Male Breast Reduction
What to Consider Before Gynecomastia Surgery
Male breast reduction is a procedure in which excess breast tissue is surgically removed. This procedure is performed on men with gynecomastia, or abnormal breast tissue development. While many people have not heard of this condition, it is surprisingly common. Some statistics show that up to half of all men are affected by gynecomastia to some degree. This condition results in the development of excess tissue on the chest which can give men a more feminine-looking figure.
If you avoid taking your shirt off or hide under baggy sweatshirts to hide the extra tissue on your chest, male breast reduction may be right for you. This procedure results in a firmer and flatter chest with a more masculine contour. During male breast reduction, excess breast tissue is removed, and the remaining tissues sculpted to create a more masculine look.
Types of Male Breast Reduction Procedures
Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure usually taking about two hours. While it is usually performed with general anesthesia, local anesthesia with sedation may also be an option. The surgical technique used for male breast reductions depends on the amount and composition of excess breast tissue. Most commonly, the incision is made either on the edge of the areola or in the armpit. In extreme cases, however, longer incisions may be required to enable the surgeon to remove larger volumes of tissue.
This incision allows the surgeon to cut away excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to sculpt your chest into a more masculine silhouette. If there is a significant volume of excess fat, it may be removed with liposuction rather than with traditional surgical techniques. Afterwards, the surgical incisions are closed with sutures.
Are You a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Male breast reduction surgery is for men affected by gynecomastia on one or both breasts. If you feel self-conscious about this excess tissue, are over the age of 18, and are healthy and emotionally stable, consider male breast reduction. The male breast reduction procedure has given thousands of men the confidence to take their shirt off to enjoy physical or intimate activities.
Men must be over the age of 18 to undergo this surgery. Most patients undergo this procedure between the ages of 18 and 40, although it can also be performed on older patients. Teens are advised to wait until after puberty to consider surgery to correct excess breast development. During puberty, temporary male breast development may occur. At this age, the breast may still be developing. Following puberty, there may not be a need for surgical treatment for breast development.
In addition, if you are overweight, you are advised to first attempt to correct the problem through weight loss, as obesity can lead to the appearance of male breasts. Men who undergo male breast reduction should be at or near their ideal weight, or less than 30 pounds overweight. If you are overweight and have a significant amount of fatty tissue in the chest area, you may want to consider liposuction alone to correct the issue.
Before undergoing male breast reduction, you will need to provide a complete medical history, which allows the doctor to check for a range of medical conditions that may cause the appearance of breasts in men. These include impaired liver function and the use of anabolic steroids or medications containing estrogen. Smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol excessively has also been shown to lead to male breast development. These medical causes of gynecomastia may be corrected without surgery. If not addressed prior to male breast reduction, medical causes could result in the development of additional breast tissue following surgery.
Finding a Male Breast Reduction Surgeon
Besides the cost of male breast reduction, its important to find a surgeon who is very experienced. When choosing a male breast reduction surgeon, make sure they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or other established association such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASPS). Though being a member in a society or board-certification doesn’t guarantee a successful outcome most certifying boards like these require extensive medical training, experience, and rigorous surgical education which can ensure that the most appropriate techniques are used for your surgery, while reducing the risk of complications and a quick male breast reduction recovery.