Breast Reduction Surgery for Men

Yara Zakharia, Esq.

Definition

Also referred to as 'man's boobs', gynecomastia or the abnormal development of breast tissue and mammary glands in men afflicts between 40 and 60% of males worldwide and is the primary reason for breast evaluations among U.S. males. Etymologically-derived from the Greek words "gynec" for woman and "mastos" for "breasts", this medical term refers to a condition whereby men grow excessively large pectorals resembling female breasts. Although painless, gynecomastia can be emotionally-traumatizing and socially-handicapping for men, leaving them feeling embarrassed, distressed, and/or emasculated.

Gynecomastia, which develops as a small lump under the nipple, may affect one or both breasts, which increase unevenly in volume. Its existence can be confirmed via physical exams such as urine tests and blood tests performed by a physician. Breast enlargement is common among adolescents and the elderly. In the former, it is brought on by hormonal changes transpiring during puberty. In the latter, the disease is usually triggered by obesity.

Causes

While the exact cause of gynecomastia remains unknown, it is thought to run in families and to have genetic roots. It has also been attributed to a hormonal imbalance- a deficiency in the male hormone (testosterone) and an overproduction of estrogen. Other contributing factors include the following:

Gynecomastia Treatment

Getting rid of gynecomastia is possible with proper treatment. In 90% of non-obese teenagers, symptoms disappear once puberty has taken its course or within a couple of years. Individuals coping with gynecomastia may avail themselves of the following non-medical cures:

1. Diet

Gynecomastia can, in many cases, be eliminated by changing one's choice of aliments and reforming one's eating habits. It is recommended that those suffering from the condition avoid fried and fatty foods, as well as pasta, white bread, white rice, and other processed foods since these augment the amount of fat in the body. By contrast, men with gynecomastia should consume plenty of vegetables.

1. Exercise

This is one of the most proven cures for gynecomastia. Exercises such as cardiovascular and aerobic exercises (i.e. running, walking, treadmill) are very effective in burning chest fat. Additionally, weight-lifting, strength training, and workouts targeting the chest area are efficacious methods of fat-burning and show results within a few weeks of the athletic regimen. 

1. Medication

Prescriptions and supplements also cure gynecomastia in a short period of time. Results are noticeable in just a few weeks, and there are no harmful side effects associated with usage of these supplements, provided of course that the consumer purchases them from reliable sources.

Breast Reduction Surgery

The last resort option consists of male breast reduction surgery, which is a long-term remedy for the condition. Obese males should first treat their gynecomastia through non-surgical techniques such as exercise and weight loss. Breast reduction is generally reserved for men who have unusually large breasts, whose enlarged breasts are long-standing, and who have not responded favorably to therapy. Male breast reduction enables patients to improve their self-confidence and become less self-conscious about their appearance. The end result of gynecomastia surgery is a more masculine, flatter, and firm chest.

Am I a Candidate?

Male breast reduction procedures may involve surgical excision, liposuction, and/or mastectomy and consist of elimination of glandular breast tissue or fat and sometimes excess skin. In a mastectomy, the breast gland tissue is removed.

To qualify for gynecomastia surgery, males must:

1. Be in sound physical and emotional health
2. Not be obese
3. Not abuse alcohol
4. Not smoke marijuana

Results are optimal for candidates whose skin is considerably elastic since it would better adjust to the body's enhanced shape. Prospective patients first attend a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon that conducts a medical evaluation of the former (i.e. breast examination and thorough medical history) and sometimes recommends a mammogram to assess the quantity of glandular tissue and fat present in the breasts.

Procedure Information

Male breast reduction procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital, surgical center, or at the surgeon's office. The surgery usually lasts an hour and a half and is conducted under either local or general anesthesia. The procedure typically proceeds as follows:

1. The surgeon makes an incision either in the underarm area or around the nipple's dark skin.

 

1. Excess fat, skin, and glandular tissue is removed from the bottom and sides of the breast as well as around the areola.

1. If the large breasts are caused mainly by excessive fatty tissue, the surgeon will perform a liposuction, which involves the insertion of a cannula or pressure pump in the underarm area or around the areola to suction out the excess fat.

 

1. The surgeon then drapes the incisions with a dressing and covers the chest with a bandage in order to keep the skin firm.
   

Risks and Recovery

Upon completion, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing and the chest is wrapped with an elastic bandage to hold the skin tightly in place.

Patients usually feel some measure of discomfort, as well as swelling and bruising following the operation and may be prescribed medication to alleviate their symptoms.  When performed by a skilled male breast reduction surgeon, complications are rare, and scarring is minimal. Complications may include retarded healing, numbness, asymmetry of the nipples or breast, fluid retention or loss, skin damage, numbness, bleeding, and infection. The surgeon will usually require the patient to wear a special garment on his chest for a week or two. Patients can return to work within a week following the male breast reduction surgery. They must usually avoid partaking in strenuous activities for a month or two following the operation.

Individuals contemplating gynecomastia surgery should seek out reputable, board-certified plastic surgeons with experience in male breast reduction. Prospective patients can ask to view before and after photos of some of the clinic's or surgeon's former patients. Health insurance usually covers the cost of gynecomastia surgery. The operation is increasingly affordable, with a variety of financing options at clients' disposal.