Reducing Enlarged Male Chests with Gynecomastia Surgery

While it’s normal for men to have a small amount of breast tissue, the reality is that as many as 50% of men will experience a growth of excess breast tissue during their life that causes them to develop the equivalent of male breasts, sometimes referred to as ‘man boobs’. This condition, called gynecomastia, can cause many men to feel self-conscious and embarrassed about the appearance of their chest.

There are a variety of things that can cause gynecomastia to develop. These include:

• Hormone imbalances

• Weight gain

• Side effects from medication

Some people will find that their excess breast tissue goes away when they lose weight or change medication. However, if you find that you are still unhappy with the appearance of your chest, there is another option – gynecomastia surgery.

What is Involved in Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is a fairly simple and straightforward procedure that can remove excess fat from the chest area and leave men with a more sculpted, chiseled chest that fills them with confidence.

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed either under general anesthetic, or in some cases, through a combination of local anesthetic and sedation. Once you are under the effects of the anesthetic, an incision may be made around the areola so that it can be temporarily detached while the procedure is taking place. This is often needed if you are having large amounts of fat removed from the area as it will allow the nipples to be repositioned more appropriately on your newly sculpted chest.

The procedure itself uses liposuction to remove the excess fat. Firstly, a saline solution is injected into the area which helps to break down fat cells and make them easier to remove. Small incisions are made through which a long, thin tube is inserted. This is called a cannula and it is attached to a vacuum device. The cannula is worked back and forth under the skin to further break down fat deposits, which are then sucked up the hole in the center of the tube. The fat travels along the tube and into a collection vessel. Your surgeon will have the skill and experience necessary to sculpt the chest into an aesthetically-pleasing appearance. Once the excess fat has been removed, the incisions will be closed and, if necessary, the areolas replaced higher on the chest.

In severe cases of gynecomastia, liposuction may be combined with the excision of the breast gland, but this is very rare. The vast majority of patients are able to achieve an outcome that they are extremely happy with through liposuction alone.

The entire procedure should take no more than two hours and most patients can go home the same day!

Recovering After Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is a very straightforward procedure, but you will need to allow yourself a reasonable amount of time to heal and recover after. Your chest will feel tight beneath the bandages, and it will be swollen and uncomfortable. You’ll be prescribed painkillers to help you manage your discomfort during the early stages of healing.

You will also be given comprehensive instructions to follow with regards to keeping your wounds clean, which is essential to minimize the risk of complications such as infection, and wearing your compression bandages, which will likely need to be worn for up to 4 weeks depending on the rate at which you heal. You may need to schedule some time off of work and could be asked to avoid certain activities until you are fully healed, like swimming, lifting weights, and more.

If you would like more information about gynecomastia surgery, please contact our friendly and discreet cosmetic specialists at Pacific Lipo in San Diego, Beverly Hills, and Newport Beach, California at (858)-427-8899, (424) 421-2250, or (888) 575-8898, respectively.