What Type of Person Gets Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery involves the removal of excess breast tissue from a male patient’s chest.
There are a number of reasons why an enlarged male breast tissue – called gynecomastia – can form in this part of a male’s body.
The most common reason that ‘man boobs’ form is obesity. Losing weight is not always the best solution to get rid of gynecomastia either. In fact, it is not uncommon for a male’s chest to sag if he has been obese in the past and then lost weight. It can also occur that excess breast tissue appears as a result of puberty and for it not to disappear during adulthood.
Although there is nothing dangerous or unhealthy about males having larger than normal breasts, they are regarded as being feminine by many parts of society. For this reason, many men may feel insecure about their chest and enlarged breasts in these situations.
These men are prime candidates for male breast reduction surgery – a relatively quick, safe, and affordable procedure that has grown in popularity over the last few years. It involves a plastic surgeon cutting into a patient’s chest and removing the excess fat and breast tissue, resulting in the patient having a less fat, more traditionally masculine-looking chest.
It’s often recommended that male patients under the age of 18 wait before considering breast reduction surgery, as the effects of puberty may naturally correct the size of their chest.
Overweight patients may be recommended a diet and exercise plan or different type of weight loss surgery.
What Does the Gynecomastia Surgery Involve? How Does it Work?
There are two types of male breast reduction surgery. A consultant will examine a patient’s chest and then explain what type of treatment is best for gynecomastia correction.
If the patient has excess fatty tissue within their chest, it is likely that they will recommend liposuction – a method of removing excess fat from under the skin via suction.
If the patient also has excess glandular tissue, it may be more effective for the surgeon to cut it out. The most obvious indication of excess glandular tissue is that the patients nipples have also enlarged. This is not the only indication though. The shape and feel of your chest will make it quite apparent to expert consultants. For larger more fibrous chests, it’s likely that cutting and removing the tissue will be recommended.
For both types of operation, the surgeon will need to make an incision, either under the patient’s arm or around the nipple to remove fat or glandular tissue. In rare cases, excess skin has to be removed as well.
Gynecomastia surgery rarely takes longer than a couple of hours to complete. It is performed under general anaesthesia, so the patient will be asleep throughout the procedure. The operation is generally performed as an outpatient procedure.
Recovering From the Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Although you’ll usually be discharged from the surgery on the same day as the operation, the recovery process typically lasts a few weeks. You’ll have bandages and a thin support on your chest for the first few days – and there could be bruises, swelling and aching in that area. Most consultants will prescribe painkillers of the necessary strength to help patients deal with this. You will be advised to wear elasticated compression garments for 1-2 weeks post-operation.
When Can I Go Back to Work After Gynecomastia Surgery?
It’s advisable to get plenty of rest (sleeping on your back) and to avoid strenuous exercise and lifting anything heavy for the first few days after surgery. Most patients can return to sedentary jobs within three or four days.
It’s normally safe to engage in lower body exercise or light cardio within a couple of weeks of the operation. A patient will normally be advised to avoid contact sports and upper body exercise for between four and six weeks.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery Scars
The patient will have permanent scars from the incision following the operation, although these will fade with time and the results of the surgery are typically permanent. Even when gaining weight, the amount of fat stored in a patient’s chest will be reduced following this surgery.
The end result should be that you’re happier with your body and more confident in your own skin.
Male Breast Reduction & Cosmetic Surgery Consultation
Learn more about the male breast reduction procedure and other cosmetic surgery options.
Contact our board-certified plastic surgeon at Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery for an in-depth, personal consultation. Our private facility is located in Barrie (Ontario), 1-hour drive from Toronto.