Many men struggle with enlargement of breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia. This condition has a variety of causes, all leading to enlargement of male breast glands and resulting breast development. This condition can lead to a great deal of shame and insecurity.
Gynecomastia can occur at any age, from infancy to middle age. In general, most men get this unsightly condition when they have too many female hormones or a lack of male hormones.
The conditions that commonly cause gynecomastia include:
- Hormone imbalances
- Being overweight or obese
- Puberty
- Producing too little or too much testosterone
- Liver damage or other conditions that reduce liver function
- Regular use of marijuana or other recreational drugs
- Weight gain or loss
- Normal aging
- Certain medications
- Use of steroid medications, especially anabolic steroids
- Genetic syndromes such as Klinefelter and Gilbert syndromes
- Issues with testicular hormone production
Even after these conditions are treated, many men are left with permanent increases in breast tissue. Regardless of the cause, most men will suffer a resulting decrease in self-esteem. However, there is no need to live with this embarrassing condition. Dr. Jacono and his partners in plastic surgery at the New York Center for Facial, Plastic, and Laser Surgery offer male breast reduction to people throughout the Long Island and New York areas.
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as a male breast reduction, is a surgery that removes male breast tissue, flattening and sculpting the chest. The result is a distinctively masculine frontal appearance that will make you proud to take off your shirt.
Male Breast Reduction Patient 1: This young male patient was only in his twenties but struggled with excess breast tissue and protruding nipples. A gynecomastia surgery reduced the puffy appearance of his nipples while giving him a more sculpted chest.
Male Breast Reduction Patient 2: Also in his twenties, this male patient had a male breast reduction using both excisional surgery and liposuction. As you can see in the after photo, the results were dramatic.
Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can sometimes reduce male breast tissue. However, this is not always completely effective. Gynecomastia surgery can help to give men the masculine appearance that they crave.
Depending on the patient’s appearance goals, a variety of techniques can be used including:
- Reducing glandular breast tissue
- Reducing the size of nipples
- Changing the placement of the nipples and areola
- Sculpting male chest tissue to give a flatter and more toned appearance
These goals are met using liposuction, excision (traditional surgery), or a mixture of the two.
Male Breast Reduction Patient 3: This young male patient was insecure about the tissue in his chest. He was treated using liposuction alone, giving him an appearance, he can be proud of.
How a Male Breast Reduction Is Performed
Should you choose liposuction, excision, or a combination of the two? The answer to this question depends on your current situation.
Dr. Shain Cuber will help you to understand your options and recommend one that is best for you when you have a consultation. There are a few general commonalities. Generally men who have excess fat in their chests can treat it effectively using just liposuction. In liposuction, tiny incisions are made that are just large enough to fit a small cannula, or suction tube. The fat is then sucked out of your chest. Your plastic surgeon will move the cannula around as it removes fat to ensure a smooth and toned appearance.
If your breast tissue is more glandular or if you have excessive loose skin, it cannot be as easily removed with liposuction. Instead, your plastic surgeon will make an incision near your areola and cut out the offending tissue. In some cases, a combination of liposuction and excision yields the best results.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Regardless of the type of procedure, you will leave on the same day as surgery with your incisions covered by surgical bandages. Depending on the extent of the breast reduction, you may need to wear a compression garment over your chest for several weeks to reduce swelling and offer support. Some men may also initially have a drainage tube which is removed at the first follow-up visit.
Male Breast Reduction Patient 4: A middle aged male patient was insecure about the amount of breast tissue on his chest. His male breast reduction left him with a firm and masculine chest appearance.
Most patients who have this procedure can return to work and other light activity in just a day or two. Heavy lifting and other strenuous activities are usually avoided for about a month. After a month, most men find that their sutures are completely healed and that they are ready to show off their newly found pecs.
Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Most men who are healthy and have excessive breast tissue are good candidates for this procedure. It is important that the underlying condition that caused the gynecomastia first be identified and treated.
It is most important that you have realistic expectations of this procedure and understand how it will change your appearance. Your plastic surgeon will help you through this process at your initial consultation.
Male Breast Reduction Patient 5: This older male had large breasts that compromised his appearance and made him appear older than his age. A male breast reduction was performed using just liposuction, with a much more masculine appearance as a result.
Male Breast Reduction Patient 6: A male breast reduction procedure was performed to reduce the puffiness of the nipples and to make his chest appear more masculine.
If you are interested in learning more about treatments for gynecomastia, schedule a consultation today. Call our Long Island practice at 516-472-7846 to take the first step toward a masculine chest you are proud to display.