Enlarged breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia, can be a traumatizing issue for men. In some cases, the breast growth can rival that of a woman, making the man self-conscious about wearing certain types of clothing or going out in public in a bathing suit. The good news is men have a permanent, surgical option for reducing breast size and creating a more masculine chest contour. Breast reduction for men has been gaining popularity in recent years, as more men are tuning into the many benefits this procedure offers.

About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a relatively common condition among men, affecting nearly half of all men at some point during their lifetime. For many, the problem will resolve on its own, but other men may face permanent breast enlargement that affects their self-esteem and quality of life. Causes of gynecomastia vary and may include hormonal fluctuations, certain underlying medical conditions and some medications.

Candidates for Breast Reduction

A man may be a candidate for breast reduction if his gynecomastia is not resolved on its own, by changing medications or be treating an underlying health condition. Men seeking this surgery are usually unhappy with the appearance of their breasts and embarrassed about wearing some types of clothing or participating in certain activities. When the problem begins to get in the way of personal relationships or daily activities, surgery may be the right solution.

The Breast Reduction Procedure

Male breast reduction is performed by Dr. Small at Ocean Plastic Surgery on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes about 1-3 hours to perform and is usually done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Patients are usually back to work within one week and regular workouts within 3-4 weeks.

Gynecomastia may be performed via liposuction if the amount of tissue and fat to remove is relatively small and excess skin doesn’t need to be removed. In most cases, surgical excision of excess tissue and skin is done, using incisions that are carefully placed in natural breast creases to minimize visible scarring after the procedure. A combination of the two procedures may also be recommended to achieve the best possible results.

Gynecomastia is not a condition you have to suffer with forever. Thanks to innovative surgical techniques, you can say goodbye to excess breast tissue and hello to a more masculine chest profile. To learn more about breast reduction procedures to treat gynecomastia, contact Ocean Plastic Surgery at (732) 255-7155 to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Small today.