If you’ve ever wondered how a male breast reduction could benefit your appearance, you probably have a lot of questions about the procedure.
At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, cosmetic surgeon Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong will respond to any questions and concerns you may have to help you feel confident in your decision to move forward with body contouring. Below, he answers some of his patients’ most frequently asked questions about gynecomastia treatment for male breast reduction. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact us for additional information.
Am I a good candidate for a male breast reduction?
Gynecomastia is the formation of glandular breast tissue on the chest wall that can disrupt the masculine figure. Men who suffer from this condition (including men who are physically fit yet still have excess fatty tissue on their chests) may be good candidates for male breast reduction. The ideal patient for gynecomastia treatment should be in good mental and physical health and have already tried dieting and exercise options to decrease their body fat. If the extra tissue on your chest won’t respond to lifestyle modifications and makes you self-conscious about your appearance, surgery may be a good option to see the results you want.
Will it be obvious that I’ve had male breast reduction?
No, the results of your procedure should appear very natural, and your healing garments can be hidden with regular clothing. While cosmetic surgery is growing in popularity, some men may still feel self-conscious about undergoing male breast reduction. Dr. Truong will make every effort to ensure that your gynecomastia treatment meets your appearance goals while still keeping your procedure under wraps.
How long will my gynecomastia treatment take?
Most patients will need 1 to 2 hours for their procedure. Male breast reduction is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning that you’ll be able to return home once you’re done. However, the exact length of your surgery will depend on how much tissue needs to be removed. If your results require Dr. Truong to cosmetically contour the chest wall or nipple placement, the length of your procedure may be extended.
What can I expect during my recovery?
Immediately after your gynecomastia treatment, you can expect to experience some swelling, discomfort, and pain near your incision site. Dr. Truong will have you wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure to keep pressure on the healing tissue and prevent excess skin motion that may affect the healing process. You will likely need to take at least 1 week off of work to rest and recover as well. Depending on how you’re feeling, you may return to work and light activities after the first week of healing, though individual healing times vary from patient to patient and shouldn’t be rushed.
Will there be any scarring?
As with most cosmetic procedures, there will be some scarring after your gynecomastia surgery. Most male breast reductions use only small incisions below the nipple-areola complex that give Dr. Truong access to the tissue underneath. You may notice scars near each nipple after your procedure, though these are usually small and disappear with time. Once the scars fully mature and fade, most patients barely notice them. If liposuction alone is sufficient for treatment, the necessary incisions can be small enough that they heal up to nearly invisible.
How long will it be until I see my final results?
Your immediate results will be masked by swelling at first, though this typically resolves after a month or so. As your body heals, you will begin to notice greater definition and flatness in your chest. However, the healing process takes time, and you’ll likely need to wait 2 to 3 months before you see the final results of your male breast reduction.