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Talksurgery adheres to the Health On the Net Foundation's Code of Conduct
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Male Breast Tissue Reduction
Mastopexy
A rarely talked about condition, overdeveloped breasts (gynomastia) affect an estimated 40 percent to 60 percent of men. Drugs such as steroids or marijuana and medical conditions like hormone imbalance and liver or endocrine disease have been linked to male breast overdevelopment. In the vast majority of cases, however, there is no known cause and is assumed to be an instance of bad genetic luck. Gynecomastia can affect only one breast or both and usually does not signal the presence of any "disease", but since the condition does occasionally occur in older males, a one-sided enlargement in a male’s breast must be considered a particular danger, and biopsy is usually warranted to rule out breast cancer.
Breast-reduction surgery removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter and less feminine looking.
What does it cost?
Although the prices vary, the average cost for male breast reduction usually in the US is $2,700 and $4,500 in Canada. Gynecomastia does not usually represent a disease, but because it is a source of teasing and significant embarrassment for men and boys, it is sometimes could covered by health insurance. Discuss insurance coverage prior to surgery as your surgeon may have to prove to your insurance company that treatment of gynecomastia is medically necessary.
What happens during the procedure?
The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient surgical center, either operated by your surgeon or a hospital facility. The procedure takes about 1½ - 2 hours but depending on the extent of the procedure, it could take longer. If you are having more than one procedure or if other medical conditions present cause for concern, an overnight hospital stay may be required.
Before your surgery, your surgeon will perform a complete physical exam and When enlargement is significant, may require you to have a mammogram to rule out a possible tumor.
Breast reduction surgery is usually performed under local anesthetic with intravenous sedation. Depending on your health and the extent of the procedure, your surgeon may advise undergoing general anesthesia.
The technique used is determined by the amount of excess skin present in the enlarged breast. Sometimes, however,the techniques are combined. Liposuction is the preferred treatment when there is no significant excess skin. In cases where excess skin must be removed, excisional treatment is necessary but may result in a large scar.
For liposuction procedures, several quarter-inch incisions made inconspicuously in either the armpit or areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipples) and fluid is injected to facilitate tissue removal. A thin metal rod (cannula) attached to a vacuum is then inserted to remove the tissue. When the breast tissue is very dense, Ultrasound Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL), which uses ultrasound energy, may be needed. As the energy passes through the areas of fat, the energy liquefies the fat making it easier to remove with the traditional liposuction technique.
To remove excess skin and glandular tissue, your surgeon will make the first incision around the dark pigmented area around the nipple so that it can be repositioned to a higher location but nipple itself is not removed. A second incision is made horizontally in the crease line under the breast and the third incision runs vertically from the nipple to the crease line. Excess fatty tissue is removed and skin is trimmed away to reduce, tighten, and reshape the breasts and the incisions are closed with small sutures.
A separate incision may also be made to accommodate a small drain to draw off blood and fluids for the first day or two. The incisions are then covered with a dressing.
Are there risks or potential side effects?
As with all surgeries, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, a reaction to the anesthesia, hematoma, seroma, nerve damage and the occurrence of asymmetries or irregularities. Should infection occur, your surgeon will prescribe a treatment with antibiotics.
Some patients develop small sores around their nipples after surgery; these can be treated with antibiotic creams. Poor healing and wider scars are more common in smokers. Risks can be reduced by closely following the doctor’s advice both before and after surgery.
Other risks associated with male breast reduction, include:
- excessive fluid loss or accumulation.
- noticeable scars
- loss of sensation in the nipples
- permanent pigment changes in the breast area
- slightly mismatched breasts or nipples.
Sometimes, a second procedure may be required to correct asymmetries.
What to expect post-procedure?
You can expect to have some discomfort and pain after surgery, which can be controlled by doctor-prescribed medication. You may also experience numbness or a burning sensation. You will wear a compression garment for at least several days.
It is normal to be swollen and bruised. Although much of the swelling and bruising will disappear in the first few weeks, it may be six months to a year before the things settle into their new shape. Even then, there may be fluctuate in response to your weight changes.
As with any surgery, it is also sometimes normal to feel anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following the operation.
How soon does normal life resume?
Your chest may be sore but you will be able to resume light activities in a matter of days. Depending on how you feel, you can get back to work within a week. Stitches, if any, will normally be removed about a week or two after surgery.
In general, it will take about a month before you're back to all of your normal activities, however, physical activity and exercise involving lifting, pulling and pushing motions should be avoided for at least 6 weeks as should sexual activity. Avoid exposing your chest to the sun for at least 6 months to to prevent permanently altering the skin pigmentation around the scar.
Who performs it?
The surgery is normally performed by a qualified plastic surgeon.
Are you a good candidate?
As with all elective surgery, good health and realistic expectations are prerequisites, but if you want reduce your breasts, the surgery may be appropriate, especially if:
- You have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours.
- You are not overweight.
- You have attempted to control the problem through diet and exercise.
- You do not drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana or take anabolic steroids. You must stop these drugs and alcohol first to make sure that breasts are not enlarged because of taking these substances.
- You do not smoke.
- You are over 15 years of age.
- Your surgeon is aware of any and all medical conditions and any allergies you may have and whether you are a smoker. Also, tell your surgeon about any medications, herbal supplements or natural supplements you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
- You are not prone to scarring problems such as keloids.
- You have a good understanding of the healing process and the limitations of the procedure.
How to prepare for this procedure?
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to prepare for surgery but here are some general guidelines:
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