Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
What is a Male Breast Reduction?
Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects men that causes an overgrowth or over development of fatty and glandular tissue in the male chest. This creates an unnatural female appearance to the chest and can be a source of emotional discomfort and even embarrassment for most men.
Gynecomastia can be caused by a variety of factors, like hormonal changes, puberty and aging, medications, and certain health conditions. However in most cases, it can occur in otherwise healthy men for no discernible reason.
Niki Christopoulos MD, FACS will cover all of this with you in your consultation and expertly guide you through the correct surgical procedure to remove the excess tissue that will restore your confidence and self-esteem.
Am I a good candidate for a Gynecomastia Surgery?
Ideal candidates for Gynecomastia surgery (or a male breast reduction) are patients who:
- Have excess fat and/or glandular tissue in one or both breasts
- Are uncomfortable about the appearance of their chest and often refrain from certain activities simply to hide their condition
- Have failed to reduce the size of their chest fullness through diet and exercise
Dr. Niki Christopoulos’ Approach to a Gynecomastia Procedure
Gynecomastia surgery is performed through several techniques and Dr. Christopoulos will use these expert techniques to reduce your breast size, flatten and improve your chest wall contour.
Liposuction Only– In cases where your breast tissue is the result of primarily fatty tissue, Dr. Christopoulos will make several small incisions in natural creases of your chest wall to carefully perform liposuction to remove the excess tissue.
Excision Only– Direct excision is used when the excess tissue is more fibrous and glandular in nature. This technique is also used if the areola needs to be reduced or repositioned or if excess skin is to be removed. Small incisions are made around the periphery of the areola with this technique.
Combination Procedure– Sometimes a combination of both liposuction and excision is used to obtain the desired result.
Dr. Niki Christopoulos is a double-board certified plastic surgeon and performs her surgeries in a fully accredited outpatient surgical facility. Anesthesia is administered by an anesthesiologist using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia for your comfort and safety during the procedure. The procedure can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, although complicated procedures may take longer.
Gynecomastia Recovery and Results
The length of recovery depends on the type of procedure you have performed and the healing process does vary from individual to individual. It is natural to expect some bruising, swelling and numbness after your procedure. Most patients are able to resume daily activities within a few days and most can return to work within one week. Dr. Christopoulos will advise you to refrain from strenuous activity for several weeks after your surgery and will also guide you on the proper type of support garment that may be necessary to minimize swelling and improve your results.
Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Christopoulos to discuss further any questions you may have and to determine which type of Gynecomastia Surgery is the correct procedure for you.