MALE GYNECOMASTIA

About

Gynecomastia (guy-nuh-koh-MAS-tee-uh) is an increase in the amount of breast gland tissue men, sometimes referred to as "man boobs". Enlarged male breasts often cause embarrassment and have many negative effects on a man’s self-esteem and social life.

This outpatient surgery counteracts the swelling of male breast tissue, often caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone, though it can be hereditary or a side effect of certain drugs or specific types of tumors. It can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.

Unsightly breast tissue in men can appear at any age.  In younger males, it is associated with the growth of breast glands. In adult males, it is normally fatty tissue. In most cases, not involving medication or disease, this condition can be treated with the tiniest of incisions with liposuction, sometimes combined with the removal of gland tissue. Rarely does any skin removal need to be performed outside of cases of obesity. 

​

How it works

This cosmetic surgery procedure removes excess fat and, if necessary, glandular tissue to restore flatter, firmer and more masculine contour to the chest. The procedure can be performed safely and successfully on teenagers and adult men alike. Advanced techniques provide a short surgery, quick recovery and at most times, invisible scars.

​

Pre-Procedure

In advance of your procedure, your surgeon will ask you to:

​

• Stop smoking before undergoing surgery to better promote healing.

• Avoid taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding.

• Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important before and after surgery for safe recovery.

• If your surgeon recommends weight benchmarks or lifestyle changes, do your best to achieve them to ensure the best results and minimize the chance of complications.

​

When liposuction gynecomastia is done as a stand-alone procedure, it relies on the elastic properties of the skin to contract and conform to the reduced volume. During a pre-operative examination of the patient, the surgeon can determine how much the skin is likely to tighten post-operatively and whether or not an additional skin-tightening procedure might be necessary.

​

Post-Procedure

​

Immediately after the procedure the chest will be bandaged and wrapped with a compression vest. Drains will be placed under the arms to remove excess fluids and minimize swelling for the first 3 to 5 days. Pain medication will be prescribed to ease any swelling and discomfort. 

​

After one week, the swelling will begin to resolve. Most patients are usually able to return to work after 4 to 7 days. However, patients should avoid physical activity and exercise at this time. After two weeks, many patients can begin light activities and see significant improvement in the shape of their chest.

​

Results

After 1-3 months, contouring and definition will improve, with any skin laxity beginning to retract. Tissue retraction, definition, and contouring will continue to improve for about a year. The fat cells that have been removed with liposuction and the tissues removed with excision are permanently eliminated from the body, and results will be long-lasting.