Do you go out of your way not to remove your shirt in public because of your "man boobs"? Male breast reduction is an effective, lasting treatment for gynecomastia. It's a straightforward way to get a firmer, flatter and more masculine chest without obvious scars. Keep reading to learn more.
There are some less-than-perfect things about your body you can live with. But if you’re reading this, chances are you don’t want to live with enlarged breasts or puffy nipples, a.k.a. your “man boobs,” any longer. While cleaning up your diet and spending extra hours in the gym may have done nothing to help your gynecomastia, our board certified plastic surgeons can.
Male breast reduction surgery can remove excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a flatter, firmer, and smoother chest contour. Using minimally invasive techniques for a short recovery and very little scarring, male breast reduction can help you feel more self-confident, allowing you to enjoy social activities without worrying about your chest.
Because breast growth in both men and women is related to hormone levels, nearly all cases of gynecomastia result from imbalances in testosterone, estrogen, and proteins that regulate the availability of sex hormones. While generally temporary in adolescent boys experiencing drastic changes in hormone levels, gynecomastia can also be caused by medications or other chronic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or liver or kidney problems.
In many cases, however, this prevalent condition seems to affect men with no apparent cause—some men are just genetically predisposed to storing fat in the chest. While it is not dangerous, gynecomastia rarely goes away on its own for adult men who are at a healthy body weight, but still have enlarged breasts.
Dr. Fardo did my gynecomastia surgery this past week, something I’ve wanted for over 20 years…I took off my wrap to see what was done and I could not stop crying because it looks so good and beyond any expectations. I high recommend coming here, it has been the best decision I ever made.
We’ve helped a variety of men with gynecomastia improve their chest appearance, and if the following criteria fit you, then chances are we can help you too:
It’s important to rule out any other medical issues before moving forward with male breast reduction, so your surgeon may order additional laboratory tests prior to scheduling surgery.
You’ll like hearing this—for many patients, the only procedure needed for male breast reduction is liposuction. This means a short procedure involving only one or two tiny incisions. Our surgeons will recommend this approach when the breasts are mainly composed of excess fat and the patient has good skin elasticity. Liposuction typically involves one or two tiny incisions located in the armpit area or around the natural edge of the areola.
More severe cases of gynecomastia may require some surgical tissue excision, often along with liposuction. Incisions for a tissue excision are typically located around the outer edge of the areola. In the most extensive cases, additional incisions may be required. Your surgeon will explain the surgical technique that will best work for you during your initial consultation.
Surgery for gynecomastia doesn’t require a long and arduous recovery at all—many men return to the office as little as 3 days after their procedure. The main jobs you have to ensure a smooth recovery are to take it easy for a few weeks and wear the compression garment given to you after your procedure. Following your surgeon’s instructions will help ensure your results heal optimally. Watch our video to learn more about what to expect during male breast reduction recovery:
Male breast reduction removes the excess fat and tissue that are concentrated in the breast area, and the results are meant to last. As long as you maintain a stable weight and remain in good health, the enlarged breasts should not return. However, certain medications, weight gain, or medical conditions could cause a recurrence in gynecomastia. Your surgeon will explain the long-term outlook of gynecomastia treatment at your consultation.
Gynecomastia has plagued me all my adult life, but it was time to do something about it…I visited (Dr. Fardo) over a year ago for a consult and ended up coming back for treatment after other consult visits. I’m very grateful for Dr. Fardo and my life is forever changed.
Our patients who’ve had male breast reduction at The Swan Center consistently say they are glad they had the surgery and have noticed an improvement in their self-confidence and quality of life. If you are ready to restore a masculine shape to your chest, contact our office for a free consultation with one of our three board certified plastic surgeons.
