Cosmetic surgery to remove excessive male breast tissue

Procedure Summary

Gynaecomastia is not a new phenomenon, but it would appear anecdotally that the rates are rising, and demand for the operation is rising accordingly. The extent of the increase is noticable in that this now familiar procedure was, up until a decade or so ago, a rarity.

The effect of breast reduction surgery for men is usually permanent, but weight gain, hormonal imbalances or the use of certain drugs (anabolic steroids, for example) can cause the breasts to re-enlarge.

Are you a candidate for the procedure?

There is, of course, a difference between apparent male breasts that are simply a result of excess fat-tissue and real male breasts, which are caused by actual breast tissue (gynaecomastia) in the chest region. The former can be tackled by healthy eating and exercise, whereas the symptoms of gynaecomastia will not be affected by such a regime. Here cosmetic surgeons will operate on you to remove the unwanted breast-tissue. Cosmetic surgery remains the most effective method of reversing the effects of gynaecomastia.

“For years I felt terribly self-conscious about my ‘breasts’,” commented one patient. “I thought that there was some kind of male/female hormonal imbalance and it really affected me mentally as well as physically. After summoning up the courage, I mentioned it to my doctor who recognised it as gynaecomastia and explained about male breast reduction surgery (something that I had never heard about before). I had the surgery a year ago, and it is the best thing that could have happened to me. I feel like a new man.”

If you are unsure about the cause of your excessive breast mass, you should consult your doctor. If gynecomastia is diagnosed, your suitability for surgery and your individual pre-op preparation will be discussed during your initial consultation with the cosmetic surgeon.

What the procedure involves

In the past, the surgery for male breast reduction left significant scarring and required the use of general anaesthesia. Nowadays, however, male breast reduction typically uses liposuction to remove fat from under the skin, usually with local anaesthesia, resulting in very little scarring.

Several small incisions are made in either the armpit or areola. Fluid is then injected and a thin metal rod attached to a syringe or vacuum pump inserted to suck out the fatty tissue. The procedure usually takes about 1 hour.

If there is a great deal of excess skin and glandular tissue, a more invasive form of surgery may take place. The surgeon will make an incision around the areola to access any excess breast tissue. Occasionally these cuts may extend further down the chest, possibly involving the repositioning on the nipples.

After this more invasive form of surgery, you will be required to stay in hospital overnight, and take a few days off work to recuperate.

As a patient commented shortly after the procedure, “As well as feeling tender, I still felt a bit embarrassed about the whole thing – I didn’t really want to broadcast to everyone that I had had my breasts removed! – so I just took it easy for a month, taking the time to rest and recuperate, and soon I was looking and feeling great.”

An elasticated support will need to be worn for up to four weeks, and physical exercise should be avoided for about one month. The surgery leaves permanent scars which are often visible for several months before they eventually fade. It is a possibility that you may also be left with asymmetrical nipples and may experience a permanent loss of sensation in the nipple area.

As with all cosmetic surgery, it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner after the procedure. This will make the outcome as successful as possible and reduce the risk of complications

Choosing a suitable surgeon for male breast reduction

Male breast reduction can be a relatively straightforward solution to a problem affecting an enormous number of men. A qualified physician will be able to discuss your options and may help determine if male breast reduction is the answer you are looking for. Only surgeons that are fully qualified and possess experience operating in an establishment registered with the Healthcare Commission should perform a breast reduction procedure in men. The cost of private treatment for male breast reduction can vary from £3,000 to £5,000.

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