A Man’s Guide to Breast Reduction

Approximately 50 percent of males in the United States are affected by what is commonly referred to as man boobs. Men hide their chests with baggy clothing and binders in order to save themselves from public scrutiny. The embarrassment of their chests keeps many men from living life to their full potential. It doesn’t have to be that way anymore; male breast reduction surgery is the solution many men have been hoping for.

Reasons for Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia

Enlarged male breasts are medically known as gynecomastia. The condition is characterized by swollen breast tissue in males caused by a hormonal imbalance. The breast tissue swells due to a decrease in testosterone (male hormone) and an increase in estrogen (female hormone). The condition spans across all ages and is usually caused by puberty, aging, side effects from medication, and health conditions affecting hormone balance.

Extreme Weight Loss

Those individuals who have lost an extreme amount of weight are usually left with excess skin. One area of the body men typically experience sagging skin is on the chest. This skin causes the breast tissue and nipple to hang off the chest. Even on the leanest male figure, sagging breasts can be a problem that causes discomfort and embarrassment.

Good Candidates

Good candidates for breast reduction are adult males who are healthy and emotionally stable. It is also required they be within their ideal body weight and have good skin elasticity. In some cases, teenage males can receive treatment for gynecomastia, but it is recommended they wait until after puberty.

The Procedure

A male breast reduction is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia and excess breast tissue after weight loss. The procedure effectively removes the extra fat and glandular tissue to create a flatter and firmer chest. Procedure duration ranges from one to two hours in length and is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

Recovery

The patient will be given postoperative instructions and medication to help with discomfort after the procedure. Bruising, swelling and temporary numbness from disruption of nerve connections are common side effects but usually subside within one week. The doctor may recommend a compression garment for one to two weeks to reduce swelling and promote healing. On average, patients will return to daily activities within two to three days and resume exercise after two weeks.

If you would like more information about male breast reduction surgery, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with one of our aesthetic surgeons, give our office a call at 800-662-1055.