Male Breast Reduction

Many men suffer from gynecomastia, which is typically characterized by excess tissue and/or fat in the chest area. This condition can create the appearance of male breasts, frequently leading to low self-esteem and self-consciousness. If you suffer from gynecomastia and are looking for treatment options, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Daniel C. Mills, MD, FACS, offers advanced procedures such as male breast reduction surgery that can remove excess fat and tissue in the pectoral regions for a flatter chest appearance.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, or if you would like to learn more about male breast reduction, please contact Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute today.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that results in enlarged or overdeveloped breasts in men. It often develops due to hormonal changes during puberty; however, it can affect individuals at any age, and can be caused by a number of other factors, as well. These include:

• Hereditary conditions
• Obesity
• Chronic liver disease
• Genetic disorders
• Aging
• Illicit drug use
• Steroid abuse
• Klinefelter or Gilbert’s Syndrome

What Are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?

Although it is often referred to under the umbrella term “gynecomastia,” there are actually two types of the condition: “true” gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. True gynecomastia is the term that typically refers to individuals who have gynecomastia primarily caused by excess breast tissue. Pseudogynecomastia often indicates gynecomastia that is caused by a buildup of excess fat. In some cases, individuals may be affected by both excess tissue and excess fat. Gynecomastia can occur on either side of the chest or in both breasts. Indications can include excess skin along the breasts that is marked by stretch marks or sagginess. Other symptoms individuals with gynecomastia can experience include:

• Painful breasts
• Swollen chest
• Emotional effects, such as low self-esteem or even depression

With the proper treatment, there are ways to correct gynecomastia and remedy many of these concerns.

What Is Male Breast Reduction?

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure designed to address the symptoms and effects of gynecomastia by reducing the size of the breasts. If a patient suffers from excess glandular tissue, Dr. Mills will likely recommend a surgical excision and recontouring of the chest area. If the condition is primarily caused by excess fat in the breasts, liposuction may be the best option. In some cases, a combination of the two surgical techniques may be necessary for the most optimal results. Specific procedure details will vary based upon each patient. During your private consultation, Dr. Mills will do a thorough evaluation and will review the approach he believes will best suit your needs.

What Does A Male Breast Reduction Consultation and Procedure Involve?

In your private consultation with our Orange County plastic surgeon, you will receive more information about procedural possibilities. Dr. Mills will talk with you about your options and answer any questions you may have. Once you and Dr. Mills have agreed on the approach to your procedure, a customized treatment plan will be created, and a date will be scheduled for your surgery.

On the day of your procedure, you will be under the care of our experienced team at our on-site surgical facility. Male breast reduction procedures that involve removal of excess breast tissue and glandular tissue often begin with an incision around the areola, followed by elimination of the excess tissue. If excess fat is the primary cause of gynecomastia, the procedure may only require liposuction for the best result. For some patients, a combination of tissue removal and liposuction may be the best approach.

Depending on your individual treatment plan and the techniques utilized, surgery to reduce the size of the breasts typically takes two hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

What Is Male Breast Reduction Recovery Like?

A compressive dressing will often be provided once surgery is complete. This is designed to minimize swelling, discomfort, and bruising. The dressing can typically be replaced with a tightly fitting sports shirt two or three days following your procedure. We recommend wearing this type of elastic shirt for at least one or two weeks. Discomfort after this procedure can be fairly mild and offset with a prescribed oral pain medication. Within a few days, patients should be able to return to work; however, any sports or physical exercise should not be resumed for at least two and a half weeks. In some cases, post-surgical swelling can take up to six months to be fully resolved. With this in mind, the appearance of swelling should diminish considerably in the weeks following your surgery.

For more information about male breast reduction, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mills, please contact our practice today.