Male Chest Reduction

Gynecomastia is the development of an enlarged chest in men. That is not to say large pectoralis muscles but rather enlarged tissue directly beneath the nipple areola complex in a man. This tissue directly beneath the nipple can be a nubin of nonfunctional glandular breast tissue or an excess of fatty tissue. Gynecomastia can be congenital, hormonal or acquired. Generalized obesity can be manifested by an enlargement of the male breast. It is important for men to attempt to diet and exercise to come close to their ideal body weight prior to consideration of surgery. A plastic surgeon such as Dr. Weinstein can advise you to attempt a weight reduction plan prior to a surgical intervention. Vigorous exercise of one hour twice a day with a low carbohydrate diet such as weight watcher's is usually successful. However many causes of gyenecomastia will not be responsive to diet or exercise. Gynecomastia can be related to low male hormonal production or excessive female hormonal production or ingestion of hormone products in an attempt to enlarge muscles. Some medications have been associated with enlarged male breasts; they include cimetidine, spironolactone, ketoconazole, amiodarone, auronofin, clomiphen, metronidazole ( flagyl ), sulindac, thepphyline, estrogens, birth control pills meant for woman ingested by a man, verapamil, calcium channel blockers, captopril, methyldopa, reserpine, digitalis, phenthiazines, diazepam (valium), and illegal drugs marijuana, heroin, methadone, amphetamines, steroids, among others.

What are the risks?

The risks include:

Unfavorable scarring
Bleeding (hematoma)
Blood clots
Infection
Poor wound healing
Changes in nipple or breast sensation may be temporary or permanent
If liposuction is used, additional risks include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, irregular pigmentation, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation
Anesthesia risks
Breast contour and shape irregularities
Skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising
Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent
Allergies to tape, suture materials, glues, blood products, topical preparations or injected agents
Breast asymmetry
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Fluid accumulation
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Pain, which may persist
Possibility of revisional surgery

Where will my surgery be performed?

Surgery to correct gynecomastia may be performed on an outpatient basis, in an office-based or ambulatory surgical facility, or a hospital setting. It may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

These decisions will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure and in consideration of your preference and your doctor’s best judgment. Your plastic surgeon and the assisting staff will fully attend to your comfort and safety.

When you go home

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary:

To perform additional tightening or repositioning of the breasts
To treat any complications that may occur

Be careful

Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

My recovery

After surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals.

You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
Are stitches removed? When?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?

It’s very important to follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled.

The results will be long-lasting

The final results of breast reduction in men are permanent in many cases.

However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs including steroids or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results. Please discuss this with your physician before making changes to your prescription medications.

All scars are permanent, even though some scars may be concealed in the natural contours of the breast. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a t-shirt, or baring your chest at the beach.

How much will gynecomastia surgery cost?

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for gynecomastia can vary widely. A surgeon’s cost for gynecomastia may vary based on his or her experience as well as geographic location.

Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

Cost may include:

Surgeon’s fee
Hospital or surgical facility costs
Anesthesia fees
Prescriptions for medication
Post-surgery garments, and
Medical tests

hat it won’t do: Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite, the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips and buttocks, or loose saggy skin.

Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome

Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
Previous surgeries

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

Liposuction is performed through small, inconspicuous incisions.

The nubin of breast tissue will be removed through a subareola incision along the rim of the areola, A second incision above the areola may be used as a crescent lift. A third tiny incision may be used to do liposuction at a different angle.

First, sterile liquid solution is infused to reduce bleeding and trauma. Then a thin hollow tube, or cannula, is inserted through these incisions to loosen excess fat using a controlled back and forth motion.

The dislodged fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula.