Breast Surgery May Benefit Men

Posted Wednesday, April 13, 2011 to PROCEDURES > Breast

Posted by Lori Polacek, M.D.; Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

By: Lori Polacek, M.D.

Women aren't the only patients I treat in Providence for breast enhancement. Many men visiting my office want to improve their appearance and sculpt a firmer, flatter, more masculine chest. This often is achieved through a male breast reduction procedure, also referred to as gynecomastia surgery.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that results from overly-developed breast tissue and gives men the appearance of having breasts. The cause of gynecomastia is most often due to hormone levels, but can also be caused by certain medications.

The presence of excess fat (as opposed to breast tissue) is a separate medical condition known as pseudo-gynecomastia. This problem may be caused by extra body fat and/or biological factors. Men with pseudo-gynecomastia may be asked to first attempt a healthy diet and workout regimen before considering surgery.

In order to determine if your condition is a result of excess glandular tissue or extra fatty tissue, you will need to be evaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

What happens during male breast reduction?

In most cases, male breast surgery uses a combination of both liposuction and tissue excision. During liposuction, thin cannulas (suction tubes) are inserted through tiny incisions and are moved in a back and forth motion to break up the fat for easier removal. Skin excision may also be performed through incisions made around the areola (the skin surrounding the nipple). Once the extra tissue is removed, the chest is reshaped into a tighter, more sculpted appearance.

Benefits of male breast reduction

Many of my patients who have had surgery for gynecomastia report a greater sense of freedom after their procedure. The embarrassment they had felt because of their overdeveloped breasts had caused them to avoid certain clothing and activities such as swimming.

Generally, most men experience the following benefits after male breast reduction surgery:

• A flatter, firmer chest contour
• Increased confidence
• Less discomfort during certain physical activities
• Improved nipple size or placement

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