Breast Reduction in Men (Gynecomastia Correction)

Gynecomastia is the clinical term for male breast overdevelopment. It can happen because of certain drugs or medical problems, but in most cases there is no known cause. It is not uncommon, affecting 40 to 60 percent of men. Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia should be considered only after a complete physical exam excludes other possible reasons and more appropriate solutions. Men who are overweight or those who drink alcohol excessively or smoke marijuana are not good candidates for the procedure because their practices are often the cause of the problem and would contribute to it returning if surgery were performed. After weight loss, one should wait at least a year before considering corrective surgery to ensure the body has stabilized.

About the Procedure
The surgeon will usually order an x-ray to check the status of the breast and chest area, check for any other problems and help in determining techniques to be used. Smokers will be asked to refrain from smoking for at least two weeks before and some time afterwards to aid in healing. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, but for extreme cases is done under general anesthesia in the hospital.

In most cases, the surgeon makes a small incision near the edge of the areola or in the underarm area and removes glandular tissue with a scalpel if that’s the cause of the problem. This is sometimes done by or in conjunction with liposuction. If larger amounts of tissue and skin need to be removed, more conspicuous scars may result. If the main cause is fat, then it is removed through liposuction. A tube attached to a vacuum pump is inserted in the incision and the fat is suctioned out. If large amounts of fat or tissue are removed, some skin may also be removed to adjust the contour of the breast. The incisions are closed with stitches, but a small drain may be inserted to eliminate excess fluids. The chest is wrapped with bandages to keep the skin in place.

After surgery, expect swelling and discomfort. Medication will help with pain and an elastic pressure garment may be used to help reduce swelling. It may be three or more months before the results of the procedure are apparent. Non-physical work can be resumed in about two days, but sexual activity should be avoided for a week, and any physical activity that could impact the chest should be avoided for four weeks. Patients should stay out of direct sunlight for six months.

Considerations
Along with the risks of all surgery, breast reduction may leave noticeable scars or permanent pigmentation change. Sometimes breasts will not be symmetrical and a second procedure will be required to make them more balanced or to remove more tissue. Some numbness or loss of sensation may be experienced for up to a year.