Male Breast Surgery (Gynecomastia)
Male breast reduction surgery, also called gynecomastia, is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men. Gynecomastia is the medical term for the disorder. True gynecomastia is not related to obesity and cannot be corrected by diet or exercise. To learn more about resolving gynecomastia related issues surgically, schedule a consultation at one of our East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery offices in Hoboken, Livingston, or Ridgewood. Get started on your transformation today.
What is Gynecomastia?
Male breast surgery involves reducing breast size through the removal of excess breast tissue, fat, and skin. This is done through liposuction and possibly surgical incisions designed to flatten and enhance more masculine chest contours. The best type of surgery for you will be determined by your body shape, your breast tissue, and your goals, all of which will be discussed with the surgeons at East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery.
Am I a good candidate for gynecomastia?
One or more of the following may indicate you are a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery:
- You are in good physical condition, and a relatively normal weight
- You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
- Your condition cannot be corrected by other methods
- Your breast development has stabilized
- Any medical condition potentially attributed to your breast enlargement has been properly addressed
The surgeons at East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery will conduct an examination and discuss with you your expected outcome and determine how your desires can best be achieved, as they do with all of our New Jersey male breast reduction surgery patients. You must come prepared to discuss your full medical history, including any medical conditions, previous surgeries or treatments, drug allergies, current medications, and use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances.
Special Considerations Gynecomastia:
- Age: Gynecomastia can be performed at any age but for the best outcome it is recommended that you wait until breast development has stabilized.
- Weight Loss: If you are planning to lose a significant amount of weight, be sure to inform the ECAPS doctors during your consultation, as they will likely recommend you achieve your weight-loss goals prior to surgery.
- Medication: There are many medications that can cause enlarged breasts, including antibiotics, steroids, alcohol, amphetamines, marijuana, antidepressants, heroin, and medications for AIDS, anxiety, cancer, ulcers, and heart problems. If you use any of these you should speak to your doctor about stopping their use, or switching medications.
- Medical issues: It is important to rule out other causes before undergoing this surgical procedure. If hormone imbalances, tumors, or other medical issues have caused abnormal breast development, surgery will only be temporary, as the condition may recur.
Surgery and Recovery
Gynecomastia is commonly an outpatient surgery, performed under general anesthesia, or local anesthesia with sedation. After a few hours to possibly a full day recovery you will be permitted to go home. Your chest will be wrapped in gauze dressings or a surgical support garment (to minimize swelling), and you may have drain tubes to prevent the accumulation of fluid. You will be given detailed information from your ECAPS plastic surgeon detailing normal symptoms, signs of complications, and instructions for recovery.
You should be able to walk immediately following surgery and will be up and about within a day or two after surgery. The surgical area will be sore and tender to the touch for the first few days, and you must not lift, bend, pull or push anything and not engage in any strenuous activity for at least two weeks. Drain tubes will be removed after two days and dressings will be removed within several days. If non-absorbable stitches are used, they are removed within two weeks. Swelling and discoloration will occur but will improve within a few weeks. You should be able to resume your normal activities after several weeks. Plastic surgeons at East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery will recommend follow up visits to evaluate your healing process. It is important to follow your doctor’s orders for the best outcome.
Achieving that outcome is our shared goal, and with the help of East Coast Advanced Plastic Surgery, you can finally get your desired, masculine profile.