Male Breast Reduction

Male Breast Reduction in Salem, OR

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain drugs. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.

Gynecomastia is characterized by:

  • Excess localized fat
  • Excess glandular tissue development
  • Sometimes excess breast skin
  • Presence unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

Who is a candidate for Salem Gynecomastia Surgery?

  • You are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
  • You have realistic expectations
  • Your breast development has stabilized
  • You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large

Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.

Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on:

  • Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers and non-drug users
  • Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia

Male Breast Reduction Procedure

Male breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and typically takes 1 to 3 hours. Male breast reduction is performed using liposuction or surgery, or a combination of the two.

If the enlarged breasts are caused primarily by excessive fatty tissue, the tissue is typically removed with liposuction, during which a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. The incisions are made around the lower halves of the areolas or in the underarms.

If the enlarged breasts are caused primarily by excess glandular tissue, surgery is required. Incisions are made to allow for tissue to be removed. Repositioning the areolas/nipples and excising excess skin also requires incisions. Sutures are used to close the incisions, which are then bandaged, and the area is typically covered by a compression garment.

Male Breast Reduction Before & After Photos

Gynecomastia

Recovery From Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Following male breast reduction surgery, there is bruising, swelling and discomfort. Discomfort usually dissipates after a few days, and can be lessened with prescribed pain medication. To help reduce swelling, the compression garment is worn for about 2 weeks, and at night for several additional weeks. Swelling and any skin discoloration partially subside after 1 or 2 weeks, at which time stitches are removed.

Patients typically return to work within a week. Light aerobic exercise can be performed after a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. It is important to know that energy may build back up gradually for as long as 8 weeks after surgery. “Pushing it” is not a way to speed up the process. Rest, hydration, and healthy eating are the only strategies for managing post-operative fatigue.

Will there be scars?

Any surgical treatment to correct gynecomastia will require incisions. While most incision lines are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible and are a necessary result of breast reduction surgery.

All scars are permanent, even though some scars may be concealed in the natural contours of the breast. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a t-shirt, or baring your chest at the beach.

The practices of medicine/surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure.

Risks of Male Breast Reduction

In addition to the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, those related to male breast reduction include the following:

  • Skin injury
  • Loss of nipple sensation
  • Discoloration
  • Scarring
  • Asymmetrical breasts or nipples

Gynecomastia Surgery Results

The results of gynecomastia surgery are usually permanent, as long as the patient’s weight remains stable. If drugs were the cause of the condition, the patient must permanently stop taking them to maintain results.

Testimonials

“Dear Dr. Austin and Team; Thank you so much for taking such incredible care of me! Embarking on this breast reduction was absolutely terrifying for me at first, but I know I did the right thing for me and I couldn’t have asked for a better surgeon and medical team and staff! Thank you for helping me change my life and the way I feel in my own skin!” – Anonymous

“I have been a patient of Dr. Austin for a well over 2 years. The office staff are professional, kind, courteous, and helpful. Dr. Austin is patient, answering my questions and explaining procedures so that I can easily understand. He is gentle, courteous, and shows a genuine concern for my issues. I would absolutely go to him for any surgeries connected with breast reconstruction.” – Karin M

Male Breast Reduction Blogs

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