Gynecomastia Surgery Candidates: Male Breast Reduction

More men are undergoing plastic surgery and skin care procedures today than in the past. Because of this, our Darien, CT cosmetic practice offers various male surgery options, which can help sculpt a better figure or reverse the signs of aging.

For some men, their chests are a major problem area. This could be the result of a condition known as gynecomastia. Let’s take a moment to consider the basics of gynecomastia and who may benefit from undergoing male breast reduction surgery.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of a man’s chest in such a matter that it appears feminine. Rather than having a traditionally masculine chest, gynecomastia can cause a man to have a swollen chest that looks more like a woman’s breasts. The man’s chest may feel tender as well, or could even be somewhat painful.

The Causes of Gynecomastia

The most common cause of gynecomastia is a hormonal imbalance in which the estrogen in a man’s body is greater than testosterone.

Gynecomastia is most common in men in three different age groups:

• Infancy - It’s estimated that more than half of male newborns experience gynecomastia because of the estrogen of their mother. The condition resolves on its own within the first month after being born.
• Puberty - Puberty marks a time of major changes in a young man’s life, which includes the risk of gynecomastia. If the condition arises, it typically resolves on its own within six months to two years.
• Late Middle-Age - Around 25 percent of men between the ages of 50 and 69 are likely to experience some degree of gynecomastia.

If the condition does not resolve on its own, then it’s time to consider male breast reduction surgery.

General Candidacy for Male Breast Reduction

Good candidates for male breast reduction are men who struggle with gynecomastia that does not respond to non-surgical treatments, such as improvements in diet, hormone therapy, prescription medication, and lifestyle improvements. Typically, a surgeon will ensure the patient has tried other avenues for resolving their gynecomastia before recommending surgery.

An Ideal Age for Male Breast Reduction Surgery

As with many other plastic surgery procedures, it’s generally a good idea to undergo male breast reduction when the patient is fully matured. This allows any hormone issues to be fully resolved and other matters related to normal maturation to sort themselves out. Acting conservatively means preventing the need for further surgery after the initial procedure.

Knowing the Risks and Benefits

While there are many positives to male breast reduction, patients should be aware of any potential complications that may arise. Being aware of both the risks and benefits of the surgery helps patients take the pre-op preparation and the post-op recovery process much more seriously.

Realistic Expectations About the Surgery

It’s important that all male breast reduction patients have realistic expectations about their surgery, from the recovery process to post-surgical scarring to the final results that are achieved. By having realistic expectations, patients are more likely to feel satisfied with the final outcomes of the treatment process.

Learn More About Male Breast Reduction

For more information about male breast reduction and how it can help you, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic plastic surgeon. David Passaretti, MD will discuss these matters with you in full detail so you can make the right decisions regarding your body contour and figure.