Gynecomastia is a condition, commonly found in men in which the glandular tissue found in the male breast enlarges, giving the appearance of breasts in males.
Gynecomastia occurs because of an imbalance of the male and female sex hormones in the male body. When the level of female sex hormones or estrogen exceeds the level of male sex hormones or androgen, it leads to gynecomastia. The imbalance in hormones can be triggered by a variety of factors like steroids, certain antibiotics, but in most cases, it is due to a genetic predisposition.
The condition is observed quite early on, usually when the male is in his pre-teens or teens. Gynecomastia can be treated with the help of a cosmetic procedure known as male breast reduction surgery.
The Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction is an invasive cosmetic surgery in which the fatty tissue causing enlargement of the breasts is removed. It can help recontour a man’s chest area to appear more masculine and aesthetically pleasing.
Good Candidates for a Male Breast Reduction Surgery
A healthy male over the age of 18 years with no life-threatening illnesses can opt to undergo a male breast reduction surgery. If you have no underlying health conditions that can cause unnecessary risks during the procedure and you have realistic expectations about the results, you’d make a good candidate for the surgery.
Preparing for the Surgery
One of the most important steps before deciding to undergo a breast reduction surgery is to make sure that it is performed only under the guidance of Quadruple Board-certified plastic surgeon. Discuss the entire procedure with your surgeon and be ready to ask any questions.
If you happen to be a smoker, you will be required to stop during the weeks leading up to the procedure and for some time after. Also, you will be required to refrain from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin as these are blood thinners and may cause complications during the surgery.
How Is the Surgery Performed?
The patient is first given either local or general anesthesia depending on the patient’s health and the surgeon’s discretion. Once this is done, the excess fatty tissue is removed through either of two techniques, liposuction or excision. In liposuction, the excess fatty tissue is loosened by using a cannula and then removed using a vacuum suction. This method is used when only fatty tissue needs to be removed.
The excision technique is used in cases where the nipples or the areola need to be repositioned. In certain cases, a combination of both excision and liposuction is used.
What to Expect After the Surgery?
Immediately after the surgery, you are likely to experience some swelling and discomfort. This is a side effect of the surgery and will subside gradually. Applying ice packs can help bring down the swelling. Aftercare instructions provided by your doctor are to be followed carefully.
Patients are recommended to take some time off work to rest and refrain from physical exertion. The final results will be visible once the swelling has completely subsided and in most cases, is permanent. It takes about two to three weeks for the patient to completely recover and resume daily activities.
Contact Our Office
A male breast reduction can help you get the aesthetically pleasing and masculine look you desire. To learn more about the surgery, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Chicago Aesthetics Surgery & Med Spa, Chicago’s Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center.
