- Eyelid Surgery
- Rhinoplasty
- Submental Liposuction
- Chin and Jawline Enhancement
- Facelift
- Liposuction
- Male Breast Reduction
- Introduction
- How It Is Done
- Patient Photographs
- What to Expect After Surgery
- Complications
- Care After Surgery
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Calf Augmentation
- Laser Hair Removal
- Complete Facial Rejuvenation
Male Breast Reduction - How It Is Done
There are two treatments available:
- Liposuction, which suctions fat from the breasts.
- Excision of Breast Tissue by cutting out extra breast tissue, using an incision along the lower margin of the areola. This operation has the awkward name "subcutaneous mastectomies." Often, liposuction is performed simultaneously for the best result.
Liposuction is used to treat breasts that are primarily fatty in consistency. Often this is performed at the same time as liposuction of the abdomen and flanks (love handles). In fact, one third of men in my practice who present for liposuction of the abdomen and flanks decide to have their breasts treated too. They say, "While I'm there, let's get it done." Ultrasound is helpful - it helps to break up the fat cells that are mixed in with the breast tissue. However, liposuction is not very effective in removing breast tissue itself. Accordingly, about half of the breast volume may be removed in these patients (the other half is breast tissue). If a 50% reduction is acceptable to the patient, this is the procedure of choice. This treatment may be sufficient for older males with excessively fatty breasts.
Excision of Breast Tissue
Breast tissue itself is difficult to remove by liposuction alone because it is a denser tissue type. Young men with firm breasts or patients who desire a dramatic change in profile (a flat chest), and body builders who wish to emphasize their pectoral musculature, are likely to be better served with subcutaneous mastectomies. Liposuction is usually done at the same time to remove the fatty component and also to treat the axillary areas where there is usually a fat roll extending around the chest wall.
Breast Reduction
Subcutaneous mastectomies remove breast tissue, not skin. If the breasts are particularly large and the skin loose (which may happen after massive weight loss), it may be necessary to remove skin at the same time. Fortunately, this is usually not required. Although the skin may not be as tight as we would like, it contracts to some extent and the result is usually acceptable without additional scarring.
Occasionally the surgeon has no choice, there is simply too much skin, and an operation resembling the female breast reduction (but more breast tissue is removed to give almost a flat chest) is undertaken. Patients are happy to be rid of the unwanted breast tissue and loose skin, but they may not be comfortable without a shirt because of the scars. Fortunately, this procedure is usually not needed and when it is done, these men are so glad to have their "man boobs" removed that they can tolerate the scars.
