Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction also known as Gynecomastia, is the most common form of breast problem in men. It is generally considered to be of one of three types:

• Just made up of fatty tissue

• Just made up of breast gland tissue

• Made up of a combination of both fatty and glandular tissue

It is important to distinguish between these three forms at consultation, as the kind of treatment of each is different.

The most common form of gynecomastia is a simple accumulation of fatty tissue, often related to overall obesity.

In a few cases:

• There is significant glandular tissue present

• Or there is significant skin excess over the chest

How is gynecomastia performed?

• The operation is performed under general anaesthetic

• It takes about sixty to ninety minutes

• Patients stay in hospital for one night

• If your work is not physical, expect to return to work after one to two weeks

• Expect to be back to normal physical exercise within six to eight weeks

As with most surgical procedures, there are many options, depending upon the patient’s wishes, technical considerations and surgeon preferences.

At consultation, Mr Rezai will advise upon the best option for you. However, in the great majority of patients there is little or no excess redundant skin over the breast and all that is required is liposuction.

On the other hand, with glandular gynecomastia, it is possible to remove the gland through an incision placed around the lower half of the areola.

However, in certain circumstances incision as used for breast uplift in women will have to be used, involving incisions placed away from the areola.

Following the operation

As with all surgery, you must expect to feel bruised and sore. Your chest is likely to be swollen. You will have to wear a support dressing for one week. Most patients are able to fully resume normal activity within four weeks.

Any sutures are removed after ten to fourteen days.

As with all scars, the scars will fade over a period of time. In many men, they heal to form very faint white lines. However, it is important to remember that no surgical scar ever totally disappears.

Risks & Complications

Cosmetic surgery is amongst the very safest of medical procedures. However, all patients must understand and accept that no surgical procedure is absolutely free from risk.

For further information concerning the risks and complications associated with Gynecomastia surgery, please refer to Risks and Complications of Gynecomastia.

At Consultation, Mr Rezai will discuss these risks with you.

How long will the results of your Gynecomastia surgery last?

Unless the operation is performed at a young age, it is very unlikely that your breasts will re-grow. Excessive weight gain will alter the breast shape as in all men. Further with age your breasts are likely to sag as normal.