Male Breast Reduction Procedure

Learn How Gynecomastia Procedures are Performed


Male breast reduction procedure is for men with gynecomastia, a condition in which the male breast appears overdeveloped from excess glandular tissue or fat. This condition is quite common, affecting an estimated 50 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Male breast reduction surgery removes glandular tissue and/or fat from the breasts to create a flatter, firmer, contour in the chest. Depending on the extent of the procedure, excess skin may also be removed.

In consultation, your surgeon will take into account your age, weight, and general health as to whether you are a good candidate for male breast reduction procedure at this time. Scarring will result, but incisions are made where they will appear as inconspicuous as possible.

Plastic surgeons can use one of two techniques: liposuction and direct excision. If the cause of development is excess glandular tissue, that tissue will be removed by direct excision. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. If the cause of development is excess fat tissue, the tissue can be removed by liposuction. Your surgeon will discuss which incision will be needed to give you the best possible result.

Before Male Breast Reduction Procedure

  1. Avoid medicines containing aspirin or ibuprofen a few weeks prior to surgery.
  2. Eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet before and after surgery. A healthy diet will help speed your male breast reduction recovery.
  3. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
  4. Do not wear make-up, contact lenses or other accessories to your surgery.
  5. Arrange to have someone take you home after surgery. If possible have them stay with you that evening around the house for a few days while you recover.

The Procedure


Male breast reduction surgery typically takes one and a half to three hours depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure is performed in a hospital or at a state accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis. Patients are given general anesthesia during this procedure.

Direct Excision

  1. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision on the edge of the areola.
  2. Working through the incision, the surgeon removes the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin with a scalpel.
  3. If liposuction is performed in conjunction with direct excision, the cannula is inserted through the same incision, and the excess fatty tissue is vacuumed out.
  4. Then the skin surrounding the areola is brought down and together to reshape the breast. Sutures close the incision, giving the chest its new contour.

Liposuction

  1. Using the “tumescent” technique, the surgeon injects the area with a large amount of solution in order to make it tumescent or firm. The solution acts as a local anesthetic and constricts the blood vessels, which reduces discomfort and lessens the bruising that follows liposuction.
  2. After the area is firm, the surgeon makes a tiny incision along the areola.
  3. A narrow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incision and excess fat cells are vacuumed out.
  4. The incision is stitched up and a compression bandage is applied to the treated area.

After Gynecomastia Surgery

After gynecomastia surgery, patients may experience some numbness, bruising, swelling or discomfort at the incision sight. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain is usually minimal, and can be controlled with medication, if necessary. Breasts will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for at least a day or two. Plan on getting plenty of rest and allowing your body to heal.

Patients may experience numbness in the nipples and breast skin, caused by swelling after surgery. This numbness usually fades as the swelling subsides over the next six weeks or so. In some patients, however, it may last a year or more, and occasionally may be permanent.

Patients will be instructed to wear an elastic compression bandage over gauze dressings. You’ll need to wear this compression bandage around the clock for three to four weeks, over a layer of gauze. Stitches are trimmed after a week or two.

Chest skin may be very dry following surgery. You may apply a moisturizer several times a day, but be careful not to tug at your skin in the process, and keep the moisturizer away from the suture areas.

Male Breast Reduction Recovery

Most patients are back at work within one week after surgery but should continue to take it easy for three weeks. Although patients are ready to return to work or school, they should plan to limit rigorous activity for a few weeks. After that, you can resume these activities slowly.

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