Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that makes the breast tissue of boys and men swell. This often occurs due to an imbalance of hormones in the body, causing the breasts to develop more than they normally would. This can happen in younger boys but also develops in older men as testosterone levels drop.

For many men, the appearance of swollen breast tissue can be unsightly. While it can go away on its own, male breast reduction surgery is the most reliable and efficient way to deal with gynecomastia.

Am I a good candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

The ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery should be:

• Healthy with no life-threatening illness or medical conditions
• Someone who cannot correct their gynecomastia through medical treatments
• Physically healthy with relatively normal weight
• Bothered by the appearance of their breasts
• Someone who does not smoke and do not use recreational drugs

While teenage boys may also experience gynecomastia, there may be alternate solutions for lighter situations where the breast tissue has yet to develop. If they do agree to surgery, then future procedures may be needed should breast development continue.

How does Gynecomastia surgery work?

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, will generally be performed by using liposuction. This involves applying local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia before making a small incision on either side of the chest. The exact location will depend on your specific chest and where the scar will be least apparent. Once the incision is made, excess fat and/or glandular tissue is removed while also sculpting the chest and tightening the skin.

In severe cases of gynecomastia, surgical tissue excision may be required for the best results. Patients that have stretched or sagging skin around the breasts may also require this approach.