Gynecomastia is a medical condition that results in overdeveloped or enlarged breast tissue in men. It can occur at any age and can adversely affect a man's quality of life and health.
Gynecomastia can be the result of medication, hormones, or obesity – and it can cause depression, low self-esteem, and pain for many men. It is estimated that 30-40% of men suffer from some form of gynecomastia.
Enlarged breast tissue can be common in adolescent boys when they are going through puberty. The majority of young men will lose this excess breast tissue in 2 years.
If it does not go away or it worsens, it should be evaluated and treated. In some cases, men with gynecomastia suffer from testicular or pituitary problems that should be addressed by their physician.
Treating Gynecomastia with Breast Reduction Surgery
Once it is determined that you are a candidate for breast reduction surgery, your California plastic surgeon will discuss the pros and cons of the procedure with you and ultimately decide which surgical procedure would be best for you.
Depending on how much excess breast tissue and skin are present, your plastic surgeon may choose liposuction alone or a combination of liposuction and surgical tissue removal.
Another popular method for removing male breast tissue is the Webster Incision. This incision is made underneath the areola and excessive tissue is then removed.
Smaller incisions around the edge of the nipple can also be made to remove excess glandular tissue following the use of liposuction.
Recovering from Breast Reduction Surgery
The entire procedure is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes from 1-2.5 hours. As long as there are no complications, patients can return to work within 7-14 days, although they should avoid rigorous activity for 4 weeks.
It is common for male patients to experience bruising and swelling in the area for up to a month. A compression garment can help reduce this swelling and make the breast tissue more comfortable after surgery.
Certain side effects are common after breast reduction surgery and they are not problematic.
Some of those include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Scarring
- Numbness or itching
It is common for many men undergoing breast reduction surgery to combine body-contouring procedures at the same time – especially if they have lost a considerable amount of weight.
Your plastic surgeon can help you determine if you are a candidate for body-contouring procedures, such as lower body lifts, brachioplasty, or tummy tucks.
It is important for men who suffer from enlarged breast tissue – or "man boobs" to realize that they are not alone. They do not have to avoid swimsuit season or intimate relationships – there are ways to successfully treat gynecomastia and begin living the life you desire.
While plastic surgery may not be the right choice for everyone, for many men it is just what they need. You owe it to yourself to review all of your options – and decide if breast reduction surgery is right for you.
Contact Our Pasadena Male Breast Reduction Specialists
If you are considering male breast reduction, it is important to choose a plastic surgeon carefully. There is a reason so many Pasadena men choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their breast reduction surgery. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.
If you would like to learn more about breast reduction or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our office in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.