What You Can Expect From Male Breast Reduction Surgery

If you’re a man approaching middle age or if you’ve already passed that mark, your breasts may have developed excess fatty tissue that you find embarrassing. Men also develop enlarged breasts due to glandular and hormonal problems. The technical name for male breasts that protrude from the chest is gynecomastia.

Today’s culture emphasizes youth, fitness, and sleek, toned bodies, and almost everyone has social media accounts that focus on pictures and videos. Your enlarged breasts can be a blow to your self-confidence as photos go online. Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for this condition.

If your embarrassment reaches the point where you don’t like wearing summer clothes or swimwear because your breasts sag, you may want to consider male breast reduction surgery.

Why did I develop gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia occurs in approximately 50-65% of men middle age and older due to normal hormonal changes. It’s also very common in boys going through puberty; up to 70% of boys are affected.

Enlarged male breasts are often the result of obesity. Excess weight increases estrogen that causes breast tissue to grow. Extra fatty tissue also causes male breasts to protrude.

Sometimes too much glandular tissue is the culprit, which is why even men who are lean can get enlarged breasts. Your genes influence whether you develop gynecomastia. Steroids and certain medications can also cause the condition.

What happens during male breast reduction surgery?

At Precision Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joseph Ku can surgically remove extra skin, tissue, and fat. If you have excess glandular tissue, he removes it with a surgical instrument and then closes the incisions. He also uses liposuction to bring your breasts back to normal size.

Advanced liposuction technology allows Dr. Ku to make only a couple of small incisions. He uses a narrow tube called a cannula that’s attached to a small vacuum to suck out the excess fat.

How long is the recovery period after male breast reduction surgery?

When you awake, you’ll have a compression garment around your chest to minimize swelling and help you heal. You may have some mild soreness for several days. If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, or Dr. Ku can prescribe a pain relief medication. Wear your compression garment until Dr. Ku tells you it’s time to take it off. You should be able to return to work after a few days.

You can see a change in how your chest looks right away, and you’ll be thrilled with the final result after the swelling is gone. There’s no more embarrassment when you go to the beach or pool. Tight-fitting T-shirts are no longer a problem. Surgery gives you a more masculine chest and helps you regain lost confidence.

Are the results of male breast reduction surgery permanent?

The surgery is meant to make your breast reduction permanent. However, if you use steroids, gain a lot of weight, or use certain medications, the excess tissue can return. If you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle, you can enjoy permanent results.  

If you’re considering male breast reduction surgery, call our Riverside, California, office or use the online form to request an appointment with experienced, board-certified Dr. Ku at Precision Plastic Surgery.