Gynecomastia is a reasonably common medical condition that occurs when a male develops an excessive amount of breast tissue, causing them to take on an appearance that is considered more feminine. This can happen for many reasons, from hormonal imbalances and reactions to medication to advancing age. You may hear of the condition referred to as ‘man boobs’. Whilst some men may jest about it, for those that it affects, gynecomastia can have significant psychological consequences. Depending on its severity, sufferers may feel emasculated, anxious and embarrassed about their appearance. It can prevent them from wearing the clothes that they would like to or stop them from showing their body in public or even in private.
For those patients who are affected to such an extent that their condition is having a negative effect on their life, there is a solution. It is known as gynecomastia surgery, also often referred to as a male breast reduction.
What is Involved in Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure that is usually carried out under general anesthetic so that the patient is asleep and doesn’t experience any pain. Once suitably anesthetized, an incision is made around the areola so that it can be temporarily detached and replaced after the excess breast tissue has been removed. Liposuction is used to remove fatty tissue. Firstly, small amounts of saline may be injected into the tissue to break it down. Next, a small cannula attached to a long tube that is connected to a vacuum is placed into the pockets of fat to suck them out.
After all the fat has been removed, the small incisions used to insert the cannula will be closed using a few sutures, and the areola will be replaced back onto the chest in a cosmetically-enhanced position. If there is any excess skin left following fat removal, this may need to be cut away and the wound secured. Recovery following gynecomastia surgery is usually fairly fast with minimal complications, and your surgeon will advise you what steps need to be taken to support the healing process.
Candidates For Gynecomastia Surgery
Every patient is assessed for candidacy for gynecomastia surgery on an individual basis. However, those that are given approval for the treatment typically meet the following requirements:
They are physically healthy and are happy with their current weight, which should fall within healthy parameters
Their breast development has stabilized and not changed in at least 12-18 months
They are physically or psychologically bothered by their excess breast tissue
They don’t smoke
They don’t use any recreational drugs
They have realistic expectations for the result of their procedure
They are committed to a healthy, active lifestyle so that they do not gain weight (which could put them at risk of developing excess breast tissue again in the future)
If you would like to find out more about gynecomastia surgery, or if you would like to schedule your confidential consultation to discuss your candidacy, please contact our office in Miami, FL, and speak to our discreet and knowledgeable cosmetic surgery team today.
