Breast ReductionMALE BREAST REDUCTION
(GYNAECOMASTIA)
Gynecomastia (pronounced guy-ne-co-mastia) is a medical term meaning male breast enlargement. In the majority of cases there is no known cause and, although rarely talked about, it is a common condition.
For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, surgery can be helpful. The procedure removes tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases excess skin. The exact procedure depends on the constituency and size of the breasts.
If the breast are predominantly glandular (hard) tissue then surgical excision is required, whereas if the breast is predominantly fatty tissue, liposuction alone is usually adequate. Many patients need combination surgery.
All patients need a full assessment which may include a hormonal profile to exclude an underlying cause. The majority of patients can then be treated with liposuction under general anaesthetic as a daycase procedure.
This involves two small incisions at the periphery of the breast. Patients need to wear a compressive garment afterwards but can return to normal activities by around 7 to 10 days. If excision of the gland is needed, this is usually carried out with a small incision at the edge of the pigmented areolar. It takes a little longer to recover from and the complication rate (bleeding, fluid collecting afterwards, and abnormal scar formation) is higher. Mr Harris often prescribes an anti-oestrogen tablet (Tamoxifen) for six weeks after surgery to prevent re-activation of the gland.
There are many potential benefits associated with male breast reduction, these include:
- Improved Aesthetic Appearance: Gynecomastia surgery can significantly improve the appearance of the chest by reducing the size and prominence of enlarged breasts, resulting in a flatter, more masculine chest contour.
- Enhanced Self-Confidence: Men with gynecomastia often feel self-conscious and experience reduced self-esteem due to the appearance of their chest. Male breast reduction can lead to increased self-confidence and improved body image.
- Increased Comfort: Enlarged male breasts can cause physical discomfort, such as chafing, pain, and limitations in clothing choices. Gynecomastia surgery can alleviate these discomforts, making daily activities more comfortable.
- Correcting Asymmetry: Gynecomastia can result in uneven breast development, where one breast is larger than the other. Surgery can correct this asymmetry, creating a more balanced chest appearance.
- Restored Masculinity: Many men with gynecomastia feel that their condition detracts from their sense of masculinity. Male breast reduction can help restore a more masculine chest appearance.
- Improved Quality of Life: With reduced self-consciousness and greater self-confidence, individuals who undergo gynecomastia surgery often report an overall improved quality of life.
- Easier Physical Activities: Enlarged male breasts can limit physical activities and participation in sports. Male breast reduction can enable men to engage in these activities more comfortably.
- Customizable Results: Gynecomastia surgery can be tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals, allowing for a personalized approach to chest reduction.
- Long-Lasting Results: In most cases, the results of male breast reduction are long-lasting, provided there is no significant weight gain, the use of certain medications, or underlying medical conditions that could lead to recurrent gynecomastia.
