Also known as gynecomastia, Male Breast Reduction is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.
Gynecomastia is a medical term that originates from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." This condition is far more common than many realize. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population. It may affect only one breast or both. Although certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, medications containing estrogen, alcohol, marijuana, etc., and medical conditions including cancer, impaired liver function may cause or contribute to enlarged male breasts, it is widely accepted that a large percentage of cases derive from unknown sources.
Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
Gynecomastia is characterized by:
* Excess localized fat
* Excess glandular tissue development
* A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
* Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)
Gynecomastia surgery (Male Breast Reduction ) is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
* You are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
* You have realistic expectations
* Your breast development has stabilized
* You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large
Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.
* Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
* Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
* Non-smokers and non-drug users
* Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia
Men of any age who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates for a Male Breast Reduction procedure are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours. In some instances, surgery may be discouraged for overweight men who have not first tried an exercise and diet regimen
Dr. Hakan Gundogan will examine your breasts, taking measurements and photographs for your medical record. The size and shape of your breasts, the quality of your skin, and the placement of the nipples and areolas will be carefully evaluated.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, previous surgeries including breast biopsies, and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
Dr. Hakan Gundogan may recommend a baseline mammogram and breast ultrasonography before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Dr. Hakan Gundogan will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Gynecomastia surgery (Male Breast Reduction) may be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. If you are to stay in the hospital, it will most likely be for only one night. Whether you are released the day of surgery or the following day, you will need someone to drive you home and to stay with you for the next day or two.
Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called male reduction mammaplasty, and reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.
In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.
Enlarged male breasts can be reduced by liposuction and/or by cutting out excess glandular tissue. Male Breast Reduction procedure for male breast reduction takes an average of two hours, usually on an outpatient basis, using general or local anesthesia. If excessive glandular tissue, fat and skin are present, it will be removed.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction, where the suction device will typically be inserted through the existing incisions. For the removal of excess fatty tissue alone, liposuction may be all that is needed; in such cases, scars will be small and barely visible.
There is little downtime, and you may return to work within one week usually, unless you are involved in strenuous activities.
There will be scarring around the nipple of the breast (areola) from this procedure but will fade over a period of time and be less visible. There will be some post-operative bruising, swelling, and burning sensation. To assist with the healing process, the patient will wear an elastic pressure garment for 3-6 weeks and must avoid exposing scarred areas to the sun for at least 6 months.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Hakan Gundogan will recommend the best choice for you.
In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used.
This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.
There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.
Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.
Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced, or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.
Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
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.
After male breast reduction surgery, it is often possible to return to work within just a few days if only liposuction has been done. Excisional procedures may require couple of weeks, depending on your job. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after one week. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of one week, and Dr. Hakan Gundogan may advise you to wait longer.
Results are permanent, although subsequent obesity can create a gynecomastia-like effect. Some of the benefits of Male Breast Reduction surgery include a firmer, flatter, more contoured chest that may give the male patient a boost in self-confidence.
You will return to Dr. Hakan Gundogan for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.
Please remember that the relationship with Dr. Hakan Gundogan does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery, or need additional information at a later time, you should contact Dr. Hakan Gundogan.
