Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia, which is the overdevelopment of male breasts, affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be the result of hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs or heredity, and can affect one or both breasts.

Candidates for breast reduction are men who have large or sagging breasts that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. Breast reduction can be performed on men whose breast development is complete; are in good health, both physically and emotionally; do not smoke; and are not overweight. Ideally, candidates have firm, elastic skin that will reshape itself to fit the contours of their breasts post-surgery.

Male Breast Reduction Procedure

Male breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and typically takes 1 to 3 hours. Male breast reduction is performed using liposuction or surgery, or a combination of the two.

If the enlarged breasts are caused primarily by excessive fatty tissue, the tissue is typically removed with liposuction, during which a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. The incisions are made around the lower halves of the areolas or in the underarms.

If the enlarged breasts are caused primarily by excess glandular tissue, surgery is required. Incisions are made to allow for tissue to be removed. Repositioning the areolas/nipples and excising excess skin also requires incisions. Sutures are used to close the incisions, which are then bandaged, and the area is typically covered by a compression garment.

Our Surgeons Specializing in Male Breast Reduction Surgery