Surgery to reduce enlarged male breasts – also known as gynecomastia
Though rarely discussed, gynecomastia is actually quite common-affecting 40 to 60% of men. The cause of this condition in those within normal weight range has been linked to drug side effects, heredity or certain medical conditions. In most cases the cause is unknown. In men experiencing considerable weight loss, the cause is obvious-excess skin in the chest and other areas of the body resulting from the decrease of overall mass.
Who is a candidate for male breast reduction surgery?
For those who feel self conscious about their appearance, breast reduction surgery can help. Since the procedure removes fat and /or glandular tissue from the breasts, the result is a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured. In extreme cases excess skin is removed to achieve this outcome.
The surgery to correct gynecomastia should be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men. Age is not necessarily a consideration; however the best candidates have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.
Surgery is not recommended for overweight men—the problem may correct itself through diet and exercise. Individuals who drink alcoholic beverages in excess, or regularly smoke marijuana are not good candidates, nor are those who take anabolic steroids. These drugs can contribute to gynecomastia. Smokers are never good candidates for any surgery since smoking decreases circulation, which interferes with proper healing.
How is it done?
Surgery for gynecomastia is most often performed as an outpatient procedure. It is usually done under general anesthesia, although local anesthesia plus sedation is sometimes an option. It takes about an hour and a half to two and a half hours to complete providing there are no extenuating circumstances or multiple procedures involved.
The surgical technique will depend upon whether your condition is primarily comprised of excess glandular tissue, or fatty tissue. In the former case, the glandular tissue will first be removed with a scalpel. This may be done alone, or in conjunction with Liposuction. The incision is usually made along the edge of the areola. Usually the scars are inconspicuous, but their size is dependent upon the amount of tissue and skin that must be removed. The same incision is used for both tissue removal and Liposuction. In the case of extreme amounts of fat or glandular tissue, skin may have to be removed in order for the remaining skin to properly drape over the new breast contour.
If excessive fatty tissue is the primary cause, you will likely have Liposuction to remove the fat. In Liposuction, a slim hollow tube called a cannula is attached to a vacuum pump. This device breaks up layers of fat and suctions them out using careful, deliberate strokes. As in the case of glandular tissue, the incision will be under the arm or around the perimeter of the areola, but is nearly imperceptible.
When can you return to work and exercise?
Most patients can return to work 2 days post operation providing there is no physical activity involved in their job. Heavy exercise is discouraged for at least 3 weeks. Any sport or job that could potentially cause a blow to the chest must be avoided for 4 weeks.
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