Women with large breasts are not the only people who sometimes feel the need for breast reduction surgery. Men also request this surgery if they feel self-conscious about their appearance and if their breasts are larger than average male breasts. Gynecomastia is a condition wherein a male has grown breasts that look like female breasts. There are several causes of gynecomastia. Certain medications, like Risperdol, cause males to grow female-shaped breasts. Other causes of male breast growth are heredity factors and being overweight. In many cases, however, there is no known cause for gynecomastia. It is actually a fairly common problem.

Gynocomastia is characterized by:

• Excess fat in the breast area
• Excess glandular tissue growth
• Excess breast skin
• Only one larger breast larger than the other

What is Male Breast Reduction Surgery (Gynecomastia)?

The plastic surgery procedure to reduce male breast size is medically called reduction mammaplasty. Male breast reduction removes fat and possibly some glandular tissue from the breast area. In the case of more extreme breast development, skin may also have to be removed from the breast area. The result of this surgery is a chest that is firmer, flatter and more masculine looking.

Male Breast Reduction: Are you a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Enlarged male breasts, a condition medically referred to as gynecomastia, is quite common, affecting more than 60% of the male population at some stage in life — yet it is often a sensitive topic for many men.  While gynecomastia is generally a benign condition, it can cause severe emotional suffering and embarrassment. Gynecomastia develops for multiple reasons, including hormonal imbalances. It may also be associated with the use of certain prescription medications and with certain medical conditions.  In some cases, the enlargement of the breast is due to excess fatty deposits rather than excess glandular tissue, a condition often referred to as pseudogynecomastia, in these cases CoolSculpting may be a viable resolution to the issue.  For those unable to resolve gynecomastia symptoms despite initial efforts under doctor supervision, it is important to know that breast enlargement can be surgically treated to improve the appearance and restore a firmer, flatter male chest.

Ideal Treatment Candidacy

• You are mentally and physically healthy.
• You are within normal body weight.
• You are looking to improve appearance and boost self-confidence.
• Your breast development has stabilized. Most doctors recommend waiting until after puberty before considering surgery, as pubertal gynecomastia can resolve over time.
• You are bothered, embarrassed and/or ashamed by enlarged breasts, i.e. experiencing anxiety about taking your shirt off at the beach or gym.
• You experience physical discomfort from oversized breasts.
• You wear undergarments to disguise the appearance of enlarged breasts.
• You have exhausted appropriate exercise and dieting routines.
• You are not currently taking any medications known to cause gynecomastia. Medication induced gynecomastia can resolve if you substitute medications or stop per doctor advisement.
• Your condition has lasted 12 months or longer.
• You have good skin elasticity which will aptly reshape post surgery.
• You are emotionally stable with realistic expectations for surgical cosmetic achievement.

*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

What Will Happen Before Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Make an appointment with Dr. Steinbrech at his New York office before your breast reduction surgery. He will look at your chest and help you decide how to proceed with the surgery, and just what needs to be done. In most cases, the weight of the breast tissue has been causing the breasts to sag. The areola is stretched as well. If this is the case, the areola will need to be moved to a more aesthetically pleasing place on your chest and remove the excess skin to make your chest look firmer. Lab tests are required prior to surgery to make sure you are healthy enough to have the male breast reduction surgery done at his New York clinic. Dr. Steinbrech can tell you what will happen during the surgery and what you will need to do to take care of yourself after the surgery. Following his instructions to the letter will ensure you have the best results possible.

After Gynecomastia Surgery

After your surgery, dressings and elastic bandages will be placed on the surgical sites and to support your breast tissue as it heals. You may also have a drain tube to keep fluid from collecting in the surgical site. You will need to have a responsible person with you to help you follow the doctor’s instructions and take you home after surgery. You will also be given medication to reduce pain and prevent infection.

Individual recover time varies. Dr. Steinbrech and his New York clinic staff will answer your questions about when the bandages and stitches are removed, how to care for the incisions and when you can get back to your normal activities safely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Male Breast Reduction

Risks of the Gynecomastia Procedure

Complications from male breast reduction surgery are rare, especially if you follow your doctor’s instructions. Some of the complications that can arise from this surgery are:

• Allergic reactions
• Anesthesia complications
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Uneven breasts
• Numbness in the nipple area
• Fat necrosis
• Swelling
• Poor wound healing
• Wide scarring
• Infection of the surgical site

Dr. Steinbrech will discuss both the risks and benefits of male breast reduction surgery with you before you have the surgery.

For more information about this procedure, please contact us by clicking this link, or call our office and speak to our friendly staff member at (212) 750-0070.