Male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and glandular tissue to restore a firmer, flatter, and more masculine contour.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which male breast tissue increases or overdevelop. Gynecomastia can occur in preteen and teenage boys due to hormonal changes during puberty. It can also happen to men as they age.
Although it is associated with various causes of hormonal changes in men, the major cause is the unusual presence or changes in the estrogen levels as well as testosterone. Gynecomastia can also be caused by genetics or it can be a side effect of certain medications such as antibiotics, antidepressants, prostate cancer medication, chemotherapy, ulcer, or cardiovascular medication. Illegal drugs such as heroin, marijuana, or anabolic steroids can also cause gynecomastia.
Why have Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia can make someone self-conscious or uncomfortable about his physical appearance. Although losing weight can help reduce the appearance of male breasts in some men, often there is the presence of excess glandular tissue which can cause even lean men to have noticeable breast enlargement. Currently, Male Breast Reduction is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia as it has long-lasting results.
With the help of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is an expert in male breast reduction, this procedure offers dramatic and near-immediate improvements with minimal scarring.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
There are two main types of treating gynecomastia namely:
- Liposuction
- Tissue excision
Liposuction
Due to today’s advances in liposuction technology, gynecomastia which is mainly caused by fatty deposits in the male chest can be treated with liposuction.
The procedure for male breast reduction using liposuction is done under general anesthesia in a hospital. It involves making a small incision on each side of the chest, the edge of the areola, or within the armpit. Through the type of incision made, the Plastic Surgeon will remove excess fat and at the same time sculpt a new masculine chest contour for a natural look.
Tissue Excision
Treating gynecomastia with surgical tissue excision is done in severe cases where excess fatty deposits and excess glandular tissue are involved. It is preferred for men with stretched, sagging skin around the breasts.
The surgical tissue excision technique allows the Plastic Surgeon to remove excess fatty deposits, glandular tissue, and excess skin that often cannot be successfully treated with liposuction alone.
The length and location of the incisions depend on the extent of the surgery, but they are typically located within the natural creases of the chest or around the edge of the areola (peri-areola incision). The incisions are made to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Recovery and Results
Following the liposuction treatment, swelling and tenderness around the chest area will be experienced but the recovery period is quite tolerable. You will need to wear a compression garment on the treatment area to control the swelling for a few weeks after the procedure. Although most men return to work or school within a few days after the procedure, strenuous activities are off-limits for at least 3 weeks.
Recovery from tissue excision surgery is similar to that of liposuction but with a little bit more swelling and soreness. Individuals can return to work and school a week after the surgery and gradually resume exercise after a couple of weeks.
Pain medication is usually prescribed to deal with the pain and soreness as the individual is healing.
It is important to note that everyone is unique and heals at their own pace, hence your Plastic Surgeon will give you personalized instructions to follow during your recovery period.
Some men tend to experience loss of sensation in the treated area after male breast reduction but it is usually temporary and returns over time.
The results of male breast reduction are usually noticeable immediately after the procedure and become more apparent once the swelling reduces.
To maintain the results of male breast reduction it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To Know More
Would you like to understand what options are available for Male Breast Reduction in Dubai? Meet one of our experts at Al Shunnar Plastic Surgery for a personal consultation to develop a tailor-made plan for you. Contact us or Book an appointment, and our patient care coordinators will identify the most suitable.