Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery, commonly known as male breast reduction, is a plastic surgery procedure designed to correct the condition of enlarged or over-developed breasts in men. Enlarged breasts may occur in men at any age. Common causes behind this condition may include heredity factors, hormonal changes, certain diseases, or use of certain medications. The condition may not only affect the aesthetic appearance of a male, but may also cause emotional and psychological challenges. Dr. Hisham Seify is a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in treating conditions such as enlarged male breasts. Patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and surrounding communities may consult with Dr. Seify for best possible treatment options.

Common Characteristics

The surgeon will examine the patient to identify typical characteristics that establish the presence of enlarged male breast and a need for gynecomastia cosmetic surgery. The following conditions normally characterize this condition:

• Excess localized fat in the breast area.
• Excess development of glandular tissue in breast area.
• A combination of both glandular tissue and excess fat.

The condition of excess fat or tissue may occur in both breasts or a single breast only.

Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery

The cosmetic surgeon may recommend male breast reduction surgery after evaluating the health condition and breast anatomy of the patient. Dr. Seify may recommend this procedure for patients in Newport Beach, Orange County, CA, and other areas, if they have the following attributes:

• The patient has decent general physical health and moderate body weight.
• The patient is unhappy with the existence of excessive breast tissue.
• The development of breast fat and tissue has stabilized.
• The patient has realistic expectations.
• The patient is a non-smoker or is willing to stop smoking several weeks before and after the procedure.

Male breast reduction plastic surgery may also be performed on adolescents, but secondary procedures may be necessary if the breast tissue development persists in the future.

Procedure

Depending on the extent of male breast tissue, the plastic surgeon will prepare a surgical treatment approach to reduce breast size, and flatten and enhance the chest contour. In an extreme case of gynecomastia, the heavy breast tissue may cause the breast to droop and stretch the area. In such cases, excess skin may be surgically excised and the size and position of the areola may be improved. The procedure may be performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation. If the primary problem is due to excess fatty tissue, the surgeon may decide to use liposuction techniques alone. However, if the condition involves excess skin or glandular breast tissue, surgical excision techniques may also be applied. Excision is also used if areola reduction is necessary.

Results

Results of male breast reduction are usually long lasting or permanent. If the condition occurred due to the use of certain medications or due to excess body weight, the patient may have to stay free of such medications in the future and maintain a stable body weight. An experienced cosmetic surgeon will be able to conceal the scars in the natural breast contours.