Enlarged breasts in men, also known by the medical name gynecomastia, may occur regardless of a man’s shape or size. The excessive fat or fleshy tissue on the chest gives the appearance of larger breasts. If you are diagnosed with gynecomastia, you may be a good candidate for male breast reduction.
Surgical breast reduction for gynecomastia is usually done as an outpatient surgery through liposuction or glandular tissue removal, or both. Recovery process is minimal for most patients. How do you know if you’re a good candidate for male breast reduction? The following are guidelines to review.
Are you in good health?
If you have health problems that you are aware of, surgery may not be the best option for you. That being said, discuss your health problems with your doctor to make an informed decision. This should be discussed with both your general care physician and your plastic surgeon.
Are you at a stable, healthy weight?
If you are overweight, now might not be the time to perform breast reduction. Returning to a healthy weight through diet and exercise (we can help there as well) may reduce the size of your breasts. If you are at a healthy weight and breast development is unchanging, surgery is an option.
Are you on any medications?
Certain medications may lead to gynecomastia. Talking to your general care doctor about your dosage for prostate, anti-anxiety or heart medications first may alleviate some of the breast swelling. Also, your surgeon needs to know if you are on any other medications that may affect your procedure.
What are your expectations?
Male breast reduction is not going to give you the contoured pectoral muscles you see in male body builders. Managing your expectations to a flatter, more male appropriate shaped chest is more realistic. Your plastic surgeon should show you several examples of before and after male breast reduction procedures in order to provide you with surgical probabilities.
Are you old enough?
Male breast reduction is done on men as early as the age of 16. Under the same qualifications as above, teenage boys who have shown signs of gynecomastia for two years may qualify for surgery.
Following these guidelines will help, but the ultimate decision is up to you and your physician. If you think you may be a good candidate for male breast reductions, contact our office to set up a consultation.
View our Gynecomastia Photo Gallery of before and after photos here.
