Male Breasts Reduction

The initial stage of the male breast reduction process will consist of a one-on-one consultation with the surgeon. You will need to answer a range of questions liked to any previous or current medical conditions you suffer from, alongside any medications you are currently taking. In order to ascertain why you want to undergo a male breast reduction, the surgeon will also need to discuss the emotional issues (such as self-confidence) that you are experiencing as a result of the gynaecomastia.

The consultation will also consist of a brief physical examination, which will see the surgeon evaluate your individual circumstances. They will then be able to discuss the kind of results you are likely to see. The surgeon will then proceed to explain the procedure in more detail, followed by a full break-down of any risks that you need to consider.

If you are to proceed with the male breast reduction procedure, it is important that you make some further considerations prior to attending surgery. Your surgeon will most likely advise you to refrain from any anti-inflammatory medicines and certain herbal supplements. Moreover, it is also highly advisable that you stop smoking at least 6 weeks prior to surgery.

Before the surgeon proceeds with the procedure itself, you will need to have anaesthesia administered. In most cases, this will be in the form of general anaesthesia, meaning that you will be anaesthetised for the duration of the procedure. Once the anaesthetic has been administered, the surgeon will then proceed with surgery in two possible manners.

Firstly, if the reduction is needed in response to surplus fatty tissues, then a liposuction method may be utilized. This will see the surgeon make small incision on the lower part, around the alveoli, followed by the removal of the fatty tissue via a vacuum suction.

Alternatively, if it is ascertained by the surgeon that surplus skin or glandular breast tissue is to be removed to achieve the desired results, then they may proceed with an excision method.

Depending on the outcome of the above methods, you may need to have a drain inserted to counter any surplus fluids. If so, you will most likely have this removed a couple of days after the procedure.

Although the timeframe of the procedure can vary from patient to patient, it generally takes in the region of 2-3 hours.

Upon completing the procedure, you will feel somewhat uncomfortable. Most patients experience swelling around the affected area, which can last as long as three months. It is highly likely that the surgeon will prescribe a course of antibiotics (to prevent infection) and painkillers to ease the discomfort For the first few days. If the surgeon feels it necessary to apply a dressing, then you will need to have this removed approximately one week after you leave the practice.

Moreover, you will also be required to wear a garment for a period of up to six weeks. In terms of the recovery period, you must make every effort possible to avoid any strain on the affected area. Avoid strenuous activities for at least two months.

Although the results of the gynaecomastia surgical procedure are permanent per-say, it is important to recognize that your body is not immune to a return of its previous shape. The reason for this is that should you indulge in an unhealthy lifestyle that results in excessive weight gain, then you run the risk of increasing your breast size. Make every effort to live a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain your results.

Like all forms of cosmetic surgery, there are a range off risks that you need to consider prior to undergoing a male breast reduction. Although this will be explained to you by your surgeon in greater detail during the consultation, we have listed some of the most common risks below.

• Scarring
• Infection
• A slower than expected recovery time
• Bleeding
• Asymmetry of the breasts
• Skin discoloration
• Results that fall below your expectations

Whilst a male breast reduction to improve the appearance of gynaecomastia is usually suitable for men of all ages, there are some key factors that can make you an ideal candidate. Ideally, you will meet most of the following criteria.

• You are not a heavy smoker
• Your body has fully developed
• You are in a physical bracket that would be classed as fit
• You have previously attempted to reduce the effects of gynaecomastia by engaging in a weight loss and exercise program
• Your Body Mass Index is appropriate
• You are emotionally stable

When you meet with the surgeon during your consultation, they will be able to perform a full evaluation as to whether or not you are a suitable candidate for a gynaecomastia related male breast reduction.

There is no hard and fast rule as to the specific length of time a male breast reduction takes, however generally, it takes in the region of 2-3 hours. The surgeon will be able to give you more information once they have established your individual circumstances.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that surgical incisions are made in the natural creases of the skin, there is the potential that your scars will be somewhat visible. This differs from patient to patient. However, the most important thing that you can do to reduce the appearance of long-term scarring is to follow the post-surgery instructions given to you by your surgeon.

As gynaecomastia is sometimes caused by lifestyle choices, notably an excess amount of gained weight, it is imperative that you maintain a healthy diet. Moreover, you should attempt to perform regular exercise. The reason for this is that although the results of a male breast reduction are permanent, you face the risk of your breasts enlarging again, should you fail to implement the instructions given to you by your surgeon.