About This Treatment
Gynecomastia is overdeveloped or enlarged breast tissue in men, also called "man boobs." It can affect men of any age. Male breast reduction surgery can relieve discomfort and improve your self-confidence by reducing the breasts and enhancing your chest's contours.
Franciscan Health's experienced plastic surgeons have helped hundreds of men achieve a more classically masculine chest with male breast reduction surgery. The procedure removes excess breast tissue and tightens the skin for a firmer, more toned appearance. After male breast reduction surgery, patients often report physical relief. They also notice a boost in self-confidence when exercising.
About the male breast reduction surgery procedure
Surgeons perform male breast reduction surgery on an outpatient basis, meaning you go home the same day. You'll be asleep during the procedure under general anesthesia.
Your surgeon tailors the procedure to your body's individual needs and your goals. Male breast reduction can involve:
- Removing excess fat: Your surgeon can choose among several available liposuction techniques to remove excess glandular fat and flatten the chest.
- Removing excess glandular tissue: If liposuction can't remove all the excess glandular tissue, the surgeon can take it out through a small incision.
- Removing excess skin: The plastic surgeon removes loose, sagging skin that no longer contracts well over the chest. The surgeon also tightens remaining skin for a smoother, firmer appearance.
- Resizing areolas:In some cases, the weight of the breasts stretches the areolas. Your surgeon can create an incision around the outer border of the areola to remove excess skin and reduce its size.
Recovery from male breast reduction surgery
Following surgery for gynecomastia, you will rest in a recovery room while the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Once the medical staff gives the green light, we will release you into the care of an adult so you can go home to rest. You can expect to take one week off from your regular routine, including work and exercise.
Minor discomfort is normal after surgery. You'll have some tenderness and soreness in the breast area. Your surgeon will prescribe pain relievers to help you cope with this discomfort. You will need to wear a compression garment over the chest area during your recovery to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues. You will also need to attend several follow-up appointments so that your plastic surgeon can keep an eye on your healing progress.
The results of male breast reduction surgery should be visible within three months. You'll maintain results if you follow a healthy lifestyle: eating a balanced diet, exercising and maintaining a stable weight.
What is gynecomastia?
Between 40% and 60% of men have gynecomastia, a medical condition characterized by excess male breast tissue. Gynecomastia involves excess fat and glandular tissue in the chest area. Many people also have loose skin around the breasts and oversized areolas (the darker area around the nipple).
"Man boobs" can cause both psychological and physical discomfort. Many men with oversized breasts report feeling embarrassed. They often avoid situations that involve taking off their shirts in public. Rashes and skin irritation are also common among men with gynecomastia.
The condition results from hormonal fluctuations due to:
- Genetics
- Puberty or older age
- Obesity
- Use of certain prescription and recreational drugs, like anabolic steroids and marijuana
- Certain diseases, including some forms of cancer
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