Male breast reduction

Gynecomastia, a condition when men have enlarged breasts, may be a problem of 40 to 60 percent of all men. The vast majority of men do not want to talk about it, although there is nothing to be ashamed of and seek for help. There is an efficient solution to this problem, the male breast reduction plastic  procedure .

What is it?

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce male breasts and correct a condition called gynecomastia. The surgeon removes fat and glandular tissue from the breast. As a result of this plastic surgery , a man has a flat, firm, and well-contoured chest. In some cases excess skin is also removed. This depends upon the state of gynecomastia.

The best candidates for the procedure

Even though you might want to undergo breast reduction procedure, you have to be sure if you are suitable for it. You are eligible if you are healthy and psychologically stable. It does not matter how old you are. It is best if your skin is firm and elastic, able to gain the body’s new contours.

Men, who are fat and have overweight, are not the best candidates for surgical gynecomastia correction. The doctor will first advise them to try to lose fat and do some exercise in order to try to correct gynecomastia without surgery. Men, who drink alcohol, smoke marijuana, are not eligible for the procedure until they stop their habits. In addition, men should have realistic expectations from the procedure to be a good candidate for male breast reduction.

Before the gynecomastia surgery

Your surgeon will evaluate your general health state and the state of gynecomastia. He or she will decide how much fat, glandular tissue and/or excess fat should be removed for the best result. The surgeon will also advise you on what to drink, eat prior to the surgery. If you smoke, you will have to stop this habit at least two weeks before surgery and during the healing period in order for the tissue to heal better.
Male breast reduction procedure is usually performed under outpatient conditions but some cases might require hospital stay for a few days. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia, but local anesthesia with additional sedation is possible. Your surgeon will discuss all the options and decide according to the extent of the surgery. Gynecomastia surgery usually takes from one hour to one hour and a half. But if a more extensive correction is needed, surgery might take longer. It is very important to give the surgeon all the required information and follow his/her instructions carefully in order to achieve best results.

Gynecomastia surgery

The surgeon will make an incision in the skin, either around the areola or in the under arm area, so that the scar is unnoticeable after surgery. Excess fat, glandular tissue and ski will be removed through this incision. The surgeon might use liposuction in combination with scalpel. In case liposuction is used, the cannula may be inserted through the incision. If a doctor removes larger amount of skin, more noticeable scar may appear.
The incisions are then closed and covered with a dressing. The surgeon will cover the chest with a wrap, so that the skin should be firmly in place.

After the gynecomastia surgery

You should feel some discomfort after surgery and it can be controlled with certain medications. The discomfort should disappear after a few days but it is normal in some cases that it takes a few weeks to feel normal again. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and help you at home for a few days.

You will experience swelling and bruising for the first few weeks after surgery. To help this disappear quicker, you may wear elastic garment around your chest. Your surgeon will encourage walking around the next day after surgery in order to prevent the formation of blood clots. You may return to work when you feel you are able to, which may be a day or two after surgery. Your surgeon will remove the stitches in one or two weeks after the procedure. The results should be visible after a few months following male breast reduction.

You will be able to return to your normal activities after a month following the procedure. You should avoid sex for two weeks and heavy exercise for four weeks. Remember to avoid sun for at least six months after surgery, since the sun may make your scar turn dark. In case you cannot avoid direct sunshine, you should use a strong sunblock. If you still have further questions do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

Possible complications

Although when performed by a well experienced doctor, this procedure is safe, as with any surgery male breast reduction may have possible risks and complications that you should be aware of. The most frequent risks and complications include infection, skin injury, bleeding, excessive fluid loss or accumulation. Another complication may be associated with anesthesia, because anesthetic substances may cause some undesirable effects. Bear in mind that normally the procedure should not leave any noticeable scars, in some cases scars may be visible or dark. You may also experience asymmetrical breasts or nipples. In case there is a huge asymmetry, you may have to undergo additional procedure. Finally, you may face temporary loss of breast sensation or numbness. This should disappear after one year.

Gynecomastia surgery cost

Depending upon the state, the region and clinic the price ranges from $2,700 to $5,000. Gynecomastia sugery cost may vary from individual to individual, since it depends upon the extent of the surgery, the type of anesthesia applied and hospital expenses.