Breast Reduction for Men

Men with enlarged breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia can have a breast reduction surgery to eliminate the problems and concerns associated with overly large breasts. Severe gynecomastia may cause breasts to droop from the weight of the breast tissue or stretch down the areola. Breast reduction surgery or reduction mammaplasty is done to get rid of excess glandular tissue, fat or stretched skin which all contributes in enlargement of one or both breasts. Successful surgery gives a patient flat breast(s) and enhanced male chest contours. Breasts are reduced to a size which is proportional to the other parts of the body. Dr. Bloch from Chicago has successfully carried out reduction mammaplasty for numerous male patients with the condition.

Candidates for male breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery can be done for adult men and young males in their puberty stage who have low self esteem because of their abnormal breasts. Ideal candidates should have:

• Overly large breasts
• General good health
• Realistic expectations and a positive attitude towards the surgery

Use of marijuana, alcohol, or anabolic steroids may however cause gynecomastia and surgery is not recommended for patients who continue to use these products.

Male breast reduction procedure

The size of male breasts can be corrected through liposuction or excision. Anesthesia is administered before any of the procedures for patient’s comfort.

Liposuction

This technique is commonly used in a situation where male breast enlargement is as a result of excess fatty tissue. After anesthesia, several tiny cuts are made on breasts through which small hollow tubes called cannulas are inserted. The cannulas are then moved back and forth to liquefy excess fat which is then suctioned out.

Types of liposuction

There are a couple of different liposuction techniques:

• Tumescent liposuction. With this technique, the surgeon will inject a solution into your fatty areas before the fat is removed. It is made up of a saline solution, a mild painkiller, and epinephrine — a drug that contracts your blood vessels. The solution helps the surgeon remove the fat more easily, helps reduce blood loss, and eases pain during and after surgery.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction. With ultrasound-assisted liposuction, ultrasonic energy is used to liquefy the fat, which is then removed from your body.

Excision technique

This technique involves surgery where excess glandular tissue or excess breasts skin needs to be reduced. Excision is used to reduce the size of the areola and reposition the nipple to a more natural looking male contour. Dr. Bloch will use incision patterns depending on the patient’s condition or his surgical preference. Both liposuction and excision techniques may be combined to treat gynecomastia cases.

Gynecomastia surgery recovery

During your gynecomastia surgery recovery period, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals after surgery.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

To book a consultation for Gynecomastia call Body by Bloch at 847-432-0840.