What is gynecomastia surgery?

Also referred to as male breast reduction, gynecomastia surgery is a plastic surgery procedure where a man’s breast tissue is reduced. Gynecomastia is a condition where a man’s breasts are over-developed or enlarged, resulting in self-consciousness and embarrassment. If you are male and have excessively large breasts, you may want to consider male breast reduction.

Who are good candidates for gynecomastia surgery?

First, before considering male breast reduction, you should ensure that you are in good health. This includes maintaining a healthy weight. This operation is not a replacement for weight loss, and it should not be performed on someone in poor health or is morbidly obese. The surgery is best for localized fat and tissue. Also, you should have realistic expectations as to what this operation will do for you. It will not transform your look, but it will improve the fattiness and sagging associated with your breasts. This is not to achieve perfection, but to improve your appearance.

What are the types of gynecomastia surgery?

There are several different approaches to male breast reduction. The first, and easiest, is liposuction. If your gynecomastia is simply a result of disproportionate fatty deposits in the chest area, then liposuction can be performed on its own. If there is also excess skin, it is removed along with the fatty deposits. With excision, an incision is made in the breast to remove and reshape the breast. Excision will also be used if the areola is too large and needs to be reduced or if the nipple needs repositioning.

What is the male breast reduction procedure?

First, you will need a medical evaluation to make sure that you are in proper health to undergo the procedure. You will also be given a list of instructions from the doctor to ensure that you are prepared for surgery. This will include dietary restrictions, medications that you should avoid, and the requirement that you stop smoking.

Typically the surgery is done under general anesthesia. After you are put to sleep, liposuction or excision will take place. In some cases, both techniques will be used. Finally, drains may be placed and your incisions will be closed.

During your recovery, you will either have dressings or bandages on your chest, and you may have to wear an elastic bandage around your chest to minimize swelling and encourage proper healing of your chest. There may even be a small drainage tube placed under your skin. This tube will keep fluid from building up in your chest and is temporary.

Your doctor will also give you specific instructions to follow during your recovery period. This will include medications that you will need to take to prevent infection and manage your pain and discomfort. It will also have instructions on when to resume normal activities. In the beginning stages of your recovery, you will be advised to avoid strenuous physical activity so that your chest can heal properly, and swelling can be avoided.

What are the risks involved with gynecomastia surgery?

Fortunately, male breast reduction carries minimal risk. However, because it is a surgical procedure, there are some inherent risks. Complications such as scarring and bleeding can occur. Infection can also develop, especially if doctor’s instructions are not followed. You may also experience a temporary or permanent change in the sensitivity of your chest and nipples. And as always, adverse reactions to anesthesia are a risk.

Because liposuction might be involved, you run risks that are involved with that procedure, such as rippling of the skin and irregular pigmentation. There is also a risk of fluid accumulation, but this is generally treated with a drainage tube after surgery.

Swelling and bruising is common for a few days at least, which is why you will be advised to avoid most physical activities. Incisions will be done regardless of the method of the gynecomastia surgery, so those open wounds may not heal properly.

Keep in mind that these are minimal risks, and most are avoided by simply taking care of your body and following the doctor’s instructions post-surgery.

If you are interested in learning more about male breast reduction, contact the team of professionals at Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. There you will learn about all of your options and you can choose the best one for you. PPSD has been serving the Charlotte, Hickory, and Gastonia, NC, areas for years.