Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction surgery is usually performed for a condition referred to as gynecomastia.   This condition may occur in young and older men and can be caused by multiple factors.  It is important to identify the cause of gynecomastia.  Sometimes this condition may be caused by an underlying factor that can be withdrawn and thereby improve the appearance of the chest.  Some of these factors, like chronic marijuana or anabolic steroid use can cause gynecomastia and may return after surgery if these substances are not abandoned.   There are several other instances that surgery to reduce the male breast is not appropriate.  At the initial consultation, a thorough discussion between you and the surgeon will help to identify those men that will benefit from a breast reducing procedure and those men that will not benefit from this procedure.  Over the years, this procedure has been improved upon leaving minimal scarring, very short recovery process, and pleasing results.

Reasons for choosing a male breast reduction surgery

• Larger amount of breast tissue in a male without an identifiable cause that may be withdrawn
• Social anxiety in a young person that has demonstrated breast enlargement
• Rash or skin infections under the enlarged male breast
• Desire to sculpt and define the chest

General Procedure

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room depending on the amount of breast tissue to be removed.  The type of incision to be used to remove the breast tissue will be discussed during the initial consultation with the surgeon.  Some men will have excellent results with liposuction alone, while others may require an additional small incision around the lower border of the areola to remove excess tissue.  The surgery usually lasts between one and two hours.

Recovery Process

After surgery you will have a supportive garment that will be worn until specified by your surgeon, usually for the first few weeks, and only removed to shower or to wash the garment.  Such garments are utilized to minimize bruising and swelling after surgery. Oral pain medications will be given to help alleviate post surgical discomfort.  While complications are rare, these can be minimized by following the post operative instructions given to you by the surgeon.