Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
For some men, extra fat and tissue in their chest is a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Fortunately, Dr. Johnson can perform a male breast reduction for Phoenix, AZ men to correct gynecomastia and resolve this condition.
Gynecomastia or male breast enlargement is quite common among adolescent boys. In fact, up to 70 percent of boys experience it during puberty. Although this condition is usually mild and short lived, a small percentage of men continue to experience over-developed breasts. Men with gynecomastia will often avoid physical activities and even intimacy to conceal their condition.
For those men, surgery is often a very good option to reduce the size of their breasts and create a better chest contour. Two variations of this procedure are available, depending on the patient’s needs. If fat, skin, and glandular tissue need to be removed, Dr. Johnson performs the surgery using a scalpel or scalpel with liposuction. If only fatty tissue is involved, it may be removed with liposuction alone. Our post-surgery patients report increased self-confidence and comfort with their bodies at the beach, in the locker room and any other time they take their shirts off.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs when a man’s breasts are enlarged or over-developed. Although it typically occurs during puberty, it can develop at any age. It is usually caused by hormonal changes, genetics, obesity or using certain drugs.
Symptoms of gynecomastia include:
- Extra fat localized in the chest
- Extra development of glandular tissue
- Extra breast skin
These symptoms can occur in one or both breasts.
Am I a good candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Male breast reduction is right for many men who want to improve the appearance of their breasts. Although no amount of cosmetic surgery can make you look “perfect,” male breast reduction can help create better proportion and improve self-confidence. The best candidates for surgery are physically healthy and mentally prepared for the surgery, transformation and recovery.
The ideal candidate has firm skin that will be responsive to re-contouring itself once excess breast tissue has been removed, though surgical skin tightening can be performed for patients who have significant skin laxity. Keep in mind that certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, marijuana, and alcohol may cause or contribute to the formation of enlarged male breasts, so use of these drugs must be discontinued before and after surgery. A surgical option is appropriate only when excess tissue remains in the chest even after discontinuing use of these substances.
What does the procedure involve?
OK, I’m ready. I’d like to schedule a consultation. What happens during the consultation?
During your consultation, you and Dr. Johnson will discuss:
- Your goals for surgery and options to achieve those goals
- Medical history, including current and past conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments and surgeries
- The medications you are currently taking including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drug use (including steroids)
Dr. Johnson will also:
- Discuss your general health status, including any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examine your breasts to determine shape, size, skin quality and placement of nipples and areolas
- Take photographs for your medical records
- Recommend treatment based on your complaints and goals
Be sure to ask questions during your consultation. It is very important for you to understand the surgical procedure you will be having. It is completely normal to feel anxious, whether it is from excitement for your new look or some preoperative stress. You should feel comfortable discussing these concerns with Dr. Johnson.
What will my recovery be like?
After surgery, you will have dressings or bandages applied to your incisions. You will wear a support, compression garment for six weeks to support the new line of your chest as it heals and to minimize swelling while you heal. Occasionally, my patients will have drains for the first week or two.
At your pre-op appointment, you will be given detailed instructions for caring for the surgical site and prescriptions for medications to promote your comfort, healing and reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Johnson will tell you what you should expect and look for during and after your surgery. We will also schedule your first post-operative appointment, so that Dr. Johnson can check the surgical site and make sure you are healing properly.
While you are healing, it is critical that you do not subject your incisions to excessive force, abrasion or motion. Dr. Johnson will give you specific time frames when you can return to normal activity.
Are my results long-lasting?
In many cases, the results you get from gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting. However, if the gynecomastia was caused by the use of prescription medications, drugs (including anabolic steroids) or weight gain, use of those substances or gaining weight could cause the gynecomastia to re-develop.
Before making any changes to your prescription medications, however, it is vital that you discuss that decision with the doctor who prescribed the medicine.
When will I see my results?
You will be able to see the results from your gynecomastia surgery immediately. Of course, there will be some swelling immediately after surgery that will fade over time, along with the incision lines. In terms of scarring, all surgeries result in scars.
While most of the incisions from male breast reduction surgery can be camouflaged in your body’s natural contours, some scars may be visible. Although the scars from surgery will be long-lasting, they will continue to fade as time passes.