Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia is a very common condition where men develop either breast tissue and/or excess fat on the chest. Gynecomastia can significantly affect a man’s self-confidence and lead to the avoidance of social situations where a man is not expected to wear a shirt. Gynecomastia is common and can occur due to hormone imbalances, due to use of certain medications, steroid use, advancing age, or have no clear cause at all.
Male breast reduction can significantly impact a man’s life by creating a more masculine appearing chest. There are many variations to this surgery, and it is individually tailored to each patient based on several factors including:
- Amount of extra skin
- Amount of extra fatty tissue
- Amount of extra breast tissue
- Skin elasticity (i.e. the quality of your skin and how much the skin is expected to retract after surgery)
- The location and size of the nipple and areola
What are the different types of male breast reduction surgery?
A consultation with Dr. Vaca will help determine which type of male breast reduction surgery will best help address your concerns. Liposuction can be combined with most male breast reduction techniques; however, the anticipated amount and location of extra & loose skin helps determine which technique is most appropriate. There are several types of male breast reduction surgery including:
Liposuction Only
Liposuction alone may be helpful in males with extra fatty tissue and little to no extra skin with good elasticity (i.e. patients whose skin is expected to retract after surgery). Liposuction is performed via very small incisions to remove extra fatty tissue.
Limited Incision around the areola
This is an option in males who have some firm breast tissue with minimal to no skin excess. A relatively small incision is made halfway around the areola to remove breast tissue.
Full incision
If you have moderate skin excess, a longer incision will be needed to help remove extra skin and improve the contour of the chest.
Full incision with nipple graft
This is typically reserved for males with significant skin and breast tissue excess or stretched out skin with low lying nipples. This requires more extensive incisions to remove the excess tissue and skin. The nipple and areola are then placed on the chest in the correct location as a graft.
What are the risks of male breast reduction?
All surgical procedures carry a degree of uncertainty and risk. Thankfully, the risk of major complications is low
Depending on the type of technique used, the incisions may be longer resulting in more scarring.
Infection and bleeding can occur. Very rarely, a portion or the entire nipple may be lost.
Every person has some degree of asymmetry between both sides of the chest – it is important to know that some degree of asymmetry will remain after surgery. While every attempt is made to make the incisions as symmetric as possible, some degree of asymmetry will also occur with the scars between sides.
Meet Dr. Vaca
Dr. Elbert E. Vaca is a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon who completed his medical training at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
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Meet Dr. Fagien
Dr. Steven Fagien is one of the foremost oculoplastic surgeons in the United States and the world. He completed his medical training at the University of Florida and a fellowship in oculoplastic surgery at the University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary.
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