Male Breast Reduction or Gynecomastia refers to excessive breast tissue in a male patient. This can be unilateral or bilateral affecting both breasts or just one side. This is perceived as a serious deformity by young men who come to the plastic surgeon to seek treatment. Some degree of excessive breast development, associated with some tenderness of the nipples happens at puberty in most boys, but this resolves spontaneously over time. Some teanagers experience excess breast tissue that doesn’t go away and is extremely embarrassing to them, especially in the locker rooms. The problem can be on one side or affect both sides to a different degree. Gynecomastia is also seen in middle age men.
This disorder is caused by the oversensitivity of the breast tissue to circulating female hormones. This is the reason it can be affecting only one side. The problem can stem from imbalance between the male and female hormones. Iit is bilateral most of the time, but it may affect the two sides to a different degree. Some drugs like Marijuana and anabolic steroids as well as a list of other medications are associated with development a this condition . In many instances there is some degree of obesity, but this condition can affects young males who are otherwise in perfect shape.
Depending on the composition of the excess tissue, the condition can be treated with liposuction or direct excision with an incision under the areola. In more severe cases skin excision is necessary. This can be done placing the scar in the breast fold and raising the nipple to a higher position.
In some cases the areolas need to be made smaller.This can be done with an incision around the areola and possible extending to the sides.
The biggest concern is bleeding. A drain is placed and left in for 5 days. There is a binder around the chest for about a week to apply compression. The patient is instructed not to raise the arms and not do any lifting or strenuous activity for at least two weeks.
Call our office located in Morristown New Jersey for a consultation with Dr Farhad Rafizadeh on male breast reduction or gynecomastia.