Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia, which is the overdevelopment of male breasts, can result from hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs or heredity and can affect one or both breasts.

Candidates for breast reduction are men who have excess breast tissue that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. Ideally, candidates have firm, elastic skin that will reshape itself to fit the contours of their breasts postsurgery.

 

MALE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE

Male breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and typically takes one hour. Male breast reduction is performed using liposuction or surgery, or a combination of the two.

RECOVERY FROM MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY

Following male breast reduction surgery, there is bruising, swelling and discomfort. Discomfort usually dissipates after a few days, and can be lessened with prescribed pain medication. To help reduce swelling, a compression garment is worn for about two weeks, and at night for several additional weeks. Swelling and any skin discoloration partially subsides after one or two weeks, at which time stitches are removed.

Patients typically return to work within a week. Light aerobic exercise can be performed after a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for four to six weeks.

RISKS OF MALE BREAST REDUCTION

As with most surgery, complications are uncommon. Your doctor will explain them to you during your consultation.

RESULTS OF MALE BREAST REDUCTION

The results of gynecomastia surgery are usually permanent, as long as the patient’s weight remains stable. If drug use was the cause of the condition, the patient must permanently stop taking them to maintain results.