Male Breast Reduction: Chest Contouring for a Masculine Shape
Enlarged male breasts, a condition called gynecomastia, affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. Gynecomastia may affect one or both breasts and can be a source of embarrassment for those dealing with the condition. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast over-development, there is no confirmed cause in the vast majority of cases.
Male breast reduction surgery with Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Fouad Samaha is an effective option for men with gynecomastia who desire a more masculine chest. The procedure removes fat and glandular tissue from the breasts and, in extreme cases, removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and with a more masculine contour.
Real patient story: correcting male breast asymmetry
This 26 year old male patient had asymmetric gynecomastia that affected mostly his left side since the age of 12. He elected to have only the more severely affected side corrected. In his case, it was decided to address the glandular tissue and the fatty tissue initially, and to allow the excess skin to retract on its own, with a plan to address any residual skin laxity, if needed, at a later stage. This more conservative approach is associated with fewer risks, when compared to a combination procedure that addresses all of the components at once. It can pay off nicely when the skin retracts well, as it did in this case, and a secondary procedure can be avoided.
Procedures: Vaser-assisted liposuction. Direct excision of glandular tissue through a peri-areolar incision.
Note: Post-surgery photos were taken 3 months after surgery. Please note that scars reach their peak of “pinkness” at 3 months, and continue to fade over time. To see more photos, please visit our before and after gallery.
Before & After » SEE Patient results in our galleryWhat to Expect from Gynecomastia Surgery
In minor to moderate cases of gynecomastia, we typically utilize our powerful but gentle Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture System, also known as Tickle Liposuction, to effectively remove fat from this problem area, resulting in a more masculine appearance and contoured chest. If excess glandular tissue was identified, this is reduced surgically to avoid having a prominent bulge under the nipple.
A typical procedure can last anywhere from one to two hours and is performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. One of our experienced surgeons will make small incisions in the treatment area and use the Tickle Lipo vibrating cannula to administer a tumescent fluid, which numbs the area and makes the fat easier to remove. This specialized tube vibrates and rotates beneath the skin’s surface to loosen and remove the fatty tissue. If needed, glandular tissue reduction is performed through a small incision at the lower edge of the areola, where it can be more easily hidden. Once the desired results have been achieved, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply a dressing and a compression garment.
Treating Severe Gynecomastia
If you have severe gynecomastia with excess skin and notable breast enlargement, it may be necessary to surgically excise skin and glandular tissue, sometimes in conjunction with liposuction. Additional incisions will be made to remove the excess tissue and, if necessary, reposition the nipple to a more natural male contour. Depending on your anatomy, the location of the incisions will vary. During your consultation, Dr. Samaha will make recommendations on the procedure choices available to you, based on a thorough evaluation of your individual situation.
Real Patient Story: Correcting Significant Gynecomastia
This young man had significant gynecomastia since the age of 11. At the age of 21, he elected to have it corrected. He was noted to have glandular and fat components, as well as significant skin laxity resulting in overhanging tissue. After discussion, we decided jointly to take a somewhat more aggressive approach which allowed for correction of the excess volume as well as a “tightening” of the skin in the same procedure. This approach is not appropriate for everyone, but he had excellent results without complications.
Procedures: Vaser-assisted liposuction. Direct excision of glandular tissue through a peri-areolar incision. Circumareolar mastopexy.
Note: Post-surgery photos were taken 12 months after surgery. To see more breast reduction photos, please visit our before and after photo gallery.
Male Breast Reduction Aftercare
After your procedure, you will experience some soreness and bruising, accompanied by slight swelling and discomfort around the incisions. In the preoperative phase, Dr. Samaha and the Boston Plastic Surgery staff will put in place a plan to manage your postop pain, so that you can feel as comfortable as possible. Compression garments are usually worn for up to three weeks after treatment to help with contouring the chest and promote proper healing. To learn more about recovery, read our breast reduction post-operative instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia & the Procedure
How do I know if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition commonly characterized by enlarged breast tissue in men. If you have excess breast tissue and want to learn if this treatment is right for you, Dr. Samaha will meet with you one on one in a personal consultation. He will perform an examination to evaluate the size and firmness of the breast tissue, assess the degree of enlargement, and check for any underlying causes. He may also recommend additional tests, such as blood work or imaging studies, to rule out any hormonal imbalances or other factors that could be contributing to the condition.
Is the breast reduction permanent?
When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, gynecomastia surgery can provide natural, long-lasting results. The results of the procedure are designed to be permanent, as the removed breast tissue should not grow back. However, it is important to note that maintaining a stable weight and leading a healthy lifestyle can contribute significantly to the long-term success of the surgery. Weight gain or hormonal imbalances in the future may potentially lead to a recurrence of gynecomastia.
Is this a weight loss procedure?
Male breast reduction surgery is designed to treat gynecomastia, and is not primarily a weight loss procedure. While the surgery can help reduce the size and appearance of enlarged male breasts, it is specifically performed to address the excess breast tissue and in more severe cases, fatty deposits. Gynecomastia is often caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, or certain medications, and it may even occur in individuals who are at a healthy weight. However, if a person with gynecomastia is overweight or has a significant amount of excess body fat, their plastic surgeon may recommend weight loss or exercise programs to increase the safety of the surgery and optimize the results of the procedure.
How can I pay for my gynecomastia surgery?
If you are interested in plastic surgery but are concerned about the cost, Boston Plastic Surgery offers financing options to help you finance for your procedure. Financing allows our patients to make affordable monthly payments over time, rather than paying the full cost of the procedure upfront.
Schedule your Breast Reduction Consultation with Dr. Fouad Samaha
Gynecomastia reduction surgery has improved the quality of life for many of our patients. If you are ready to start discussing your options, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Dr. Samaha is a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in a variety of cosmetic procedures for men, including male facelift, liposuction for men, CoolSculpting body contouring, and NeoGraft hair transplant. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and you can click here to read about his credentials as a Boston plastic surgeon.
