Gynecomastia is a medical condition that affects a large percentage of men every year. This condition, which is rarely a major medical concern, can be a major cosmetic embarrassment that affects men of all ages. What many don’t know is that gynecomastia is a condition that can be effectively and often permanently addressed by a straightforward surgical procedure. If you are embarrassed to take your shirt off in public, or you specifically buy clothing that hides your breasts, now might be the time for a gynecomastia procedure.
What is Male Breast Reduction?
Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess tissue and skin from the breasts to create a smoother, more masculine contour. This procedure produces permanent results for patients as long as the underlying cause of the gynecomastia is addressed. In most cases, a cause cannot be identified. However, if the condition is linked to a particular medication or underlying medical condition, those issues need to be addressed prior to surgery to ensure long-lasting results.
Candidates for Male Breast Reduction
Men of any age who are self-conscious about the size of their breasts may be good candidates for breast reduction. In some cases, the procedure may even be recommended for adolescents, if the cause of the gynecomastia can be attributed to a factor beyond hormonal fluctuations. When breast enlargement is due to hormone levels, it frequently resolves spontaneously over time.
Patients should be in reasonably good health and be willing to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions to guarantee the best possible results from their procedure. Patients should meet with their primary care provider prior to their consultation with a plastic surgeon to address possible causes of the gynecomastia. If weight is an underlying factor, patients may be encouraged to lose weight prior to their breast reduction surgery.
Procedure Details
Dr. Andrews performs most of his male breast reduction procedures in a surgery center on an outpatient basis. The procedure may be done using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions for male breast reduction are placed in the natural folds of skin underneath the breast or around the areola, where visible scarring will be minimal.
Through these incisions, Dr. Andrews removes the excess skin and tissue. Liposuction is often used to remove isolated areas of fat to create a smoother contour. Once the reduction is completed, incisions will be closed using tiny sutures to further minimize post-operative scarring.
Get it Now, Enjoy it Later
The winter months are the perfect time to schedule your breast reduction procedure. The colder temperatures make it easy to hide the evidence of your surgery underneath clothing while you heal. By the time summer weather rolls around, your chest will be fully healed and you will feel comfortable showing up at the pool or beach with your new contour.
Gynecomastia is rarely a serious medical concern, but it can have a significant emotional and psychological impact on sufferers. Male breast reduction reverses the signs of gynecomastia and restores a smooth, masculine profile to the upper body. To learn more about this surgery or find out if you are a candidate for male breast reduction contact Dr. Andrews Plastic, Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery today at 855-338-0261.