter, with an improved masculine contour.. The surgery corrects gynecomastia, a medical condition which affects an estimated 40% to 60% of men and that is characterized by over development of the male breast. The surgery removes excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts and, in some cases excess skin.
Those considering male breast reduction must be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in their expectations.. During your consultation, Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota, after careful examination will discuss the surgical possibilities available as well as your expectations. There are many potential causes for gynecomastia including impaired liver function, the use of certain drugs such as estrogen-containing medications, anabolic steroids, marijuana and alcohol. During your consultation, the doctors will take your medical history and check for known causes of gynecomastia so that any medical problems may be addressed prior to surgery. Approximately 80% of all gynecomastia are idiopathic, that is, no specific cause can be identified.
Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota typically perform male breast reduction surgery in their in-office surgical facility. This is a state-of-the-art operating room fully approved and accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF). Male breast reduction usually takes between one to three hours to complete and is typically performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are commonly made in an inconspicuous location at the edge of the areola.. If a major skin reduction is required, a larger incision may be necessary. If liposuction alone is used to remove just excess fatty tissue, a very small incision, usually less than a quarter inch is made around the edge of the areola.
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Glandular tissue must be cut out, usually through a small incision near the edge of the areola. |
Fatty tissue can be removed by liposuction. A small, hollow tube is inserted through a tiny incision, leaving a nearly imperceptible scar. |
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Following surgery for gynecomastia, the patient has a more masculine chest contour. |
The exact nature of the male breast reduction surgery will depend on the particular patient and the amount of tissue to be removed.. In general, however, excess glandular tissue, fat and skin are removed through an incision made around the areola where tissue is resected from the sides and bottom of the breasts. If excess fatty tissue is the main cause of enlargement, liposuction alone may be used..
Bandages or dressings will be applied after surgery and, in some cases, a drainage tube may be inserted.. A certain amount of bruising and swelling is to be expected and the swelling may disguise the improvement at first.. The majority of swelling will fade within the first few weeks.. Because the surgery involves the removal of glandular and fibrofatty tissue, it is not uncommon to take several months for the overlying skin to contour to its new foundation. Patients will need to wear a compression garment for about one to two weeks after surgery. Medication will be prescribed to help manage discomfort which may be present for the first few days. Patients typically feel well enough to return to work within a day or two after the surgery.
Frequently Asked Male Breast Reduction Questions
What is male breast reduction?
Male breast reduction is a procedure which can reduce the size of enlarged male breasts, making them flatter, firmer and better contoured. During the surgery, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed from the breasts and, if necessary, excess skin may be removed as well.
Who is a candidate for male breast reduction?
Candidates for male breast reduction include men who are looking to improve the appearance of an enlarged breast. It's also important that male breast reduction candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. Many patients undergoing this surgery are affected by gynecomastia, a medical condition characterized by over development of the male breast which affects an estimated 40% to 60% of men.
What occurs during a consultation for male breast reduction?
During the consultation for male breast reduction, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. The doctor will carefully examine your breasts and take your medical history. He will check for potential causes of gynecomastia which may include impaired liver function or the use of certain drugs like estrogen-containing medications, anabolic steroids, marijuana and alcohol. If a cause is found, it will need to be addressed before undergoing surgery. The details of the procedure will be explained, your expectations discussed, and any questions that you have addressed.
Where is the male breast reduction surgery performed?
At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota may perform male breast reduction surgery in their in-office operating room, a state-of-the-art facility that is fully approved by the American Association for the Accreditation of Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for class A/B/C surgical procedures.
Read more male breast reduction questions.
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