Male Breast Reduction Description & Benefits

Male Breast Reduction (reduction mammoplasty or gynaecomastia) removes excess fat and/or glandular tissue and skin and may be suitable for men who feel self conscious and want to create a flatter, firmer and better contoured chest. This is due to an enlargement of the male breast as a result of an abnormal increase in the glandular tissue. It can also be the result of hereditary conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs. Gynaecomastia is a common condition which begins during puberty, where firm, tender breast tissue grows under the nipples. It is usually caused by an imbalance of hormones, and sometimes due to prescription drugs such as anabolic steroids, over-the-counter medicines, illegal drugs, tumors or disease. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and affect a man’s self confidence. Some men will avoid taking their shirt off, avoid certain physical activities and keep away from intimate situations to hide their condition. Gynecomastia is due to excess localized fat, excess glandular tissue development or a combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue.  Surprisingly enough, 40 to 60 percent of men are affected by the condition and gynecomastia can be present in one or both breasts. The best candidates for this procedure are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.

Male Breast Reduction Procedure Steps

The procedure for male breast reduction takes an average of two hours, usually on an outpatient basis, using general or local anesthesia. A small incision, less than a half-inch long, is made around the edge of the dark skin that surrounds the nipple (the areola) or under the arm. A cannula, (a thin hollow tube attached to a vacuum) is inserted and moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction. If glandular tissue or excess skin is to be removed (excision) to correct the gynaecomastia, tissue may have to be removed with a scalpel. The incision is made in an inconspicuous location on the edge of the dark skin are around the nipple (the areola) and the glandular tissue is removed. Major reductions may require larger incisions that result in longer scars. After the procedure the closed incisions are normally protected then covered with a dressing and the chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place while it heals.

Male Breast Reduction Recovery

Patients will feel some discomfort after male breast reduction surgery – this will last from a few days to several weeks and can be controlled by prescription medications from your doctor. It is also quite common to experience a little numbness from bruised nerves in and around your breast area. You will need to wear a compression garment continuously for a week or two after gynaecomastia surgery, and at night for a few weeks after that. The worst of your swelling will go down in the first few weeks but it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery become apparent.  It is advised to rest and sleep in an elevated position and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. It is recommended that you walk around as soon as possible after your surgery to help reduce swelling and lower the chances of developing blood clots forming in the legs, which can be extremely dangerous. You can return to work as soon as you feel well enough, and it will take about a month before you are able to resume all your normal activities.

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Male Breast Reduction Side Effects & Risks

Some of the complications that occur with this procedure could include hematoma, blood clots, poor wound healing, allergic reaction to the anesthesia, temporary numbness or lack of sensation that could last up to a year. Infrequent complications may include infection, skin damage, fluid accumulation, scarring or pigment changes. Post-operative asymmetry, while rare, is possible; a second procedure may be needed to remove additional tissue.

Male Breast Reduction Costs

The average cost of a procedure is anywhere from $3400-5500, depending on the physician and areas treated.

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