Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty. The procedure reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contours. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases, the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.
Male breast reduction surgery is right for you if you are not significantly overweight and are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large. Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although a secondary procedure may be needed in the future should breast development continue. Dr. Hewell and Dr. Fischer will discuss your medical history with you prior to surgery to ensure that no medical problem and/or drug is contributory to your gynecomastia.
About the Procedure:
Liposuction
In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction. There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.
Excision
Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced or the nipple will be repositioned to a more natural male contour. Dr. Hewell and Dr. Fischer will discuss the incision pattern with you as they vary depending on the severity of your gynecomastia. Often gynecomastia is treated with both excision and liposuction. In certain cases, excision can be performed through an incision around the areola without extension to the sides of the areola, and without an incision along the underside of the breast as depicted below.
The results of your breast reduction surgery are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your breast reduction will appear over the next few months. Incision lines are permanent but will continue to fade over time.
It is important to remember that breasts are dynamic and can change with fluctuations in weight and with aging. Male breast reduction surgery can be performed at any age but is best performed after the breasts have fully developed. If gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs (including steroids), or weight gain, you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results. Maintaining your weight and keeping a healthy lifestyle will help the longevity of your male breast reduction.