A word about breast reduction in men...

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Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "women-like breasts". Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it's actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40-60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

For men who feel self-concious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help.  The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in  a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured.  If you are considering surgery to correct gynecomastia,  this document will give you a basic  understanding of the procedure- when it can help, how it’s performed,  and what results you can expect.  It cannot answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances.  Please be certain  to ask Dr.Benchetrit if there is anything about the procedure you do not understand or go to http://www.gynecomastia.org/ for more information

 

The best candidates for Gynecomastia correction: Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy men of any age.  The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.  Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss.  Also, individuals who drink alcohol in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery.  These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia.  Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.

 

                            

                             Before                                             After

 

Planning your surgery:  The initial consultation with Dr.Benchetrit is very important.  He will need a complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information.  First Dr.Benchetrit will examine your breasts and check for causes of the gynecomastia, such as impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing medications, or anabolic steroids.  If a medical problem is the suspected cause, you will be referred to an appropriate specialist.  Once Dr.Benchetrit knows how much fat and glandular tissue is contained within the breasts, he can choose a surgical approach to best suit your needs. During your consultation, Dr.Benchetrit will explain in detail the risks associated with this particular surgery along with the types of anesthesia that would be used.

 

Preparing for your surgery:  Dr.Benchetrit will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins and medications.  Smokers should plan to stop smoking for a minimum of one or two weeks before surgery and during recovery.  Smoking decreases circulation and interferes with proper healing.  Therefore, it is essential to follow all instructions.

 

The surgery:  If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, it will be cut out with a scalpel.  The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction.  In a typical procedure, an incision is made in an inconspicuous location – either on the edge of the areola or in the under arm area.  Working through the incision, the surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast.  Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more conspicuous scars.  If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions.

 

If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, Dr.Benchetrit will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat.  A small  incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola-the dark skin that surrounds the nipple.  Or the incision may be placed in the underarm area.  A slim hollow tube called a cannula which is attached to a vacuum pump, is then inserted into the incision.  Using strong, deliberate strokes, the cannula is moved  through the layers beneath the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out.  Patients may feel a vibration or some friction during the procedure, but generally no pain.  In extreme cases, where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour.  In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the removing skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.  Sometimes, a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw off excess fluids.  Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing.  The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.

 

 

Glandular tissue must be    Fatty tissue can be removed ly liposuction . A small hollow tube

cut out, usually through      is cut out,inserted through a tiny incision, leaving a nearly imperceptible scar 

a small incision near the

edge of the areola.

 

After your surgery:  Whether you’ve had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery.  However, discomfort can be controlled with prescription medications.  In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two if needed.  You will be swollen and bruised for a while – in fact, you may wonder if there’s been any improvement at all.  To help reduce swelling, you will probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night.  Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.  In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal.  You’ll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough-which could be as early as a day or two after surgery.  Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

 

You may be advised to avoid sexual activity for a week or two, and heavy exercise for about three weeks.  You’ll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks.  In general, it will take about a month before you are back to all of your normal activities.  You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months.  Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark.  If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sun block.

 

Your new look:  Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal.  The results of the procedure are significant and permanent.  If you expectations are realistic, chances are good that you’ll be very

satisfied with your new look.