Gynecomastia is from the storage of excess breast tissue and is often due to a decrease in testosterone and can be experienced in men of any age. It can also be the result of genetics, excess breast tissue, excess weight, medications, or other health conditions.
While losing weight generally helps reduce the size and appearance of male breasts, often times there is excess glandular tissue, leaving even lean patients with enlarged breasts. Male breast reduction surgery is the only consistently effective surgery that is long lasting and is a great option for those who would like to remove stubborn tissue or fat.
The best candidates are in their ideal body weight, have fairly elastic skin, and are healthy and emotionally stable. Candidates who are overweight or obese should try to lose weight with diet and exercise before considering surgery. Although gynecomastia does occur in teenage years, it is advised teens wait until after puberty as their breasts could still be developing.
Male breast reduction involves surgery and liposuction procedures, depending on what tissues need to be removed. Typically, a scalpel is used for an excess of glandular tissue, but for more fatty tissues liposuction is used instead. Male breast reduction starts with an incision on the nipple’s edge, or in the underarm area, in which excess fat, tissue, and skin will be cut away. Post-surgery, the site of incision will be dressed and a chest wrap is applied post-surgery.
Post-surgery, swelling and discomfort are common following the male breast reduction procedure, and pain medication can be prescribed by your doctor. An elastic pressure garment is meant to be worn for up to two weeks to help reduce swelling. After the two weeks, your doctor will allow you to remove the garment and resume exercise.
An immediate change in the shape and appearance of your chest should be noticeable. It’s recommended to walk around immediately after your surgery, and patients can usually return to work in a few days. It’s important during your time of recovery to refrain from any exercise or activity that could risk a blow to the chest. Male Breast Reduction surgery is meant to be permanent, so after surgery it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. If not, it is possible that gynecomastia could reoccur.
If considering a male breast reduction or to learn more about this procedure and if it’s right for you please contact www.drbanksplasticsurgery.com for a consultation at (301) 880-7022, located in Baltimore MD.