




Breasts
Non-
Face
Body



|
|
Male Breast Reduction
(Gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia, is a condition of over developed or enlarged breast in men, and common
in men of any age, especially during puberty. In the majority of cases there is no
known cause and, although rarely talked about. It can be the result of hormonal changes,
heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs. For men who feel self-
Gynecomastia is characterized by:
Why have a Surgery for Gynaecomastia?
Male Breast Reduction Surgery can:
Male breast reduction consultation
During your consultation your surgeon will take a general medical history and ask you about any previous surgery. You will also be also asked about any regular medications you might be taking, including vitamins or supplements. For example, the breast enlargement can be caused by medicines (for high blood pressure, heart disease and prostate cancer), drugs (such as marijuana and anabolic steroids), some diseases (such as liver failure and some cancers) and some very rare congenital abnormalities). These causes should be excluded by the surgeon during an initial consultation.
In addition your surgeon will want to determine your current level of fitness and
discuss your goals for the procedure.Your surgeon will also explain the procedure
to you, describe any scars the procedure will leave and discuss what you can expect
after your surgery. Remember gynaecomastia surgery will not change you or solve any
life crises, but should boost your self-
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
The breast is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). The type of gynecomastia surgery procedure required to achieve the best result will depend on the amount of fat deposit and breast tissue present. Rarely is it necessary to remove skin from the breast, therefore scarring should be minimal.
If your circumstances are predominantly due to fatty enlargement of the breast, liposuction is the usual treatment. If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it may need to be surgically removed. This will leave a scar, usually around the nipple edge. This excision can be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more obvious scars.
Most operations for gynecomastia take about 90 minutes to complete and are performed under general anaesthesia, or in some cases, under local anaesthesia with sedation.
Recovery From the Procedure
Following the surgery the chest is swollen and bruised for a while and it can be difficult to assess the full effect of the operation. Bruising and swelling are expected after surgery and may last for a week or more. Hardness or lumpiness within the tissues due to swelling can persist for a few months. To help reduce swelling, patients are often instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for one or two weeks.
Depending on your occupation and the degree of your surgery you may return to work after one or two weeks. Lifting must be avoided for about 14 days. It is advisable to refrain from exercise for about three weeks and, in general, it takes about six weeks before one can return to completely normal activities.
Additional Information
I encourage you to visit the web sites of the British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS), British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons (BAAPS) and American Society of Plastic Surgeons. These web sites will provide you with additional information, photos and animated videos on this and other cosmetic procedures. All this information will help you have a more informative consultation with your consultant plastic surgeon.
