Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)
At Champs-Élysées Aesthetic Medical Center, our plastic surgeons are experienced in a variety of techniques for gynecomastia, providing treatment plans that yield more angular and muscular contours to enhance your confidence.
Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure designed to eliminate excess breast tissue and fat in men, a condition often characterized by enlarged breasts due to hormonal imbalances, genetics, or medication side effects. The objective is to create a flatter and more masculine chest contour.
At Champs-Élysées Aesthetic Medical Center, our plastic surgeons are experienced in a variety of techniques for gynecomastia, providing treatment plans that yield more angular and muscular contours to enhance your confidence.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia, also known as male breast enlargement, is a common condition involving an excess of glandular and/or fatty tissue in the chest. This condition affects up to 70% of men, with a higher prevalence among teenagers and men over 50. While gynecomastia usually doesn’t pose significant medical concerns and may resolve without treatment, men with this condition often experience embarrassment or frustration due to enlarged breast tissue. Surgical intervention can help men with gynecomastia achieve a more masculine appearance.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
While the exact cause of gynecomastia isn’t always clear, it is often associated with hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, increased estrogen, or both. Common causes include:
- Natural hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during puberty or as men age.
- Medical conditions like kidney disease, prostate cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases.
- Certain medications, such as anabolic steroids, spironolactone, tricyclic antidepressants, diazepam, cimetidine, tamoxifen, amphetamines, anti-androgen medications, or calcium channel blockers used for cardiac conditions.
- Weight gain or obesity, which can result in pseudogynecomastia when breast enlargement is primarily due to excess fat without abnormal glandular tissue.
Surgery is often the most effective treatment for chronic gynecomastia when hormones fail to restore balance.
Benefits Of Gynecomastia Surgery
- Improve Chest Definition: Male breast reduction surgery enhances chest appearance by removing unwanted tissue, resulting in a more defined, masculine chest.
- Correct Male Breast Asymmetry: Gynecomastia surgery can rectify uneven chest appearance, creating a balanced and symmetrical look.
- Gain a More Masculine Appearance: Achieve increased confidence and body image, allowing you to feel at ease with your shirt off.
What To Expect Preparing For Gynecomastia Surgery?
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals and concerns, and conduct a physical examination to assess your treatment options. These may include tissue removal, liposuction, and skin tightening. Blood tests may be recommended to evaluate thyroid function and hormone levels, particularly testosterone and estrogen levels.
Your Gynecomastia Procedure
Male breast reduction is usually an outpatient surgery with minimal risk and a short recovery period. A small incision is made in an inconspicuous area, excess tissue is removed, and fat is suctioned if necessary, resulting in a smooth and muscular chest. For patients with significant excess skin, the incision may be placed under the pectoral muscle shadow for skin and fat removal.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Dissolvable stitches are used, ensuring no visible sutures. Most patients can return to work within days, depending on the extent of tissue removal.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Gynecomastia Surgery?
If you are a man bothered by excess chest tissue or the appearance of breasts, you may be a suitable candidate for gynecomastia surgery. Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good general health, and maintaining a stable, healthy weight. If you’ve explored medical treatments to address the cause of your gynecomastia without success, surgery may be a viable solution.
Will I Have Scars After Gynecomastia Surgery?
In most cases, gynecomastia surgery results in minimal, nearly imperceptible scarring. If more extensive incisions are required, your surgeon will offer advice on skincare to minimize the appearance of any scars.
Can Gynecomastia Surgery Be Combined With Other Procedures?
Many gynecomastia patients choose to combine liposuction with breast reduction surgery.
What Kind Of Results Can I Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Before surgery, your surgeon will discuss your treatment plan to align with your goals. Generally, you can anticipate a flatter, more masculine contour. Results are typically permanent with a healthy lifestyle and stable weight maintenance.