Breast Reduction – Male
Male breast reduction is the surgical correction of enlarged, overdeveloped breasts in males. Men who have this condition (called gynecomastia) have excess localized fat in the breast region and/or excess glandular tissue development. Gynecomastia can be present in one or both breasts and is common in men across the age spectrum. Eliminating overdeveloped breast tissue through male breast reduction allows the patient to reclaim a masculine chest and feel more confident in his appearance.
Before & After Photos
What Do You Desire?
A More Masculine Appearance
Having excess breast tissue and fat in the chest area detracts from the look and feel of a firm, masculine chest. Even minor cases of gynecomastia can give the impression of “man boobs” on the affected male. This can have a significant effect on the psyche, self-image, confidence, and emotional state of the individual with gynecomastia. Male breast reduction can correct the condition to restore a masculine appearance and resolve these effects.
Better Physical Comfort and Hygiene
The presence of excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin in the chest area can lead to physical discomfort and hygiene problems. Skin folds can cause rashes and irritation. Clothing that is designed to lie flat against the chest may fit poorly and feel uncomfortably tight. Male breast reduction eliminates the excess tissue to create a more naturally flat chest, thereby eradicating the hygiene issues and physical discomforts associated with having male breasts.
Improved Self-Image and Self-Confidence
Men who have gynecomastia may struggle with having a distorted self-image and low self-confidence. These men may avoid social gatherings, limit their clothing options, and feel continually embarrassed about how others may perceive them. Male breast reduction surgery enhances the appearance of the chest by eliminating overdeveloped breast tissue, excess fat, and any surplus skin. This helps the individual reestablish a confident, masculine self-image.
Male Breast Reduction Techniques
Liposuction eliminates excess fat in the chest area. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. Liposuction is performed to remove excess fatty tissue from the chest area. This requires the insertion of a cannula, which is a thin, hollow tube that uses vacuum suction to loosen and remove excess fat from the body. Removing excess fat with liposuction helps the natural breast to lie flatter against the pectoral muscle, producing a more masculine chest contour.
Excess glandular tissue is excised from the breast area. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. Where present, excess fat is removed with liposuction. Overdeveloped breast tissue is surgically extracted from each breast to masculinize the chest. This technique resolves gynecomastia and leaves the patient with a flatter, firmer chest.
Loose skin due to severely overdeveloped breasts is trimmed away. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. Where present, excess fat is removed with liposuction. Overdeveloped breast tissue is surgically extracted from the breasts, and loose skin is trimmed away to flatten and firm the chest. This technique is reserved for men who have severe cases of gynecomastia.
Overstretched, sagging nipples are resized and relocated. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia. Where present, excess fat is removed with liposuction. Overdeveloped breast tissue and skin (where present) are surgically excised from the breasts. The areolas are reduced in size and may be repositioned to a more aesthetically pleasing position on each breast.
Concerns
Before your procedure, you will have a one-on-one consultation in Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery Center with Dr. Cohn to discuss your goals. Be ready to share details regarding your personal medical history, tobacco and drug use, alcohol, drug allergies, use of medications and vitamins/supplements, and family medical history. Dr. Cohn will perform a physical examination and take detailed measurements, noting any chest asymmetry and taking photographs for your record. He will recommend the best surgical techniques and anesthesia for your needs and will be happy to assist in guiding your final decision-making. Diagnostic testing, such as testing of your endocrine function, may be recommended to determine the underlying cause of your gynecomastia. Lab testing and various prescriptions may be necessary before your procedure. You will be given special instructions on how to prepare for your procedure and will go home with an informed idea of what to expect before and after your surgery.
After the reduction surgery, layers of sutures and skin adhesive or surgical tape will be used to close the incisions. Dressings or bandages will also be applied, and a support garment may be used to minimize swelling. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any fluid that may collect. The initial postoperative recovery will likely include a few days of reduced activity accompanied by some soreness and swelling. Be careful not to subject the surgical incisions to any excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing. Dr. Cohn will give you specific instructions for your postoperative recovery. Exercise and normal activity can resume at Dr. Cohn’s direction.
While most incision lines from male breast reduction are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible. These are a necessary result of male breast reduction surgery and may leave some scarring. Scarring can vary from patient to patient. Scars are usually inconspicuous and tend to fade over time.
Anesthesia is administered to prevent any discomfort during male breast reduction. Some soreness or tenderness is to be expected during the initial recovery period and can be alleviated by taking oral pain medications.
Testimonials
3 May 2017
I've been waiting 30 plus years to have this procedure done. I was all nerves at the beginning of the process but Dr. Cohn and his staff immediately put me at ease. The care and compassion that he and his staff exhibit has me wondering why I waited so long. Each step of the way has been a pleasure and there is always plenty of time given to me to ask questions or address any concerns I may have. I put a lot of time and research into choosing a doctor and I know I made the right choice with Dr. Cohn!
Frequently Asked Questions
Gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure that may be a good option if you are a man who is bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large. Success in breast reduction surgery for men is greater if they are physically healthy and of a relatively normal weight, if they have realistic expectations for surgery and potential outcomes, and if their breast development has stabilized. The surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on healthy men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments. Gynecomastia surgery should not be performed without ruling out a medical cause for the excessive breast tissue. Dr. Cohn will assist with this evaluation and may make recommendations regarding additional medical testing should this be necessary.
Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia will be provided for your procedure. Dr. Cohn will recommend the best choice for your surgery.
Male breast reduction surgery may be performed in an accredited office-based surgical center, an outpatient/ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital in Birmingham.
As with any elective surgery, correction of gynecomastia is not consistently eligible for insurance coverage. Each insurance policy varies greatly. Carefully review your policy to determine coverage. The cost may include a surgeon’s fee, hospital or surgical facility costs, anesthesia fees, prescriptions for medications, post-surgery garments, and any associated medical tests. Birmingham Cohn Plastic Surgery proudly offers patient financing plans, so be sure to ask if such a plan is of interest to you.
The results of male breast reduction surgery tend to be long lasting to permanent. Men can best maintain their results by avoiding excessive weight gain, as this can lead to future fat accumulation in the chest area.
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