Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)
PROCEDURES OF EXCELLENCE
Around 65% of men aged 27 to 92 experience gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, due to medical conditions, hormone imbalance or other factors (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
The excess fat and glandular tissue in the area can be removed with male breast reduction surgery. This procedure helps men who have found that no amount of exercise or dieting is making a difference.
The Chest You Choose
Male breast reduction, known medically as gynecomastia surgery, removes the firm glandular tissue and surrounding fat that cause male breasts to be enlarged. Dr. Nodwell uses a combination of excision and liposuction, depending on the patient and the type of tissue present. Sometimes the chest also benefits from skin removal and repositioning of the nipple-areola complex.
If you have gynecomastia, you may have already tried the obvious things. You have lost weight and put in the gym hours, and while the rest of your body has changed, your chest stays the same. Glandular tissue does not respond to training, so this isn’t from a lack of effort. Surgery may be the best option for the results you are looking for.
Why Do We Choose Male Breast Reduction?
Gynecomastia almost always traces back to a hormonal shift. During puberty, estrogen and testosterone fluctuate, and many teenage boys develop breast tissue along the way as part of these changes. It resolves for most boys. When it doesn’t, the tissue stays firm and dense without surgery.
Hormones can shift later in life, too. Factors include aging and certain medications, and it is also linked to health conditions like thyroid problems, liver and kidney disease and tumours. Surgery may be the only way to reduce excess tissue growth.
What Does Male Breast Reduction Treat?
Glandular Excess
Firm tissue beneath the nipple
Chest Fullness
Soft, fatty tissue that blurs the chest line
Puffy Nipples
Areolar projection caused by glandular tissue pressing forward
Chest Asymmetry
A noticeable difference in size or shape
Loose Skin
Skin laxity after weight loss or long-standing gynecomastia
What Are My Male Breast Reduction Options?
Some men have more excess fat contributing to enlarged breasts, while others struggle mostly with firm, glandular tissue. Skin elasticity and nipple placement also vary from person to person. That is why every surgery that Dr. Nodwell performs is unique, with some combination of each of these three methods.
The Nodwell Experience
Masculine Contour, Restored
Many of the men that I see for gynecomastia have been thinking about this surgery for many years before walking into my office. By the time we meet, they want to know how the surgery will make them look and what to expect from the results. They want to still look like themselves.
I take these concerns seriously. A male chest is a combination of subtle lines, from the lower fold of the pectoral to the slope of the chest. My reconstructive training has taught me to consider all of this during surgery, so you wake up with a chest that looks like it has always belonged to you.
The Nodwell Experience
Am I a Candidate for Male
Breast Reduction?
To be a good candidate for male breast reduction, you should have persistent glandular tissue that does not respond to lifestyle changes. It is ideal to have a stable weight and breast development. Dr. Nodwell will examine your chest at your consultation to confirm whether the tissue is glandular, fatty or mixed, and conduct a full medical exam to make sure you are healthy enough for the surgery.
Adult man in good general health
Stable weight maintained for at least six months
Glandular or fatty chest tissue that has not responded to diet and exercise
Non-smoker, or willing to quit well in advance of surgery
Realistic expectations about scarring and final contour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Chest Shape Caused by Fat or Glandular Tissue?
Pinch the tissue around the nipple between thumb and forefinger. If it feels soft and yielding, the bulk is fat. If you can feel a firm, rubbery disc beneath the nipple, that is glandular tissue, and it will not shrink. Most men have some combination of both, and Dr. Nodwell will confirm the breakdown at your consultation.
How Should I Prepare for Surgery?
Dr. Nodwell will review your medications and note any that need pausing. You can prepare by taking time off work and making sure you have someone to drive you home. You will also need someone to help with basic tasks for the first 24 hours, and you should set up a place to rest that has everything you may need close by.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
You will see a flatter chest immediately, but it will take time to see the final shape. Swelling and bruising peak in the first week and then slowly go down. You should see your final results between three and six months after surgery. The results of the surgery are permanent unless there are additional changes to your weight or hormones.
How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost?
The cost of male breast reduction varies from patient to patient. You can expect a detailed cost breakdown at your consultation, which will include line items such as anesthesia, operating room costs, follow-up costs, surgeon’s fees and more. Financing through Beautifi is available for patients who prefer to spread the investment out.
What Should I Expect From Male Breast Reduction Recovery?
Recovery from male breast reduction is generally smoother than people expect. Most men are back at a desk within a week and back to most normal activities by the end of the first month.
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
What should I expect during my consultation?
Is there a consultation fee?
What is the cancelation policy?
Do you accent out-of-town patients?
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
What should I expect during my consultation?
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Plastic Surgeon