Breast reduction is a common surgical procedure for women who have breasts that are too large for their figure or that cause discomfort. Not many people are aware that breast reduction can be performed on men as well.
Many men accumulate too much fat tissue in the chest area, resulting in enlarged breasts. This can lead men to pursue a flatter, more masculine chest shape.
Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Marietta, GA, provides male breast reduction treatment for men struggling with excess breast tissue. Read on to learn more about our male breast reduction process and what you can expect from this surgery.
What Is Male Breast Reduction Treatment?
Also known as gynecomastia, excess breast tissue in men is not widely talked about, but it is fairly common. When it occurs, it can lead to feelings of frustration or unhappiness.
While some cases of gynecomastia are linked to a high body fat percentage, many cases affect men who are otherwise physically fit. This is most often due to hormonal imbalances that have caused fatty tissue to accumulate in the breasts. This tissue is very hard to reduce on your own, even with weight loss or targeted exercise.
Male breast reduction surgery aims to remove the excess fat and tissue from a man’s chest and create a flatter, more masculine appearance. The procedure can involve a variety of surgical techniques to produce the best result, often including liposuction to gently remove the excess fat from the chest.
Who Is a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Good candidates for male breast reduction treatment are men who want to reduce excess fatty tissue in the chest. These are usually men who suffer from a hormonal imbalance that has led to fat accumulation around the chest.
Men who have enlarged breasts due to high body fat may be able to lose this fatty tissue with diet and exercise. If this does not help reduce excess breast tissue, they may also benefit from a breast reduction procedure.
The Male Breast Reduction Procedure
When seeking male breast reduction treatment, it is helpful to understand what the process involves. Below is a breakdown of the entire breast reduction procedure, from consultation to results.
Consultation with an Expert
Before scheduling your male breast reduction surgery, you will consult with one of our cosmetic medicine professionals. We will assess your breast tissue in addition to your medical history. Evaluating your current anatomy and any relevant medical information helps us determine whether breast reduction is an option for you.
During your consultation, we will also discuss your desired outcome. In some cases, patients have unrealistic expectations of their surgical procedure. If we feel that your desired results are not possible, we will advise you on any alternative options.
Preparing for Your Treatment
After your pre-operative consultation, you will be able to schedule your male breast reduction procedure. In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you will need to receive complete medical clearance from your regular physician. This is to ensure that you are healthy enough for a treatment that involves going under general anesthesia.
Medical clearance can involve a series of diagnostic tests, including blood panels and a physical examination.
In some instances, general anesthetics are not necessary for male breast reduction. These procedures require only local anesthesia and a sedative. Our provider will discuss your anesthetic options during your pre-op consultation.
The night before your procedure, you will be asked to abstain from drinking or eating anything other than water. This is a safety precaution for all patients being put under sedation or anesthesia for their surgeries.
The Surgical Process
Once under sedation or anesthesia, your breast reduction procedure will begin as our skilled surgeon makes small incisions around the treatment area.
If your reduction surgery includes liposuction, a small incision may be made in discreet areas around both breasts, through which a thin cannula can be inserted. This small tube is used to break down fatty tissue and gently suction it out of the body.
Procedures with the excision technique typically involve incisions around the areola. The length and exact positioning can vary depending on the patient’s needs. The excess fatty tissue is then removed through these incisions. This method of breast reduction is reserved for cases in which there is a significant amount of tissue within the breast.
Recovering from Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Many breast reduction surgeries are outpatient procedures, allowing patients to return home several hours after their treatment is finished. In some instances, you may need to remain longer for monitoring.
In the days after your male breast reduction, there can be tenderness around the surgical site. You will be provided with medication to manage any feelings of discomfort. Your surgeon will discuss the recovery process in greater detail during your consultation and again when you are discharged to return home.
For several weeks following your procedure, you will need to avoid strenuous physical activity or anything that can result in a direct impact to the chest. This is to promote optimal healing.
Seeing Your Results
You will not see the results of your breast reduction immediately after surgery due to postoperative swelling. It can take a few weeks for this swelling to subside. Once this has occurred, you can expect your chest to appear flatter and more contoured.
Male Breast Reduction Treatment in Marietta, GA
If you are in need of male breast reduction surgery, look no further than Georgia Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. We work with patients in Marietta, GA, and surrounding cities, including Atlanta, Douglasville, Vinings, and Woodstock.
Visit us online or call our office to schedule your breast reduction consultation with one of our cosmetic medicine professionals.
