Achieve a more masculine chest contour
Flatten and redefine your chest appearance with gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction). Male breast reduction eliminates enlarged breast tissue, trims away stubborn fat, and tightens loose skin to create a flatter chest contour. Sculpting the chest with gynecomastia surgery can greatly improve the male figure and give you a natural, masculine chest.
Any healthy, adult male may be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery (candidates are usually over age 18 to allow for full development). Candidates have excess soft tissue in the chest area that contributes to the appearance of “male breasts” (gynecomastia). Some candidates have enlarged breast glands, others have localized fat, and some have both. Gynecomastia is usually caused by weight gain, recreational drug use, hormonal imbalances, or unrelated medications.
Gynecomastia surgery involves the surgical removal of excess tissue in the male breast area. Occasionally, liposuction alone will be performed to remove excess fat from the chest. More often, a surgical incision will be placed around the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple), through which breast glandular tissue, excess fat, and loose skin can be removed. For more severe cases, an additional incision is placed along the base of the breast area to more fully flatten and smooth the chest contour.
You should be in good health and at a stable body weight prior to undergoing this surgery. You may need to get a comprehensive hormone panel before gynecomastia surgery. If you are receiving treatment for any chronic health conditions, you will need to request clearance from your primary care physician. You will also need to get an EKG and basic blood work to evaluate your health in anticipation of a successful procedure and healthy recovery. You will also need to plan for adequate time off work and arrange for assistance during your recovery, especially for activities such as driving, household responsibilities, and childcare.
Most patients need only a few days up to 1 week of downtime after gynecomastia surgery. A thin compression garment, easily hidden underneath clothing, should be worn for several weeks. Pain medication is rarely needed after the first few days, but some soreness will likely persist for several weeks. Weightlifting and strenuous exercises can usually be resumed after about 3 weeks.
Gynecomastia surgery scars are placed around the edge of the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). As they blend with the edge of this darker skin, they are inconspicuous in the long term. For more severe cases of gynecomastia, an additional incision may be placed along the base of the breast area. While this scar will be more visible when not covered by clothing, it should fade significantly over time and grants an amazing transformation in chest contour.
Some young men experience hormonal imbalances in their teenage years that lead to abnormal breast development. Fortunately, this usually resolves on its own by adulthood, so it is recommended that young men wait until full development before deciding to undergo male breast reduction.
Some results will be visible immediately after your surgery and will continue to improve as any swelling subsides. The final results will become apparent by 3 to 6 months after surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery results are long-lasting to permanent. However, if there is an ongoing issue that has been causing your gynecomastia in the first place, this must also be resolved to prevent the condition from returning after surgery. Future weight fluctuations, recreational drug use, and hormonal imbalances can all affect male breast development. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and stable body weight is recommended to ensure the best long-term results.
Stephenie Poris, MD sees patients at both the Orlando and Winter Park offices.
