Male Chest Contouring (Gynecomastia)
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlargement of male breast tissue. The numbers of men seeking out surgery for gynecomastia has continued to increase over the years. I continue to see more and more men requesting surgery to improve the look and contour of their chests. During puberty, hormonal surges can lead to the growth of male breast tissue. In some cases, this breast tissue shrinks after puberty, but in many cases, the breasts remain enlarged. Studies have suggested that the prevalence of asymptomatic gynecomastia is 50% to 60% in adolescents and up to 70% in men aged 50 to 69 years.
Common causes of gynecomastia include puberty, excess weight gain, use of anabolic steroids in bodybuilders and use of marijuana. Several other medications can also cause male breast enlargement. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the excess weight 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 removed.
Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty. This surgery reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contour.
The Procedure
Surgery to remove the breast tissues usually involves liposuction of the excess fat followed by surgical removal of the excess glandular breast tissue through an incision hidden in the axilla (armpit). This unique “scarless” approach avoids any visible scars and drastically enhances chest contour and aesthetics.
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FAQ
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Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by enlargement of the male breasts, which can be due to an excess of fat and glandular tissue. Experts estimate that 40 to 60 percent of men are affected by gynecomastia, which can cause social and psychological distress. Gynecomastia is diagnosed after a careful medical evaluation and is often confirmed by medical imaging
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Though the exact cause is not always known, gynecomastia has been linked to certain medications, hormonal imbalance, and steroid use.
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Exercise can reduce excess stored fat on the chest; however, it has no effect on the dense glandular tissue which can be responsible for gynecomastia. Some men are frustrated to find that no matter how hard or often they exercise, their breasts do not get smaller.
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During the operation, the surgeon uses a combination of liposuction and excision techniques to remove fat and glandular tissue. Excess fat is removed, and the remaining skin is tightened over the chest. The nipple-areolar complex can be reduced and relocated higher on the breast, if needed.
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Recovery varies by patient and the scope of their procedure. Most patients return to work and socializing after about a week. Light exercise can be resumed two weeks after surgery and more strenuous activities four to six weeks after surgery.
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Incisions are strategically designed to lie in the natural folds of the skin to limit visibility and fade considerably after surgery. Most men are happy to trade their enlarged breasts for barely noticeable scars.
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In addition to improving the appearance of the chest, gynecomastia surgery can also lead to an increase in self-confidence and sexual satisfaction. Many men have newfound motivation to exercise and maintain their results.
