Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia is the swelling or enlargement of the breast tissue in boys or men, Caused by imbalance of the hormone estrogen and testosterone creating a feminine chest. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometime unevenly.

Gynecomastia is caused by hormone changes during puberty and is relatively common. In most cases the swollen breast will go away without treatment in 1 to 2 years. Adult men with gynecomastia typically feel anxious and embarrassed, especially in situations where the upper body and chest are seen, such as the beach, gym, or at the pool, causing significant loss of self-confidence. Gynecomastia in men peaks between 50 and 69 years. At least 1 in 4 men in this age group are affected.

There are other causes of gynecomastia like: Medication, liver and kidney disease, thyroid disease, hypogonadism, street drugs and alcohol, heredity and Use of anabolic steroids or androgens to enhance athletic performance. Patients with gynecomastia and healthy weight, besides breast exam will need blood test and mammogram if indicated before gynecomastia surgery.

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as Male Breast Reduction, reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contour. This surgical procedure is considered one of the most common cosmetic surgeries for men and has a high success rate.

Liposuction has mostly replaced large incisional surgery as the preferred treatment for male gynecomastia due to excess fat or aging. However, men can also grow excessive breast tissue besides fat excess, these patients in addition to liposuction will need breast gland removal. Patient with steroid induced gynecomastia have hard hypertrophic breast glands that need to be excised at the same time. The male chest is sculpted using two small incisions that are concealed in the arm pit and under the breasts, then we make another small incision at the edge of the areola to remove the hypertrophic   gland. Additionally, fat may be transferred into the upper pectoralis area to define a more muscular physique.

We perform this procedure in our cosmetic center with local “tumescent” anesthesia and mild sedation it takes about two hours. Most patients do not need to have drains. Patients have to wear a garment for about two to three weeks to decrease swelling. Call our office to schedule a consultation to learn more about this procedure.