BEAUTIFI

Find Doctors
Find Doctors

Male Breast Reduction

  • Standard Recovery Time:
    6+ Weeks
  • Average Cost:
    $5,500-$7,000+
  • Anesthesia Required:
    Yes
Find a Doctor

About Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia is an enlargement or overdevelopment of the breasts in men. This is most common during puberty, but it can happen at any age. Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, weight gain, or the use of certain medications. Gynecomastia surgery, commonly known as male breast reduction, is a technique that reduces the size of a man’s breasts while simultaneously flattening and enhancing the chest contours.

Commonly asked questions about Male Breast Reduction

Before undertaking any procedure, you will want to be confident in your knowledge. Find the details on Male Breast Reduction here.

  1. What is male breast reduction?
  2. Why is it done?
  3. Who is a candidate?
  4. Procedure steps
  5. Procedure length
  6. Recovery experience
  7. When will I see results?
  8. How long do results last?
  9. Costs
  10. Risks
  11. Satisfaction

1. What is male breast reduction?

Gynecomastia is an enlargement or overdevelopment of the breasts in men. This is most common during puberty, but it can happen at any age. Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal changes, genetics, weight gain, or the use of certain medications. Gynecomastia surgery, commonly known as male breast reduction, is a technique that reduces the size of a man’s breasts while simultaneously flattening and enhancing the chest contours.

2. Why is male breast reduction done?

The goal of a male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia surgery, is to reduce the volume of breast tissue and improving the contour of the chest wall, all while minimizing visible scarring. A male breast reduction may also require fat removal/liposuction to achieve a cosmetically attractive appearance of the chest.

3. Am I a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery?

Male breast reduction surgery candidates include:

  • Men bothered by their enlarged breasts
  • Individuals in generally good health and do not have any serious illnesses or medical conditions
  • Men who are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
  • Non-smokers and non-drug users
  • Men who have realistic expectations
  • Men whose breast development has stabilized
  • Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
Find a Doctor

4. How is a male breast reduction performed?

Step One – Anesthesia

The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step Two – The Incision

There are three types of incisions when it comes to male breast reduction surgery.

Liposuction technique: When your gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction may be used to remove it. A cannula (a thin hollow tube) will be inserted through several small incisions by your surgeon.

The cannula is then pushed back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is then suctioned out of the body via a vacuum.

Excision technique: This technique is used when your glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to fix your gynecomastia. It is also necessary if your areola needs to be reduced and your nipples repositioned. Incision patterns during this technique will vary depending on the specific conditions of your gynecomastia and your surgeon’s preference.

Combination of techniques: Sometimes both the liposuction techniques and excision techniques are combined together.

Step Three – Closing the Incisions

Sutures are used to close the incisions which will be absorbed/dissolved by your body in two to four weeks, so they will not need to be removed. Steri-strips or surgical glue may also be used over your stitches.

Dressings and bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize any swelling and support the new chest contours. In some cases, small tubes with drains may be placed under the skin temporarily to remove any excess blood or fluid.

Step Four – See the Results

Immediately after surgery the results will be apparent and will continue to improve as the swelling lessens. The final result of your male breast reduction may take three to six months.

5. How long does male breast reduction surgery take?

Depending on the complexity of your procedure, a male breast reduction can take between one and three hours to complete.

6. What is the recovery like after surgery?

As with any surgery, the body will need to recover from the trauma exerted on it from the procedure and male breast reduction surgery is no different. Limiting your activity helps your body recover and aids a faster recovery period.

– 2-3 days following surgery patients may experience pain, tightness, or tenderness in their chest immediately following surgery. Most surgeons advise complete rest at this time, with only light walking recommended for exercise.

– 1 week following surgery there will be a decrease in pain and swelling. Drains may be removed, and you may be able to return to work and perform light physical activities. Strenuous movements involving the chest should still be avoided and compression garments should be worn throughout the day

– 2 weeks following surgery most men are feeling back to normal and can resume everyday activities. Vigorous exercise should still be avoided at this time.

– The majority of patients are cleared by their surgeon to resume normal exercise 3-4 weeks after surgery (although exercises that specifically target the chest should still be avoided). Compression garments are no longer necessary. Swelling and bruising are mostly gone.

– 6 weeks following surgery usually marks the completion of the recovery process. Most patients can undertake all forms of exercise including strenuous movements involving the chest.

Find a Doctor

7. When will I see the final result of my male breast reduction surgery?

Although results may be visible right after surgery, it can take up to 4-6 weeks to see the full results of your male breast reduction.

8. How long do male breast reduction results last?

When male breast reduction surgery is performed, it removes this tissue permanently. A healthy weight should be maintained to avoid excess fat regrowth.

9. How much does male breast reduction cost in Canada?

The cost of a male breast reduction depends on things like geographic location, surgeon/surgeon experience, and the complexity of your procedure. Typically, the surgery ranges from $5500 to $7,000.

Find a Doctor

10. What are the risks to male breast reduction surgery?

Just like any surgery there are some potential risks, male breast reduction surgery risks include:

– Bleeding

– Infection

– Blood clots

– Breast asymmetry

– Damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and legs

– Fat necrosis

– Poor wound healing

– Fluid accumulation

– Scarring

 

11. Is male breast reduction surgery worth it?

608/634 people who have undergone male breast reduction surgery have rated the procedure “Worth It” (96%)

– Source: realself.com