For 25% of men with gynecomastia or male breast tissue enlargement, there’s no known cause. For another 25%, it’s the result of a condition that doesn’t resolve itself after puberty. Whatever the case may be for you, gynecomastia isn’t usually a serious health condition, but it can seriously affect your self-confidence and your emotional well-being.
When gynecomastia doesn’t resolve on its own, male breast reduction surgery may be a viable solution. At his practice, Beauty by Brueck, Dr. Robert Brueck, a board-certified plastic surgeon located in Fort Meyers, Florida, offers gynecomastia surgery for men who wish to do something about enlarged breast tissue.
Dr. Brueck gets many questions about gynecomastia and what the procedure entails. So we compiled a list to answer some of your questions about male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia surgery.
Am I a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery?
If your gynecomastia doesn’t resolve on its own over time or doesn’t respond to nonsurgical treatments, you might be a good candidate for a male breast reduction. Additionally, you may be an ideal candidate for the procedure if you fit the majority of the following criteria:
- Have good overall health, free of medical conditions that might impair healing after surgery
- Don’t smoke or use illicit drugs
- Have realistic expectations for the results
- Are physically healthy and within a normal weight range for your height and body type
- Are extremely bothered by the appearance of your breasts
- Have breast tissue that is stable in its development
- Desire a flatter, more contoured chest
During your consultation with Dr. Brueck, you can discuss any of your concerns with him. He assesses your overall health, the severity of your gynecomastia, and recommends the type of surgery that’s right for you.
What happens during gynecomastia surgery?
Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Brueck may recommend liposuction fat removal or traditional breast reduction surgery to remove breast gland tissue via mastectomy.
Liposuction
Liposuction is a medical device that Dr. Brueck that entails the insertion of a very thin tube, or cannula, through tiny incisions around the breasts. Through the cannula, Dr. Brueck suctions the out excess fat.
Traditional breast reduction
During a traditional male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Brueck surgically removes excess fatty tissue and excess skin, if necessary. He can also resize and reposition the areola and nipple so they’re more in proportion to the reduced breast size.
Even though this approach is traditional surgery, Dr. Brueck often performs it endoscopically, so incisions are very small and recovery time is short, as well. Traditional breast reduction surgery typically requires general anesthesia.
What if only one breast is larger than normal?
You can have gynecomastia surgery on just one breast if your breasts are out of proportion. Dr. Brueck advises you which type of procedure will help you get a more symmetrical outcome.
Do I have to wear special garments during my recovery?
Typically, you wear a compression garment after liposuction or traditional gynecomastia surgery so your breast tissue is adequately supported as you heal. Everyone is different and heals at a different rate, but you may also need to avoid vigorous exercise for up to three weeks after your surgery
How long do the results last?
The results of gynecomastia surgery are often permanent. But if you gain a significant amount of weight, take certain medications that impact your hormones, or use steroids, you may experience a recurrence of enlarged breast tissue. Dr. Brueck advises you about how to best maintain your results.
The physical and emotional benefits of male breast reduction surgery are numerous. Not only will you enhance your physical appearance, but you may also feel more confident about yourself when you’re no longer worried what others may think about your enlarged breasts.
If you’d like to learn more or you have additional questions, we invite you to call our office. You can also use our convenient online booking system to schedule an appointment.
