Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Gynecomastia, or male breast reduction, seeks to address a condition that exists, in varying degrees, in almost half of all men. While the surgery may be performed on men of any age, it is discouraged for those who suffer from obesity, as well as for men who drink alcohol excessively and/or smoke marijuana. Gynecomastia extracts excess fat and tissue from the breast to produce a flatter, more "masculine" chest.

A surgeon may perform the procedure using a scalpel, liposuction, or a combination of the two. In the first technique, an incision is made, typically in the underarm. The surgeon then extracts surplus tissue and fat from the chest region and stitches the incision. If, however, the gynecomastia is to remove mostly fatty tissue, then the surgeon may opt for liposuction. This technique involves using a slim hollow tube (a cannula) to sweep through the layers of the chest, breaking up the fat and suctioning it away. Once the fat and tissue are removed, the surgeon stitches up the incision and trims away any excess skin. These procedures last one to two hours and are typically performed on an outpatient basis.

Following surgery, the incisions are dressed and the chest is wrapped in an elastic bandage. A small tube is sometimes used to drain away excess fluids. The surgeon generally removes the stitches in seven to fourteen days, while the bandage stays on for up to a month. Patients can generally return to work in two weeks time.

As with any cosmetic surgical procedure, complications are rare but may include infection, bleeding, a reaction to the anesthesia, and an unusual amount of fluid loss or gain. Patients may experience some bruising and swelling, although this gradually subsides in three to four weeks. In certain cases, numbness in the chest may occur following surgery. Patients may also experience minor but permanent scarring, changes in skin color, and a slight asymmetry in the appearance of the breasts. If you smoke, your surgeon will ask that you quit two weeks prior to and following surgery. To maximize the success of surgery and minimize the risk of complication, always follow your doctor's instructions for surgical preparation and postoperative care.