For some men, extra fat and tissue in their chest is a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness. Fortunately, our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jason Lichten, can perform a male breast reduction for Columbus, Ohio men to correct gynecomastia and resolve this condition.
Gynecomastia or male breast enlargement is quite common among adolescent boys. In fact, up to 70 percent of boys experience it during puberty. Although this condition is usually mild and short-lived, a small percentage of men continue to experience over-developed breasts. Men with gynecomastia will often avoid physical activities and even intimacy to conceal their condition.
For those men, surgery is often a very good option to reduce the size of their breasts and create a better chest contour. Two variations of this procedure are available, depending on the patient’s needs. If fat, skin, and glandular tissue need to be removed, Dr. Lichten performs the surgery using a scalpel or scalpel with liposuction. If only fatty tissue is involved, it may be removed with liposuction alone. Our post-surgery patients report increased self-confidence and comfort with their bodies at the beach, in the locker room, and any other time they take their shirts off.
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What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs when a man’s breasts are enlarged or over-developed. Although it typically occurs during puberty, it can develop at any age. It is usually caused by hormonal changes, genetics, obesity, or using certain drugs.
Symptoms of gynecomastia include:
- Extra fat localized in the chest
- Extra development of glandular tissue
- Extra breast skin
These symptoms can occur in one or both breasts.
Am I a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Male breast reduction is right for many men who want to improve the appearance of their breasts. Although no amount of cosmetic surgery can make you look “perfect,” male breast reduction can help create better proportions and improve self-confidence. The best candidates for surgery are physically healthy and mentally prepared for the surgery, transformation, and recovery.
The ideal candidate has firm skin that will be responsive to re-contouring itself once excess breast tissue has been removed, though surgical skin tightening can be performed for patients who have significant skin laxity. Keep in mind that certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, marijuana, and alcohol may cause or contribute to the formation of enlarged male breasts, so the use of these drugs must be discontinued before and after surgery. A surgical option is appropriate only when excess tissue remains in the chest even after discontinuing the use of these substances.
Male Breast Reduction Before-and-After Photos
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Dr. Lichten performs gynecomastia surgery in Columbus with the patient under general anesthesia, allowing men to sleep comfortably through the procedure. If the breasts contain only excess fatty tissue, Dr. Lichten can perform liposuction to remove this fat while causing minimal disruption to surrounding healthy tissue. For those men who have excess glandular and fatty tissue, a combined approach using surgical excision along with liposuction will be needed. In almost all cases, scars are not very noticeable because Dr. Lichten can hide incisions by placing them on the edge of the areola or under the arm. If you have very large breasts, Dr. Lichten may need to remove some excess skin to allow your chest to adjust to its smaller overall contour.
OK, I’m ready. I’d like to request a consultation. What happens during the consultation?
During your consultation, you and Dr. Lichten will discuss:
- Your goals for surgery and options to achieve those goals
- Medical history, including current and past conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments and surgeries
- The medications you are currently taking including vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drug use (including steroids)
Dr. Lichten will also:
- Discuss your general health status, including any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Examine your breasts to determine shape, size, skin quality, and placement of nipples and areolas
- Take photographs for your medical records
- Recommend treatment based on your complaints and goals
Be sure to ask questions during your consultation. It is very important for you to understand the surgical procedure you will be having. It is completely normal to feel anxious, whether it is from excitement for your new look or some preoperative stress. You should feel comfortable discussing these concerns with Dr. Lichten.
What Will My Recovery Be Like?
After surgery, you will have dressings or bandages applied to your incisions. You will wear a support, compression garment for six weeks to support the new line of your chest as it heals and to minimize swelling while you heal. Occasionally, my patients will have drains for the first week or two.
At your pre-op appointment, you will be given detailed instructions for caring for the surgical site and prescriptions for medications to promote your comfort, and healing and reduce the risk of infection. Dr. Lichten and our nurse, Jill, will tell you what you should expect and look for during and after your surgery. We will also schedule your first post-operative appointment so that Dr. Lichten can check the surgical site and make sure you are healing properly.
While you are healing, it is critical that you do not subject your incisions to excessive force, abrasion, or motion. Dr. Lichten will give you specific time frames when you can return to normal activity.
Are My Results Long-Lasting?
In many cases, the results you get from gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting. However, if the gynecomastia was caused by the use of prescription medications, drugs (including anabolic steroids), or weight gain, the use of those substances or gaining weight could cause the gynecomastia to re-develop.
Before making any changes to your prescription medications, however, it is vital that you discuss that decision with the doctor who prescribed the medicine.
