Gynecomastia is a condition in which men have excessive glandular or fat tissue in their chests, giving them large, overdeveloped breasts. Derived from two Greek words meaning “woman breasts,” gynecomastia can be embarrassing and chronically uncomfortable.
Often caused by a hormonal imbalance, gynecomastia does not necessarily respond to changes in diet and fitness, and many men turn to male breast reduction as a solution when the problem does not go away naturally. Board-certified South Carolina plastic surgeon Dr. Ted Vaughn has helped numerous men who suffer from gynecomastia remove the excess weight of oversized breasts and regain a more natural appearance.
Male breast reduction usually entails the use of liposuction alone to remove fatty tissue, although some patients will require the removal of both breast tissue and skin.
Why Have a Male Breast Reduction?
Men choose to undergo male breast reduction surgery for many reasons, including to boost their confidence and overcome embarrassment. You may decide to get this procedure if you:
- Are reluctant to remove your shirt due to the appearance of your chest
- Want to achieve a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest contour
- Feel self-conscious about your enlarged male breasts
It can be incredibly disheartening when lifestyle changes and other treatment measures fail to produce the results you desire. Fortunately, gynecomastia surgery offers you a proven solution. It will let you leave compression garments, thick shirts, and bulky layering techniques behind.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
The best candidates for gynecomastia surgery are adult men who have been evaluated for underlying medical problems. Teenagers are typically not eligible for male breast reduction due to the fact that their bodies are still growing and their hormones are changing. It is important to wait and see if the swelling goes away after puberty before considering a surgical correction.
Similarly, it is important to be evaluated for conditions and lifestyle choices that may be at play. Gynecomastia is sometimes caused by diseases or the use of certain medicines. Once these factors have been ruled out, most healthy men can proceed with gynecomastia surgery.
Is There Noticeable Scarring After Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery can leave noticeable scarring. However, it depends on the technique. Liposuction alone requires small incisions and often leaves very minimal marks on the chest. Meanwhile, the excision technique will require larger incisions and result in more scarring.
Keep in mind that male breast reduction scars are often concealed within the natural folds of the breast tissue and around the areola. Additionally, the scars can be reduced with good aftercare. To further fade the look of these marks, you can consider scar gels and professional treatments.
How Much Time Does It Take To Recover From Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Male breast reduction has a much shorter recovery than many other cosmetic surgeries. Most men take between a few days to a week off work to allow for swelling and discomfort to fade.
Intense activities, heavy lifting, and chest exercises should be avoided during the initial stages of healing. Our practice will provide you with detailed instructions to follow after your surgery.
Your recovery time will vary depending on the techniques used during your procedure. You can receive a customized recovery estimate during your confidential consultation with Dr. Vaughn.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Painful?
Gynecomastia surgery is performed with the use of medications that prevent you from feeling pain. These medications may include general anesthesia, local anesthesia, oral sedatives, and IV sedatives. Dr. Vaughn, a board-certified plastic surgeon will provide more details about your procedure.
Many men find that the recovery period is also quite tolerable. Pain medications may be prescribed, though some patients find that they can manage with over-the-counter medications. Of course, pain and discomfort are highly subjective, so your experience may be different.
What Are the Risks?
Male breast reduction is a relatively low-risk procedure when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Do your research when choosing a provider.
Some of the most common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort. All of the potential risks and complications will be discussed during your consultation visit. You will also receive instructions, such as avoiding nicotine and blood thinners, that will help set you up for success.
Typically, the procedure is performed in our private, accredited in-office surgical suite.
If you would like to learn more about male breast reduction, please contact Piedmont Plastic Surgery by phone at 864-223-0505 or through our online form to schedule your confidential consultation with Dr. Ted Vaughn. We serve patients near Greenwood, Greenville, Anderson, Columbia and Laurens, South Carolina as well as Augusta, Georgia.
