Breast Reduction for Men

One in 3 american men have enlarged breasts. The condition, gynecomastia, can include enlarged or puffy nipples and enlarged breast tissue overall. Enlarged breast tissue in men usually occurs during hormonal changes (increased estrogen and decreased testosterone) during infancy, adolescence, and old age.

Although it is rare, gynecomastia is sometimes associated with diseases such as breast cancer, liver disease, lung cancer, adrenal or glandular tumors, congenital syndromes, thyroid disorders, or trauma. For this reason, it is important for men with enlarged breasts to be examined by a doctor to be sure the condition is unrelated to disease.

Gynecomastia can be embarrassing. In some cases, the best solution is to surgically reduce the breast tissue and reshape the breasts for a masculine appearance.

Candidates
Men who have enlarged nipples or excess breast tissue as well as those who limit their activities or feel self-conscious as a result of their appearance are excellent candidates for male breast reduction surgery.

Consultation
Consultation for male breast reduction includes a thorough discussion of the patient's symptoms and concerns. The surgeon will examine the breasts and develop a surgical plan with consideration for the patient's age and skin condition. He or she also will discuss surgical options, including a description of the procedure, its limits and risks, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

The Procedure
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure at our ambulatory center.  It can take 1 to 2 hours and is almost always performed under general anesthesia. It involves the removal of fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breasts to make them firmer and more masculine. Complicated gynecomastia conditions might require an incision to remove excess tissue and tighten the surrounding skin.

Depending on your needs and desires, your surgeon will perform:

• Suction lipectomy in which edges of the breast tissue are tapered for a natural-looking result
• Endoscopic surgery, which involves a small, flexible tube with a light and camera that allows the surgeon to examine the inside of the breast and remove tissue without a large incision

Recovery and Results
After surgery, you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage over gauze dressings. The bandages will be replaced within 2 days after surgery. It will take several weeks until bruising and swelling completely subside. Although most of the swelling disappears in the first few weeks, it might be as much as 6 months before the breasts settle into their new shape. It also might take as much as a year for the scars to become less obvious.

Some patients describe being sore for a week or more after surgery. Most men can return to work within a few days after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for about 4 weeks after surgery.

Although either local or general anesthesia may be used, the type of anesthesia used will depend on many factors, including the surgeon's and your preferences, the extent of surgery needed, your age, and the size of the incision.

The surgeon will make marks on the skin before surgery to indicate the areas that will be removed.

After breast reduction surgery, many men describe feeling masculine and more comfortable with their bodies.