Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia or male breast reduction is the surgical correction of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men. This seldom-discussed condition can affect a man’s self-esteem and confidence. It’s more common than most people might think.
Hormonal changes, medications, poor nutrition, and lifestyle habits can contribute to enlarged breasts in adolescent and adult men. For some, this is a temporary condition, but others may need surgical or non-surgical breast reduction options.
At Faith Regional Physician Services in Norfolk, Nebraska, we offer personalized consultation and care with specialized plastic and reconstructive surgery expertise. The plastic surgeon can remove excess fat and may treat problematic glands and other areas of the chest. The result is a firmer, flatter, and more natural look.
Breast Reduction Surgery Consultation
At Faith Regional, you can schedule a plastic and reconstructive surgery consultation free of charge. You’ll meet with a plastic surgeon for a one-to-one discussion. After listening to your concerns and considering your condition and goals, your surgeon can recommend good treatment options. In some instances, medication adjustments or lifestyle changes may be enough to reduce breast size without surgery.
You’ll also learn about non-surgical cosmetic procedures to consider alone or along with breast reduction surgery.
Your plastic surgeon may share pictures or illustrations that match the procedure and results you have in mind. Faith Regional offers personalized 3D imaging so you can see a realistic simulated model of how treatment changes might look on you.
Breast Reduction Surgery Risks
If you decide to have surgery, you and your physician will discuss specifics during an office visit. You’ll learn about different procedure options and how they can help. You’ll also learn more about what to expect before and after your procedures.
Your physician will help you weigh the potential benefits and risks of breast reduction. All surgeries carry some risk such as bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, systemic problems, and reaction to anesthesia.
Breast reduction surgery risks include scarring, irregular or uneven shape, fluid accumulation, and changes in nipple or skin sensation.
Fat transfer procedure risks can range from bruising, swelling, and changes in skin condition or sensation to clotting and other risks which your doctor will review with you. If complications occur, additional treatments or revision procedures may be needed.
Your doctor will discuss these and other risks relative to your procedure and condition.
Preparing for Surgery
Before breast reduction surgery or other procedures, you’ll schedule an appointment with your surgeon to evaluate your health and condition. Your office visit may include:
- Physical exam and lab work
- Health evaluation, including medical history
- Review of any medications and supplements you take
- Guidance about any medication before and after surgery
- Review of any prior surgeries, scarring, or skin conditions
- Assessment of breasts, chest, and other areas to be treated
Breast Reduction Surgery
Just before surgery, your plastic surgeon will visit you and you’ll have a chance to share any last-minute questions or concerns. Your surgeon will be your guide, but generally male breast reduction surgery steps are as follows:
- Your doctor may prescribe medication to take before surgery, including something to help you feel comfortable. Just before surgery, you’ll receive IV sedation or general anesthesia, delivered through a mask over your mouth and nose.
- If your condition is one that’s primarily excess fat, your doctor may use liposuction for fat removal or repositioning. The surgeon may perform liposuction alone or in combination with surgery.
- If you’re having a surgical procedure, the plastic surgeon makes one or more incisions. When possible, the surgeon uses hidden scar techniques to minimize the visibility of scars.
- The size and type of incisions depend on the procedure, how much your breast size will decrease, and earlier discussions with your doctor about incisions.
- The doctor will operate on areas to be treated which may include fat and skin removal and reshaping. Your procedure may also include removing problematic glands. In some procedures, the surgeon will decrease the size of the areola and reposition the nipple.
- Your surgeon closes incisions using surgical adhesive or other suturing methods. If you have stitches, they’re typically removed at your next office visit.
- You’re monitored in the recovery room as you awaken before being moved to a hospital room.
After Breast Reduction Surgery
After surgery, you’ll have a short hospital stay. Your doctor evaluates your condition and discusses follow-up care and next steps.
You can expect some swelling, discomfort at first. Scarring will fade but some scars will be permanent.
You should notice immediate results, including breasts and chest areas that are flatter and more naturally proportioned. Most men report improved self-image and confidence. With healthy lifestyle habits and steady weight, your results should last for years to come.
Your Plastic Surgery Team
At Faith Regional, your plastic surgeon, a specialized nurse and other healthcare professionals such as an advanced care practitioner may be involved in your care.
Schedule a Consultation
You can reach us at 402-844-8167 or email frpsclinics@frhs.org to schedule an appointment.