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Male Breast Reduction

Information about Gynecomasty

Gynecomasty is the abnormal enlargement of the male breast. A male breast reduction surgery can help those men who feel self-conscious about their appearance. When this procedure is taken, fat and glandular tissue are removed from the breasts and in extreme cases excess skin is also removed, resulting in a flatter, firmer, and better contoured chest.

The procedure

In a typical procedure, an incision is made, either in the armpit area or on the edge of the areola. When the incision is done, the surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. If major reductions are needed, a larger incision will be made so that the surgeon can remove a significant amount of tissue and skin. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions.

A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola. Or, the incision can be placed in the armpit area. A slim hollow tube called a cannula which is attached to a vacuum pump is then inserted into the incision. After that, the surgeon moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out.

There are some cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed and skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. When this happens, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.

Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.

Hospitalization: Most operations require 1 or 2 days of postoperative hospitalization.
Anaesthesia: usually general anaesthesia.
Length: Generally, the procedure lasts for 2 or 3 hours.

After the surgery

After this surgery, you will probably feel some discomfort for a few days. However, this can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon. You'll be swollen and bruised for awhile; in fact, you may wonder if there's been any improvement at all. You will have to wear an elastic bustle for a week or two and for a few weeks longer at night. This will help the correct positioning of the glands during the healing period in order to maintain their symmetry and compactness. It will also help to reduce swelling

Returning to normal routine

You will be able to return to your current activity 2 or 3 days after the operation. Pain may persist for a period and if so, avoidance of activities requiring intensive use of the arms is recommended. Intense physical exercise should be postponed in order to ensure the proper healing of the scars.

You will be able to return to your complete activity 2 or 3 weeks after the surgery, but this period may vary in length, depending on the technique employed and level of exertion during current activities. The plastic surgeon will recommend the optimum time when normal life may be resumed.

What are the possible side-effects and complications?

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although this operation doesn’t have practically any type of side-effects some of the risks and potential complications that can occur are infection, fluid accumulation, changes in nipple or breast sensation, skin discoloration and/or swelling, etc

What can be expected from a Male Breast Reduction?

The results of this surgery will lead to increased confidence, as the new look will be pleasing to the eye.

The results of the male breast reduction are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you'll be very satisfied with your new look.

What can not be expected from a Male Breast Reduction?

This surgery won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, you will have to think carefully about your expectations and discuss them frankly with your plastic surgeon.

Last Update: 08/19/2009
Note: This information is directed to support and not to replace your doctor opinion.

Before and After Photos