MALE BREAST REDUCTION
Male breast reduction is becoming an increasingly popular cosmetic surgery procedure as more and more men realise that there is now a surgical solution to what can be an incredibly distressing condition. Often rather cruelly known as ‘man boobs’ or ‘moobs’, gynaecomastia is a condition whereby a man’s chest appears to develop female-like breasts.
Am I a suitable candidate for male breast reduction?
True gynaecomastia is the over-development of firm, glandular breast tissue, exactly the same as in a woman’s breast. It can occur at any age and is often the result of a hormone imbalance. Pseudo-gynaecomastia is becoming more common and is the result of excessive fatty tissue building up on the chest wall. Although it should decrease if there is weight loss, men often find that the skin has become stretched to form a breast shape and it is difficult for the skin to shrink back into shape.
What happens during a male breast reduction procedure?
If the problem is an excess of fatty tissue alone and skin tone is good then it may be possible to perform a liposuction procedure. However, if the skin has been very stretched and there is not much skin elasticity, common in older men, then some excess skin will have to be surgically excised at the same time.
True gynaecomastia usually requires a cosmetic surgery procedure similar to a breast reduction for women, whereby breast tissue is removed and any excess skin is removed to create a flatter, firmer chest shape.
Depending on the nature and extent of the procedure, male breast reduction can either be performed under a local or general anaesthetic.
Are there any possible risks or complications associated with a male breast reduction procedure?
All surgery carries the same risks, including infection, bleeding and haematomas or fluid build up.
Recovery after a male breast reduction procedure can take a couple of weeks and I will give you instructions on what you are should do to protect your results, including the wearing of a compression garment, and when it is safe to start lifting and resume exercise.
What results can I expect from my male breast reduction procedure?
A surgical removal of breast tissue commonly involves incisions around the nipple. These scars should heal well but they have to be taken into consideration before deciding to go ahead. Time is also needed to allow the skin to shrink back after the liposuction part of the treatment, but the majority of patients are happy to accept the scarring for a greatly improved appearance of the chest.
