Gynecomastia Surgery – Male Breast Reduction

Kansas City Plastic Surgeon serving Overland Park, Leawood & Nearby Areas of Kansas & Missouri

shirtless man with a sculpted chest

Many men have enlarged breasts, a condition called gynecomastia. It can be the result of some medications, hormones or genetics. Excessive alcohol use, tobacco use, marijuana use and anabolic steroid use can also lead to gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia can cause physical as well as emotional problems. Surgical reduction of the breasts may result in a more masculine contour of the upper body and a better self image. Surgery may just remove excess fat or glandular tissue and may involve removing excess skin in some patients.

For a consultation with Dr. Levi Young, please call Advanced Cosmetic Surgery at 913-341-2188 today.

What Should I Expect at the Consultation?

The first step in having this surgery is the initial consultation. During this meeting we will discuss your condition as well as any other medical conditions and medicines that might affect the surgery. The different options for male breast reduction surgery will be discussed, as well as possible complications.

How Does Dr. Young Perform Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

There are several techniques available for male breast reduction. The method used depends upon the amount of glandular tissue and excess skin. The surgery is performed with you under general anesthesia typically at an outpatient surgery center.

Frequently, the reduction can be done using only liposuction. This technique works best if the breasts are not very glandular (firm) and you have minimal excess skin. If the tissue is glandular in nature, a small incision along the lower border of the areola (dark skin around the nipple) can be used to excise the glandular tissue. If a lot of excess skin is present, larger incisions will be necessary to excise the loose skin.

The majority of patients have no complications. The most common is fluid collection in the wound and delayed healing of an incision. It is very important to not smoke at least 2 weeks before and after the surgery.

What Can I Do to Prepare for Surgery?

  • Do not smoke for two weeks before and after your surgery.
  • Avoid medications that can cause bleeding (aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Nuprin, etc) for about 10 days before the surgery.
  • Arrange for help or special care following surgery.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Painful?

Male breast reduction is performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on factors unique to the procedure. You will not feel anything during surgery.

Some soreness, discomfort, tenderness, and swelling are to be expected in the days following surgery. These can be mitigated with OTC medications, such as ibuprofen, the use of a compression garment, and keeping your incisions dry and clean. During your time in our care, we will provide you with all of the information you need to make sure your recovery process is as simple and comfortable as possible.

How Much Breast Tissue Is Reduced During The Gynecomastia Procedure?

Gynecomastia surgery eliminates male breasts entirely.

During male breast reduction, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed from the chest to restore a natural-looking and masculine appearance. The procedure eliminates the fat obscuring pectoral muscles to create a toned and well-defined upper body physique.

How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Last?

Once fat and tissue have been removed, they cannot come back. However, maintaining your results will require some level of dedication on your part.

To maintain male breast reduction results, you will need to adopt a healthy lifestyle with a focus on getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of intense aerobic exercise weekly. Weight training can also be useful for both maintaining and enhancing results.

You will need to make healthy dietary choices to maintain gynecomastia surgery results as well. If this is something your struggle with, it can be a good idea to work with a nutritionist after male breast reduction surgery to discover healthful foods that you find appetizing.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Hormone fluctuations are the leading cause of gynecomastia. Additional risk factors include:

  • Being overweight
  • Steroid use
  • Marijuana use
  • Alcohol use
  • Certain medications
  • Various health conditions
  • General inactivity

Not all instances of gynecomastia are treatable with male breast reduction surgery. If the underlying cause of your condition is medical, you may need to address the primary issues before cosmetic procedures can be performed.

Infographic: Common Causes of Gynecomastia

Can I Combine Gynecomastia With Other Procedures?

Gynecomastia can be combined with additional male plastic surgery procedures. Common combinations include liposuction, abdominoplasty, and body lift procedures. Combining procedures is not always necessary, but it is always an option. During your initial consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon, we will listen to your concerns and provide information about all of the procedures that may help you reach your goals.

Patient Testimonial

"Dear Dr. Young, nurses and support staff, I want to thank you so much for the time and care that you provided to me. You made a procedure that was difficult so much better. The time, energy and care that you displayed towards me warmed my heart. You cared for me as your own and I’m grateful. I will let everyone I know what a positive experience we had. The surgery was top notch and the care second to none. You should be very proud."

 

What Are The Post-Operative Instructions For Male Gynecomastia Surgery?

Day of Surgery

After your surgery you will spend 1-2 hours in the recovery room. You will need a friend or family member to drive you home. Sleep with several pillows behind you to keep your head and chest elevated. A compression vest will be place over the chest area to help reduce swelling. Drain tubes may be placed on each side. Ice packs may be used during the first 24 hours if you wish.

Day 1 After Surgery

It is common to have drainage on your garment. Maintain a daily record of output from each drain. Do as little as possible around your house. Lift nothing over 5-10 pounds.

Days 2-7 After Surgery

Shower on day 2 unless a bolster is covering your nipples. If a bolster is present, do not get wet; a sponge bath will be necessary. A compression shirt such as Under Armour can be worn while cleaning the surgical garment. Compression garments are worn 24/7 until instructed otherwise.

The chest will be swollen and may have some areas of bruising. You may gradually increase your activity, but still no bending over and lifting over 10 pounds. You will be asked to come to the office about 7 days after your surgery for suture removal. Do not drive as long as you are taking pain pills.

After First Week

Pain and swelling continue to improve. Some people feel up to working and doing light activities. Gentle sexual activity may be resumed. At 2 weeks you may begin cardio as long as the arms are not involved.

After First Month

After this visit, you will have no restrictions after 6 weeks. This will be determined according to the extent of your surgery.

Advanced Cosmetic Surgery welcomes patients from Leawood and the Missouri and Kansas areas of Kansas City. Call 913-341-2188 for a consultation.

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