Gynecomastia, or the overdevelopment of male breasts, can affect men of all ages due to genetics, hormonal changes, certain drugs or medications, and weight gain. Approximately one out of two men experience this condition at some point in their lives. Gynecomastia is characterized by excess breast fat and glandular tissue and can occur in one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) breasts. This condition can cause emotional distress and self-consciousness, leading many men to avoid certain activities to hide their condition. Weight loss may reduce the size of male breasts, but due to the presence of excess glandular tissue, weight loss alone rarely results in satisfactory breast reduction. Gynecomastia surgery or reduction mammoplasty is an effective and long-lasting solution to reduce breast size, repair nipple, and areola abnormalities, and improve chest contours.
Key Takeaway: Gynecomastia is a common condition that can cause emotional distress. Surgery is a long-lasting solution for this condition.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has developed a classification system for gynecomastia, dividing patients into four categories:
Key Takeaway: Gynecomastia is classified into four grades based on the extent of breast enlargement and the presence of excess skin.
Gynecomastia treatment options include surgical removal (also known as surgical resection or excision) of glandular tissue and/or skin, liposuction, or a combination of the two techniques. The type of incision used will depend upon the specific condition. Surgical approaches to resection include the periareolar incision, the doughnut incision or lift, and the anchor incision.
Key Takeaway: Treatment options for gynecomastia include surgical removal of glandular tissue and/or skin, liposuction, or a combination of both.
The procedure begins with the surgeon making a small incision around the edge of the areola. The incision is placed to hide the resulting scar. Next, portions of underlying fat and glandular tissue are removed and sculpted to reduce the size and create new contours of the chest. The skin is then brought together and closed with sutures. A surgical drain may be placed in each breast to allow fluids to escape as you heal. Surgical tape or bandages will be placed over the incisions, and typically you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or placed in a compression garment, which helps to maintain your chest shape while you heal.
KeyTakeaway: The procedure involves making an incision, removing and sculpting fat and glandular tissue, and closing the incision with sutures.
After the procedure, swelling and discoloration are normal and will subside over time. If surgical drains are present, they, along with any bandages, will likely be removed after approximately one week. Patients may be instructed to wear a compression garment, avoid sleeping on their stomach, and avoid excessive exertion or heavy lifting for a month or more.
You may be prescribed medication to manage your pain for the first few days and as needed. Scarring along your incision sites is normal but your scars will fade considerably over time. You will be able to see the results of your surgery almost immediately and patients typically experience high satisfaction and greatly improved self-image with surgical treatment, of gynecomastia.