Breast Procedures

Male Breast Reduction

Life can be profoundly challenging when your body doesn’t reflect how you feel inside. For men experiencing gynecomastia, a condition characterized by enlarged glandular tissue in the chest, this disconnect can cause both physical discomfort and emotional distress. Perhaps you’ve felt self-conscious at the beach, at the gym or even in your everyday clothes. At Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery, we’re here to reassure you that there is a solution. Male breast reduction can help align your outer appearance with your inner identity, allowing you to live your life more freely and confidently.

Our entire staff is dedicated to assisting you in becoming more confident. We understand that enlarged breasts can be holding you back, and we want to help you reach your goals. To learn more about male breast reduction surgery, schedule a consultation with us by calling 706-494-7700. You can also fill out our online contact form.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by enlarged glandular tissue in the male breast. While both men and women have breast tissue, the male breast typically contains much less than its female counterpart. However, with gynecomastia, the breasts become larger and swollen, taking on a more feminized appearance. In addition to enlarged breast tissue, other symptoms, such as pain or tenderness, may also occur.

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure aimed at treating gynecomastia and restoring a flatter, firmer and more masculine contour to the chest. Depending on your needs, it might involve liposuction, the removal of excess glandular tissue, or a combination of both.

 

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance. Men’s bodies produce a small amount of estrogen, the hormone that promotes breast growth, in addition to testosterone and other male hormones, which counter this effect. When the hormonal balance within the body is tilted in favor of estrogen, it can lead to the development of excess breast tissue.

In addition to hormonal imbalances, the breasts can become enlarged by fatty deposits under, around and behind the nipples in people with obesity. This is known as pseudogynecomastia. Certain health conditions or medications can also cause male breast enlargement. Knowing the cause and type of gynecomastia can help determine the best treatment approach.

Causes of Male Breast Enlargement

  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Weight gain
  • Genetics
  • Liver disease
  • Thyroid problems
  • Certain medications
  • Illicit drugs and steroids
  • Herbal supplements

 

Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia

If the exact cause of enlarged male breast tissue is known, the condition can improve with the proper treatment. However, some men need surgery to reverse their symptoms. Male breast reduction is the most effective and common treatment option for gynecomastia. It involves the removal of excess breast tissue and fat to sculpt flatter, more masculine chest contours.

At Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery in Columbus, Georgia, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Naman believes in a patient-centered approach and will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs, utilizing the latest and most advanced breast reduction techniques to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

 

Ideal Candidates for Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia can occur for a number of reasons. Because it is often the result of hormonal changes, many men are not able to prevent the development of enlarged breasts no matter what diet or fitness program they try — it simply comes down to age and genetics. In fact, according to a study published by the Mayo Clinic and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), up to 65% of boys and men experience some form of gynecomastia in their lifetime.

Male breast reduction is an effective procedure that can successfully address this issue. If you’re bothered by enlarged, swollen or fatty breasts that don’t respond to diet or exercise, surgery might be the best option for restoring a more masculine contour to the chest. Ideal candidates for male breast reduction include men who:

  • Want to reduce the appearance of abnormally large or feminized breasts
  • Experience low self-esteem due to their condition
  • Have gynecomastia that isn’t caused by an underlying medical concern
  • Are at a stable weight and in good overall health

To find out if male breast reduction surgery is right for you, schedule your initial consultation with the board-certified plastic surgeons at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery. Together, we will explore your options and develop a treatment plan that best addresses your concerns, helping you achieve your aesthetic goals in the safest and most effective manner.

What to Expect During Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Preparing for Male Breast Reduction

Taking the time to prepare for your male breast reduction procedure properly can significantly enhance your comfort and the overall success of the surgery. Our team will provide you with tips and preparation guidelines to consider during your initial consultation, such as:

    • Stopping smoking in the weeks leading up to surgery
    • Arranging for transportation home from the surgery center
    • Setting up your recovery space with all of the essentials (snacks, water, entertainment,clean linens, bandages, etc.)
    • Filling your all of your prescriptions in advance

Male Breast Reduction Surgical Options

When it comes to male breast reduction, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your surgeon will carefully consider your individual circumstances and aesthetic goals to recommend the best surgical option for you. Here are the primary techniques utilized:

    • Liposuction: This technique is primarily used when breast enlargement is mainly due to fatty deposits. In this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision through which a small, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted to remove the excess fat. Liposuction can be a less invasive option with a relatively quick recovery time.
    • Excision: If gynecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance and characterized by excess glandular tissue, excision techniques are employed. This involves making an incision to allow your surgeon to remove the excess skin and breast tissue.
    • Combination of Liposuction and Excision: In some cases, a combination of both liposuction and excision provides the best results. This approach allows your surgeon to remove excess fat and glandular tissue to sculpt more masculine contours.

Removing Excess Fat and Breast Tissue

During your procedure, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will make an incision in the chest area to access the underlying fat and glandular tissue. If liposuction is being used, a small hollow tube called a cannula will be inserted beneath the skin to break up and vacuum out unwanted fatty deposits, sculpting a firmer and more masculine chest contour. If excision is necessary, excess glandular tissue and skin will be carefully removed. Depending on your needs, your surgeon may also use both techniques to achieve your desired results.

 

Incision Closure

Following the removal of a sufficient amount of excess fat, skin and breast tissue to achieve your goals, your surgeon will close the incisions using sutures or stitches. Incisions are strategically made in discreet locations, such as around the areola or within chest creases, to minimize visible scarring. However, the final appearance of your incision lines will depend on the surgeon’s technique and your body’s healing process. You will receive specific care instructions for the incision area to promote optimal healing and scar minimization.

Male Breast Reduction Recovery

The recovery after male breast reduction surgery is relatively mild, with some side effects such as bruising, swelling and discomfort occurring immediately after your procedure. Your chest will be bandaged, and you may have to wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and support your new chest contours. However, most men are able to return to work within three to four days, but more strenuous activities such as vigorous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for about a month or as directed by your surgeon.

Follow-up visits will be scheduled so your surgeon can monitor your progress and advise when you can return to your normal routine. Keep in mind that everyone heals at a different pace, so it’s important to listen to your body and not rush the process. Should you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team — our goal is to ensure that you have a smooth recovery and achieve the best outcome possible from your surgery.

 

Unveiling Your New Look: Male Breast Reduction Results

After preparing for your surgery, undergoing the procedure itself and completing the recovery process, seeing the final results of your male breast reduction can be a highly rewarding experience. This transformative treatment for gynecomastia restores a flatter, firmer contour to the chest, helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your body.

The results of male breast reduction are long-lasting. Once the excess fat and glandular tissue have been removed, they’re gone for good. However, it’s important to maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle to preserve your results. Significant weight gain, steroid use or certain medical conditions could potentially lead to a recurrence of gynecomastia.

 

Regain a Masculine Chest Contour with a Male Breast Reduction at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery

If you’re ready to restore your confidence with a flatter, firmer chest contour, the team at Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery is here to help. Our board-certified plastic surgeons and caring staff can help you navigate this journey toward a more masculine physique. To get started, call our office in Columbus, Georgia, today at 706-494-7700 to schedule a consultation. You can also reach us by completing our online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Have Visible Scars After Surgery?

During male breast reduction surgery, incisions are strategically made in less conspicuous locations, such as around the areola or within the chest’s natural creases, to minimize the visibility of scars. However, the final appearance of your scars will depend on your body’s healing process and the specific technique your surgeon uses to achieve your goals.

Will I Need to Stay Overnight in the Hospital?

Male breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that can be performed using general or local anesthesia, depending on your preferences and which technique is used. You’ll be able to return home on the same day as your procedure but should have someone you trust to stay with you for at least 24 hours, as your physical activity will be limited.

What Are the Different Grades of Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can be mild, moderate or severe and is categorized into four grades. The surgical approach to treat the different grades of gynecomastia may vary, so knowing how severe your condition is can help guide you in what course of action to take. Your surgeon will discuss the best treatment option based on your specific grade of gynecomastia.

● Grade I: This is the mildest form of gynecomastia. It’s characterized by minor enlargement of the breast tissue without excess skin or sagging.
● Grade II: Moderate enlargement of the breast tissue that extends beyond the areolas with edges that are indistinct from the chest. There may be some skin excess.
● Grade III: This grade involves moderate breast enlargement with excess skin and sagging. The edges of the breast tissue are distinct from the chest.
● Grade IV: This is severe gynecomastia. It involves marked breast enlargement with excess skin, sagging, feminization of the chest and nipples that point downward.

Will Insurance Cover My Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Male breast reduction is often covered by insurance. However, this depends on your unique circumstances and insurance carrier. If your procedure is not covered by insurance, Chattahoochee Plastic Surgery offers a number of flexible financing options to help make this procedure more accessible to all patients. To get more information about insurance coverage or financing, don’t hesitate to contact our office.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

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