Breast Reduction for Men (Gynaecomastia)

Why a gynaecomastia operation?
Am I a good candidate?
Surgical Procedure
Recovery
Risks & Complications

Why a gynaecomastia operation?
Gynaecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, is common in men of any age. It can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs.

Gynaecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.

Gynaecomastia is characterized by:

  • Excess localized fat
  • Excess glandular tissue development
  • A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
  • Gynaecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

Am I a good candidate?
Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on:

  • Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers and non-drug users
  • Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia

Surgical Procedure
There are generally two techniques used in this procedure:

Liposuction
In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used.

This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.

There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

Excision
Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.

Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced, or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Recovery
After surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment (which will be provided by Perfect Enhancement) is recommended to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals.

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

The final results of breast reduction in men are permanent in many cases.

However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs including steroids or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results

Risks & Complications
Complications are possible even if most are rare. Risks can be reduced in the hands of a qualified experienced surgeon. The risks include:

  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Bleeding (hematoma)
  • Infection
  • Poor wound healing
  • Changes in nipple or breast sensation may be temporary or permanent
  • If liposuction is used, additional risks include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, irregular pigmentation, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation
  • Anesthesia risks
  • Breast contour and shape irregularities
  • Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
  • Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
  • Breast asymmetry
  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Pain, which may persist
  • Possibility of revisional surgery