Men want to feel comfortable and confident when they go in the buff or walk down the beach in their board shorts. However, some may be troubled by gynecomastia – otherwise known as “man-boobs”. In most cases, no amount of dieting or hours at the gym can help them remove those “mounds of shame”- as some patients have called them.
It is characterised by an excess of breast skin, localised fat, and glandular tissue development. Gynaecomastia has been known to be caused by the following:
Some cases of gynaecomastia are reversible while others are not. The severity also varies between patients, from slight swelling to those with excess skin and deep tissue.
Men with gynaecomastia that cannot be improved with exercise and diet, will have to undergo male breast reduction also known as gynaecomastia reduction, like a female breast reduction known as reduction mammaplasty.
Gynaecomastia reduction, also known as a male breast reduction or reduction mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure to reduce the amount of breast tissue in men. It also flattens and enhances the outline of a man’s chest.
This procedure involves the removal of excess fats, skin, and the breast gland. The areola and nipples are also repositioned to give the chest a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Gynaecomastia reduction usually involves liposuction, surgery, or both, depending on the severity of the condition.
The surgical options for gynaecomastia depend on the severity and your expectations. In most cases, liposuction with a minimally invasive excision of deep tissue can be performed. It results in a short downtime and minimal scarring.
Additionally, suitable individuals who undergo gynaecomastia reduction can also elect to have high definition liposculpting performed in the same operation or in stages.
There are three methods of gynaecomastia reduction, let’s have a look at them in detail:
During your first consultation, you and your surgeon will discuss why you want a gynaecomastia reduction, what are your concerns with regards to your breasts, and how you want your breasts to look after the procedure. Additionally, you will discuss on the following things:
Medical history
It is important to give honest answers with regards to your medical history. This allows your surgeon to make accurate and safe decisions with regards to the procedure. Inform your surgeon about any medications, surgeries, or allergies you have/had. You must also inform your surgeon if you have diabetes, circulatory problems, thyroid problems, and other health issues if any. You must disclose if you or any of your family members have or had breast cancer.
Physical examination
Your surgeon will conduct a physical examination of your breasts and help to identify any problem areas that can be treated with gynaecomastia reduction. Your breasts will also be measured, and pictures will be taken to guide your surgeon before and during the procedure.
After this, you and your surgeon will discuss the procedure and expected results. Once the treatment plan has been decided for you, your procedure will be booked. Before the procedure, you must:
Gynaecomastia reduction is an out-patient procedure, and you will not be required to stay overnight at the hospital if all goes well.
For all procedures, chest tubes may be placed if necessary and these are removed within 24-48 hours.
If needed, surgical intervention can be discussed and performed.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. The procedure should be carried in a safe environment and in an accredited clinic. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome could occur occasionally. Major complications are rare.
who is a candidate
for Gynaecomastia Reduction
Individuals with the following issues are suitable for gynaecomastia reduction:
Men seeking to undergo gynaecomastia reduction must ensure that they are at a healthy weight, do not have any life-threatening illness, and whose breast development has been stabilised.
What to expect?
for Gynaecomastia Reduction