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10 Essential Facts About Male Breast Reduction

Up to 50% of men in the United States may experience some degree of gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. While the condition can present at any age, it’s a common side effect of puberty that often resolves itself as hormones begin to balance.

A male breast reduction offers an effective treatment option for men who continue to experience gynecomastia or those in whom the condition develops later.

At Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we offer male breast reduction surgery so patients can resolve any aesthetic or psychological concerns brought about by gynecomastia. 

Our office in Marietta, GA, offers convenient access for patients in Atlanta, Douglasville, Vinings, Woodstock, and the surrounding areas. Additionally, our surgeons have extensive experience with male breast reduction treatment.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition where men experience enlarged or overdeveloped breasts. Hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, and certain drugs, supplements, and medications may cause gynecomastia.

Symptoms of gynecomastia include excess localized fat and glandular tissue, and in some cases, excess breast skin. Patients may develop the condition in one or both breasts. Gynecomastia does not cause any additional medical conditions.

10 Things You Should Know About Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Your doctor may advise surgery if other male breast reduction treatments prove ineffective. Patients whose gynecomastia results from medications or herbal supplements may find the condition resolves itself upon stopping the medication. 

Additionally, patients whose gynecomastia solely results from obesity are not good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. 

In cases where surgery is the best option, here are 10 facts you should know.

  • There Are Two Types of Male Breast Reduction Surgeries

The two male breast reduction treatments to resolve gynecomastia are liposuction and direct excision. The two surgical treatments are performed together for optimal results. 

Liposuction can remove excess fatty tissue in the chest region. However, if your surgeon determines that cutting out excess glandular tissue or skin is a better option, they may perform a direct excision instead. Direct excision is also used when the nipple needs to be reduced or repositioned. 

In some circumstances, a surgeon may combine techniques, first using liposuction to remove fatty tissue and then cutting out any remaining tissue. The best method for male breast reduction depends on your particular situation.

  • Male Breast Reduction Is Typically an Outpatient Procedure

Male breast reduction surgery is usually an outpatient procedure with minimal scarring and complications. The surgical team at Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery generally completes the procedure in under two hours. 

Patients may have general or local anesthesia with sedation for the surgery, and most patients only report some soreness or swelling afterward.

  • Scarring Is Minimal

In most male breast reduction cases, our surgical team will only need to make an incision around the nipple, even when using both liposuction and direct excision. If necessary, they may also remove excess skin and tighten the area. 

The incision placement around the areola allows for any adjustments to nipple size and a barely noticeable scar.

  • Most Patients Recover Quickly

For the first 72 hours after surgery, patients should rest and maintain a schedule for pain medication to eliminate discomfort. In addition, we advise taking a week off work to ensure that you recover fully before returning. 

Surgical incisions need time to heal without experiencing excessive force, motion, or abrasion. If your job is physically demanding, you may need to take extra time off. 

You should wear a compression garment for at least two weeks to reduce swelling and speed recovery. You can gradually return to exercise and resume normal activity four weeks post-surgery. 

  • You’ll See Immediate Results

After your male breast reduction surgery, you will see an immediate improvement in the shape and appearance of your chest. While you will experience some swelling after surgery, initial swelling will resolve within a few weeks, and you’ll be able to enjoy the full results of your procedure within six months.

  • Results from Male Breast Reduction Are Permanent

The results achieved through male breast reduction surgery are permanent. The procedure removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin for good. However, significant weight gain, steroids, certain recreational drugs, medications, and supplements can all result in gynecomastia recurrence. 

Your Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery team will discuss the guidelines for maintaining long-term results.

  • You Can Enhance Your Surgical Results

Patients who are obese will need to lose weight before their male breast reduction treatment. However, even patients who are only slightly overweight should take measures to drop pounds before the procedure. 

When you lose excess weight before your male breast reduction, your surgeon can remove any remaining loose skin and create a better chest contour.

  • Certain Exercises May Worsen Gynecomastia

Patients who perform chest exercises to reduce their gynecomastia may worsen the problem. Since gynecomastia is unrelated to the chest muscles, increasing those muscles can add volume to the already overdeveloped area.

However, once you’re cleared for exercise after surgery, those same chest exercises can develop the pectorals instead of aggravating gynecomastia. In addition, many men report that they can perform activities they previously avoided or were uncomfortable with due to their condition.

  • Your Surgical Results May Surprise You

Men often don’t realize gynecomastia’s impact on their mental health. In addition, many men endure the condition for so long that they don’t realize its effects on their body image, anxiety, and self-esteem.

After male breast reduction surgery, you may be more comfortable in your skin than you anticipated.

  • Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon Is Essential

The most important choice you can make when deciding on male breast reduction surgery is the physician who performs the procedure. At Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, we provide our patients with the care and experience they need for a safe, effective procedure. 

Our skilled surgical team in Marietta serves patients in Atlanta, Douglasville, Vinings, Woodstock, and the surrounding areas. When you’re ready to look and feel your best, contact us to schedule your appointment.

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