Enlarged male breasts affect many men at some stage in their lives. If your gynecomastia bothers you, male breast reduction surgery can help. This procedure usually only requires a few small incisions to remove excess breast tissue and sculpt a more masculine shape.
What is Gynecomastia?
Enlarged male breasts, also called gynecomastia, can affect men of all ages and cause significant stress and loss of self-esteem. Gynecomastia sometimes happens for no known reason. It can also result from hormonal changes, medications, genetics, and medical conditions. Gynecomastia frequently occurs among boys undergoing puberty, but all men can be affected. Since men are often reluctant to talk about gynecomastia, they may feel isolated even though many others have the same problem.
What is Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
This procedure removes breast tissue and fat to shrink and flatten enlarged male breasts. Your LPS surgeon usually uses an incision along the edge of each areola, leaving a minimally visible scar. If you have significant loose skin or your surgeon needs to reposition your areolas, they may need to use a larger incision or even nipple grafting. After surgery, you will have a more masculine, sculpted chest.
How Do You Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Preparation for male breast reduction surgery begins with your consultation. Choosing the right surgeon should be your first step. LPS surgeons have over 40 years of combined experience, so that you can trust them with your procedure. Your LPS surgeon will discuss your treatment goals and help you understand what you can reasonably expect from your results. If you smoke, you should stop for several weeks before your surgery and for some time afterward. We recommend that you prepare before surgery to have someone assist you with basic tasks for a few days.
What is Recovery Like From Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
You will have a compression garment to wear around your chest after surgery. This will help control swelling and encourage your chest to hold its new sculpted shape. If you have a low-impact job, you can typically return after about a week. More active jobs may require two weeks or more. You will have some limits on how much weight you can lift and when you can begin lifting your arms, so follow all your surgeon’s instructions.
Am I a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Most people with gynecomastia can have male breast reduction surgery. Ideal candidates have no health problems that would limit their ability to heal after surgery. You should also have reasonable ideas about what to expect from the procedure.
Take the Next Step
Interested in learning about male breast reduction surgery? Schedule your consultation with Longwood Plastic Surgery today by calling our Brookline office at (617) 383-6250. We serve the Brookline and Greater Boston area with distinction