Gynecomastia surgery is a breast reduction procedure for men. Learn more about what it is, how it works, and its key benefits in this guide.
Being a man with enlarged breasts (gynecomastia) can have a huge impact on your life. Everything from dating to a day at the beach may be more uncomfortable than fun.
You need to know you’re not alone. 65% of adult men in the United States have this condition. Gynecomastia surgery is a great option that not only fixes this condition but also improves your confidence and improves the way you feel about your body.
If you want to learn more about how gynecomastia surgery works and the benefits it can bring to you, then keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know.
What Is Gynecomastia?
If you have gynecomastia, you have a common condition that causes your breast tissue to become enlarged.
You’ll notice a lump of breast tissue that moves easily and may feel tender to the touch. This enlargement can occur in one or both breasts. It is either due to too much fat, an enlargement of the glandular breast tissue, or both.
Gynecomastia is seen in men of all ages, but it more often occurs in newborns, teenagers, and older adults.
Gynecomastia develops as a result in an over growth of the breast fat, which in turn can be genetic or as a result of weight gain. There can also be an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen ratios which causes the minute dormant glandular tissue to grow. Some medications can also result in gynecomastia. Certain conditions such as kidney disease, adrenal tumors, and liver disease can also lead to gynecomastia.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose this condition by assessing your medical and family history. They may also have you take a blood test to check hormone levels and a breast ultrasound to get detailed images of the tissue.
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is a breast reduction surgery that corrects enlarged breasts in men. It also flattens and enhances the contours of the chest.
Before you decide to have this surgery, it’s best to find an experienced surgeon you’re comfortable with who will explain the procedure to you step by step.
The Procedure
Patients can be under general, twilight, or local anesthesia for the surgery.
Liposuction
If you do not have excess glandular tissue and your gynecomastia is a result of too much far, your surgeon may only need to use liposuction for your surgery. This technique involves the insertion of a metal cannula attached to a vacuum, which is moved back and forth to remove excess fat.
Excision
If you have glandular tissue that needs to be removed, your surgeon may recommend using an excision technique. This technique is also used if your nipple needs to be repositioned to achieve a more natural appearance.
Your surgeon will directly excise the excess glandular tissue via a small incision. The excision technique allows your cosmetic surgeon to completely remove breast tissue and extra skin and contour it into a more desirable shape.
Sometimes your surgeon will recommend using a combination of both liposuction and excision to achieve the best results.
The Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery doesn’t only take care of the excess breast tissue on your chest. It’s a surgery that has the ability to turn your life around in many different ways.
Here are some of the potential benefits of gynecomastia surgery:
Masculine Body Shape
Your body shape will be more masculine. Many men with excess breast tissue do not feel as masculine in comparison to other men. Gynecomastia surgery gives you a smoother and flatter chest, eliminating the feeling that you need to hide away from life.
Improved Self-Esteem
You’ll have improved self-esteem and confidence after surgery. When you’re confident and happy with your appearance, it shows! Your intimate relationships will improve, and you’ll no longer have to shy away from any type of social interaction.
Increased Activity
You’ll be more physically active after gynecomastia surgery. It’s easier to exercise and participate in most types of physical activity. Gynecomastia surgery takes away the discomfort you used to feel with running, jumping, and lifting weights.
Improved Posture
Gynecomastia surgery can in some extreme cases decrease back pain and improves posture. Back pain however is uncommon in men who have gynecomastia.
Recovery
Recovering from gynecomastia surgery is usually straightforward and complications such as bleeding, infection, or numbness are not common.
During the first few days after you have your surgery, you’ll notice some mild discomfort around the surgical site. You’ll also notice some swelling and bruising which will begin to improve around a week after surgery.
Your surgeon will recommend you wear a compression vest for at least two weeks after surgery to help decrease any swelling and bruising.
You’ll need to avoid any physical activity that includes pulling or lifting for at least four to six weeks after surgery. You should also plan to be off work for a week to two weeks.
Final Results
You’ll notice results immediately after surgery which will continue to improve as your swelling and bruising decrease.
Your cosmetic surgeon will work to reduce the size of your scars by placing the incisions in the least visible areas of your chest. It’s important to remember that scarring and healing varies for each person.
Most scars usually fade over time, and it can take up to 12 months of healing for the final results to fully appear.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery For Me?
Don’t be afraid to take steps to improve your life. If you’re not comfortable living with gynecomastia, then gynecomastia surgery is a fantastic option worth considering.
You can turn to Popp Cosmetic Surgery PC for your gynecomastia surgery needs. Dr. Jeffrey C. Popp has been in practice since 1983 and is experienced and knowledgeable in performing this procedure.
Contact us at (402) 391-4558 today to schedule a consultation and get started on your transformation!
