Male Breast Reduction
(Gynecomastia correction)
What’s it address: Excess breast tissue or other feminine appearance of the chest in a male.
Recovery: 2-3 weeks
Technique: Will be individualized for you. Periareolar or inframammary incisions +/- liposuction are most commonly used.
Anesthesia: Usually general anesthesia. Can be conscious sedation in some cases.
Can be combined with other procedures
Male breast reduction, medically known as gynecomastia correction, is a cosmetic and functional surgical procedure designed to remove excess breast and fatty tissues from the chest of a male, restoring a more masculine form to the chest.
Why do men consider having gynecomastia surgery?
Appearance: Having a feminine appearing chest can be quite difficult psychologically for a man. It often leads to embarrassment, substantial effort to hide the deformity, and avoidance of activities (such as swimming) that are likely to reveal the shape of the chest.
Physical Discomfort: Breast tissue in a male can be painful during contact such as during sports and weightlifting. In some cases, the tissue is tender to even light touch.
Improved Quality of Life: The procedure can enhance overall well-being by addressing issues like low self-esteem related to having breast tissue as a male and limitations in social and physical activities.
Gynecomastia Consultation:
· During your consultation we will have a thorough discussion regarding your concerns and goals of the surgery. Additionally, Dr. McEwan will review your overall health at length to ensure you are medically fit for the procedure. Patients who are actively smoking or otherwise consuming nicotine are not a candidate for the procedure until they stop using nicotine.
The Procedure:
· Male breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that usually takes about 2-to-3 hours. Afterwards, while there is not a lot of care you have to do, it is extremely important to follow your postoperative restrictions. Noncompliance with postoperative restrictions is the number one cause of complications in gynecomastia surgery. It is critical to wear a snug, compression garment all the time for about a month after surgery. Most patients are able to return to normal day-to-day activity in 7-10 days. Heavy lifting, significant arm use and other strenuous activity should be avoided for about a month and a half after surgery.
Results:
· It is difficult to evaluate your results right away because of the swelling and compression garment. Most of the time, the swelling resolves in 4-6 weeks and you will be able to start to see your result. It takes at least 3 months, possibly longer, before you are able to see your final result. Although the postoperative garments and restrictions are annoying and the wait to see your final result is long, many patients find that it is worth it. Restoring the chest to a more masculine shape boosts their confidence and can greatly improve self-esteem.