Winter is a great time for Breast Reduction. You can recover while covered up and enjoy the results this summer as the weather warms up.
While Breast Reduction is performed more often for women, today I present four examples of Male Breast Reduction, also known as Gynecomastia Reduction. Each example explores four common situations in which men seek Gynecomastia Reduction:
- Gynecomastia Reduction for global enlargement of the breasts
- Gynecomastia Reduction for Tubular Breasts
- Male Breast Reduction for Bodybuilders
- Gynecomastia Reduction for Breast Asymmetry
Gynecomastia Reduction for Global Enlargement of the Breasts
The most common situation I see in my Walnut Creek Plastic Surgery office is global enlargement of the masculine breasts. This causes disproportionate fullness of the lower half of the breasts. Often the volume is large enough to be embarrassing in clothing. Gynecomastia patients usually come into the office wearing large bulky form-hiding shirts. The goal of course is to be comfortable wearing form-fitting shirts.
The fullness is usually a combination of glandular tissue (true gynecomastia) and fat (pseudogynecomastia), so a two pronged surgical approach is used for reduction. Liposuction is performed to remove the disproportionate fat, and direct excision is used to remove the stubborn glandular tissue that cannot be removed with liposuction.
These gynecomastia reduction before and after pictures show both a reduction of the breast mound and flattening of his puffy nipples.
Incisions are placed in the armpits for the Liposuction ports. This keeps them off the chest and hard to discern. An additional incision is made along the lower aspect of the areolae, from 4 to 8 o’clock. Placing the incisions along the natural color change keeps them inconspicuous.
Male Breast Reduction for Tubular Breasts
When we think of Tubular Breasts, we usually think of the female breast, but men can have tubular breasts, too. An example is shown below. In this case, my patient has “Puffy Nipples.” The contour of the nipple areolar complex (NAC) is markedly convex and is easily seen through clothing.
The above gynecomastia reduction before and after pictures show a tubular breast with a puffy nipple before and a smooth nipple areolar complex (NAC) after surgery.
The after picture shows what is possible with Gynecomastia Reduction. The areolae are flat after surgery and the diameter of the areolae are reduced by removing the excess tissue. In cases with very large areolae, the periareolar incision is continued all the way around the areolar circumference. This is not as common as simply removing the gland, but it does allow for the removal of additional areolar skin when it’s necessary.
Gynecomastia Reduction for the Bodybuilder
I see many bodybuilders for Gynecomastia Reduction. They are usually not overweight, therefore the tissue beneath the nipple is primarily glandular and does not respond to weight loss.
The patient above is in great shape, but despite his rigorous workout routine he continues to have disproportionate fullness of his areolae. Gynecomastia reduction surgery provided him with a reduction in the projection and the size of his areolae, improving his appearance both in and out of clothing.
The amount of tissue which needs to be removed is variable. For smaller reductions, Liposuction is not needed, and the gland is removed directly through a limited, periareolar incision. In the example above, the projection of the NAC is smoothed to match the chest. The areolae naturally decrease in diameter from the removal of the glandular “stuffing.”
Gynecomastia Reduction for Breast Asymmetry
Asymmetry of the breasts is normal. Some anatomy cannot be changed like the shape of the ribs and the size of the muscles; however, the amount of soft tissue between the skin and muscle can be reduced surgically. In the case below, my patient has gynecomastia of his left chest only.
Sometimes gynecomastia is markedly asymmetrical. In the above case, the patient’s left breast is significantly larger than his right. The after photo reveals a much more symmetrical breast and a happier patient.
For the case above, excess breast tissue is removed from the patients left chest to improve his chest symmetry. Good results are usually achieved; however, due to the asymmetrical nature of the surgery, it takes longer to see the results. The operated side takes time to recover and lose its swelling. When both sides are operated, the swelling is more symmetrical and the results look symmetrical in a few days to weeks. When only one side is operated, all the swelling from this side must resolve before the final result is revealed, and this takes weeks to months.
Gynecomastia Reduction Consultations
If you are considering Male Breast Reduction this winter, be certain to seek the advice of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon experienced in Gynecomastia Reduction Surgery. In the San Francisco Bay Area call (925) 943-6353 to schedule a private, informative consultation appointment.
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