What is breast reduction for men?
Also known as gynecomastia, breast reduction for men is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.

Enhancing your appearance with gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, is common in men of any age. It can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs.
Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
Gynecomastia is characterized by:

1. Excess localized fat
2. Excess glandular tissue development
3. A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
4. Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

Is it right for me?
Gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
This procedure is a good option for you if:

1. You are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
2. You have realistic expectations
3.   Your breast development has stabilized
4. You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large

Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.
Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on:

1. Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
2. Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
3. Non-smokers and non-drug users

    Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia

What to expect during your consultation
The success and safety of your gynecomastia procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:

1.                  Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
2.                  Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
3.                  Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs including steroids
4.                  Previous surgeries

Your surgeon may also:

1. Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
2.  Perform diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia; this may include testing of your endocrine function
3.  Examine your breasts and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples and areolas
4. Take photographs for your medical record
5. Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
6. Discuss the likely outcomes of gynecomastia correction and any risks or potential complications

   Discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast reduction

Preparing for surgery
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
3. Stop smoking well in advance of surgery

    Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Male breast reduction procedure steps
What happens during gynecomastia correction surgery?
Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty, and reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.
In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.
Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Liposuction
In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used.
This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.
There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

Excision
Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.
Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced, or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

Will there be scars?
Any surgical treatment to correct gynecomastia will require incisions. While most incision lines are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible and are a necessary result of breast reduction surgery.

Male breast reduction recovery
After surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

1. Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
2.  What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
3. Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
4. Are stitches removed? When?
5. When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
6. When do I return for follow-up care?

It’s very important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

The results will be long-lasting
The final results of breast reduction in men are permanent in many cases.
However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs including steroids or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results. Please discuss this with your physician before making changes to your prescription medications.
All scars are permanent, even though some scars may be concealed in the natural contours of the breast. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a t-shirt, or baring your chest at the beach.