Many men are affected by gynecomastia, also known as enlarged breast tissue.
In most cases, this is not a serious medical concern. However, that doesn’t mean that gynecomastia doesn’t have consequences. Men with enlarged breast tissue frequently report self-consciousness, emotional distress, and discomfort, which can cause problems in their everyday lives.
Thankfully, this problem has a solution: male breast reduction surgery.
At our Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based practice, we’ve helped many men achieve a more masculine and contoured chest through breast reduction surgery. If you’re reading this article, you might be wondering if you’re a strong candidate for such a procedure. Here are some key facts to consider.
Why Does Gynecomastia Happen?
In order to better understand whether you’d be a good candidate for this procedure, it’s important to understand gynecomastia and its causes.
To put it simply, gynecomastia is characterized by excess breast tissue, fat, or glandular tissue in men, and it can occur for a variety of reasons.
For example, hormone imbalances can cause men to have excess breast tissue. If there is an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, men can grow excess breast tissue, something that often occurs during puberty or as men age.
Next, there are some medications that can cause this problem, ranging from anabolic steroids to antidepressants.
Third, certain underlying health issues, such as liver disease, kidney failure, or thyroid problems, can lead to the development of male breast tissue.
And finally, lifestyle factors can play a role in gynecomastia. These include things like obesity, recreational drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and more.
While you may simply be born with excess breast tissue, as one can see above, there are a variety of issues that could lead one to develop excess breast tissue. That’s why it’s important to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia before considering surgery, as some cases may be resolved through lifestyle changes or treating the root cause.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Not every man with gynecomastia is a candidate for male breast reduction surgery. Here are the things to consider regarding whether you might be a good candidate for this surgery.
The first thing to consider is whether your gynecomastia is persistent. If your gynecomastia has persisted for more than a year and does not respond to non-surgical treatments or lifestyle modifications, surgery may be an appropriate solution. However, temporary breast tissue growth, especially during puberty, often resolves on its own and may not require intervention.
Next, you should ensure that you’re in good physical health. Certain health conditions can increase the risks associated with surgery, and before any procedure, your plastic surgeon will perform an evaluation to ensure that you are physically fit enough for the surgery.
On that topic, it’s important that one considering male breast reduction surgery is able to maintain a stable and healthy weight. Weight fluctuations can affect the appearance of your chest after surgery — and if you’re overweight or obese, your surgeon may recommend weight loss before considering the procedure.
Finally, the ideal candidate is someone who understands what is and is not possible through this procedure. While male breast reduction can significantly improve your chest’s contouring and symmetry, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the results. Thankfully, before your surgery, a professional like Dr. Mark Bosbous will have a discussion with you about what’s achievable based on your unique anatomy and circumstances.
What to Expect from the Procedure and Recovery
The surgical approach for male breast reduction depends on the severity of the gynecomastia.
A typical procedure may include liposuction, where fat is removed from the breast, or tissue excision, where tissue is removed from the breast; the latter is more appropriate for severe cases.
Recovery time for this procedure varies, but it generally takes about 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. That said, most patients can return to work and light activities within a week, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.
Most of the swelling will be gone in 1 to 3 months, which should give you a good idea about what your new chest looks like. However, you won’t get the whole picture until everything is fully healed and your body has recovered, which can take 6 months to a year.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with gynecomastia and believe you meet the criteria for male breast reduction surgery, the next step is booking a consultation. At your consultation, a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous will assess your specific situation, answer any questions, and create a customized surgical plan to help you achieve the look you desire. Get in touch today to book a consultation.