In some men the chest and breast area becomes enlarged or over developed – this is referred to as Gynecomastia in the medical profession and while it is common there is no precise cause for this condition.

For the majority of men, diet and exercise are not effective treatments for Gynecomastia. Those living with Gynecomastia often suffer from low self-esteem and feelings of discomfort and embarrassment during certain social and intimate activities. However there is an effective surgical procedure that can be performed as an effective treatment. During your consultation we can determine if this surgery is right for you considering:

• Alternative medical treatments that have been tried
• Your current health and ability to health well from surgery
• Your weight stability, smoking status and medication you are using
• Your feeling about the impact this has on your body and state of mind
• The grade of the condition

Male breast reduction surgery, reduces breast size by removing the excess fat, glandular tissue, and/or skin. Surgery results in a flatter, more defined chest and restores a more masculine chest contour. The procedure to correct gynecomastia is highly individualized to each patient. In some cases, breast enlargement is simply due to excess fat that is localized directly under or near the areola. For these patients, a natural chest contour can be restored through liposuction only. For others, breast enlargement can be the result of a combination of glandular tissue development, excess fat and excess skin. While liposuction may still be used, excision of any residual glandular material and/or skin is required. The incision required for this additional step can be well-hidden within the pigmented skin of the areola.

Surgery Risks

Each year thousands of men undergo successful male breast reduction surgery, experience no major problems and are happy with the results. Significant complications from male breast reduction are infrequent.

While risks are rare it is important to understand them and discuss them with us during your consultation

• Diminished sensitivity or permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or areas of breast skin
• Poor wound healing
• Irregularities or asymmetry in the breast/chest shape or contour
• Possible need for revisional surgery
• Like any major surgery, a breast reduction surgery poses a risk of bleeding, blood clots, infection and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the surgical tape or other materials used during or after the procedure. You can help minimize certain risks by following the advice and instructions of your surgical team, both before and after your procedure.

Results & Recovery

Just as the procedure itself is highly individualized to each patient, so are the results and recovery times associated with male breast reduction. Most men will notice a significant change immediately following surgery. However, the full extent of these changes will gradually become visible as the body heals. Patients may need to wear a compression garment under their clothing for a few weeks following the procedure. Most patients can return to work within one week. Those patients with more physically demanding jobs may need to wait longer. Also, strenuous exercise should be avoided for three to six weeks following the procedure. Ask your surgeon about typical results and recovery times for you individual case.