Male Breast Reduction

Gynaecomastia, or excess development of breast tissue, is fairly common in men. The cause is not always known, but the incidence increases with certain drugs (digitalis, anabolic steroids, cimeditine, and spironolactone), use of marijuana or alcohol, and obesity. This condition can cause extreme embarrassment, social inhibition and self-consciousness for boys and men who suffer from it.

If you think that you have this condition, you should consult with your physician to rule out a more serious condition such as liver or endocrine disease. If you are otherwise healthy, breast reduction surgery may significantly help your appearance and self-image. This procedure is used to remove fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts. In extreme cases, skin is removed as well. The result is a flatter, firmer and more masculine-looking chest.

What are the benefits of male breast reduction?

This procedure can improve the appearance of the chest in cases where diet and exercise have failed. The results of the procedure are significant and permanent.

What will happen at the male breast reduction consultation?

During the consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss the changes that you would like to make in your appearance. Your doctor will explain the procedure, including what kind of anaesthesia he will be using. At this time, he will also ask about your medical history, and perform an examination.

How is the male breast reduction procedure performed?

The type of procedure used by your surgeon will depend on the degree of breast enlargement. The options include removal of the tissue under the breast, or liposuction of the chest wall, or a combination of both. In both instances, a small incision is made on the lower half of the nipple area (areola). For those men with tissue that is more glandular in nature, all breast tissue directly under the nipple is removed. If the tissue is more fatty in nature, liposuction can provide excellent results.

During liposuction, a small suction rod (cannula) is inserted into the incision to remove fat. 2 drains will be inserted under the skin for 1-2 days. In some cases, a repeat procedure is necessary to remove tissue that was missed during the first procedure. In a few cases, if there is a large amount of extra skin, it may be necessary to remove this tissue, which may result in a larger scar.

How long does the male breast reduction operation take?

The procedure is done under general anaesthesia. It takes 1-2 hours.

How long do I have to stay in the hospital for after a male breast reduction?

You may be allowed to return home within a few hours of the surgery, and spend the night in the comfort of your own home, or it may be necessary to spend the night in the hospital so your recovery process can be monitored by a medical staff.

What can I expect after a male breast reduction procedure?

Depending on the extent of surgery, pain can vary from minimal to moderate, and will last from several days to two weeks.

Usually, the chest is temporarily swollen and bruised after the surgery. You may also experience numbness or a burning sensation. You may have a drain in each side.

Light activities can be resumed within a few days, although your chest will be sore. Most people are able to return to (sedentary) work within three to seven days, and resume more strenuous activities in two to three weeks.

Routine physical activity and exercising (especially lifting, pulling and pushing motions) should be avoided for at least 6 weeks. This will help the scars to heal. Your doctor will advise you on the level of physical activity that is appropriate for you. Some degree of swelling and bruising may last for 3 to 6 months. Recovery time and privacy needs varies from person to person. If you are not too concerned if people are aware that you have recently had surgery, you may be able to return to light activities earlier.

What are the long-term results of male breast reduction surgery?

The improvement from this procedure is permanent, but weight gain or use of certain drugs could result in recurrence.

Overweight men may find that losing weight will reduce breast fullness.

What are the risks male breast reduction surgery?

All surgery has some potential risks, including the risks of bleeding, reaction to the aesthetics, and infection. In this surgery, serious complications are quite rare. Other risks include:

injury to the skin
rippling of the skin
excessive scarring
altered sensation
nsufficient tissue removed
haematoma (collection of blood under the skin)

Like all body contouring surgery, it is possible that either too much or too little tissue can be removed. In these cases, a second procedure may be necessary.