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Four Tips to Prepare for Male Breast Reduction Surgery


Male breast enlargement, or gynecomastia, involving one or both sides of the chest, is more common than you might expect and affects many men between the ages of 50 and 69.

Even more surprisingly, true gynecomastia is not caused by excess fat but by hormonal fluctuations producing an imbalance in testosterone and estrogen levels. Since the condition may not be due to lifestyle choices, adopting a vigorous exercise program or following a strict diet may not correct it.

Regardless of the underlying cause, the condition discourages men from wearing their favorite clothing items, such as golf shirts and t-shirts, participating in activities they enjoy, working out at the gym, or spending time on the beach with their families.

Male breast reduction surgery can provide men with an excellent way to flatten their chest and achieve a more masculine appearance.

As with any other plastic surgery procedure, male breast reduction surgery requires some preparation on the patient’s part. Following the tips below will help the patient feel more confident about the procedure, increasing his chances of a smooth surgery and trouble-free recovery.

Determine What You Want From the Procedure

Besides reducing breast tissue, this is an opportunity for you to address other aesthetic issues during the same surgery. These include gland removal, liposuction, as well as skin and tissue removal. Having a good idea of your ultimate goals is a crucial part of being satisfied with the outcome.

Speak With Your Plastic Surgeon About Your Surgery

An essential first step in preparing for your gynecomastia surgery is to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Virginia. The reason for working with these professions is that they:

  • Are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Have in-depth knowledge of the underlying causes of gynecomastia
  • Have performed numerous male breast reduction surgeries using the techniques needed for your procedure
  • Can show you before and after pictures of previous male breast reduction patients

Our plastic surgeons have a detailed understanding of reducing breast tissue in men and recontouring the chest to make it more masculine.

Make Changes to Your Lifestyle

Even though your gynecomastia may not be due to any of your lifestyle choices, it’s essential to follow the guidelines outlined below before your surgery. Doing so will help you establish a healthy lifestyle in advance of your procedure while ensuring that you preserve your results.

  • Eat more fruits and vegetables
  • Reduce sugar consumption
  • Lower your alcohol consumption
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid taking steroids or hormonal supplements
  • Avoid smoking tobacco or marijuana products

Prepare for Your Recovery

The most challenging part of your gynecomastia surgery is returning home and starting the recovery process. You’ll need to plan some time away from work and other commitments and be ready to spend at least 48 hours resting. Ask friends and family to help you with household chores.

Your Best Treatment Options for Breast Reduction Surgery

Discovering your best gynecomastia surgery options begins with a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg. Please contact or call us today at (540) 371-7730.

The Benefits of Male Breast Reduction

For men with gynecomastia, summer can feel like torture. Gynecomastia is a common medical condition with a complicated name, simply put, it means enlarged male breasts. Take summer back by getting treatment for your excess breast tissue. Contact our offices to learn more about male breast reduction in Fredericksburg, VA.

What Causes Male Breast Development?

Male breast development is very common. It is estimated that 40-60% of all men will experience it during their lifetime. There is no known cause for the condition, but it is largely attributed to hormonal fluctuations. If testosterone and estrogen levels are out of balance, breast tissue may develop in men.

Medications, lifestyle choices, medical conditions, and more can all contribute to the development of gynecomastia. Some known contributors to the condition include:

  • Anabolic steroids
  • Malnutrition
  • Antibiotics
  • Heart medications
  • Chemotherapy
  • Liver cirrhosis
  • Antidepressants
  • Androgens and anti-androgens
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Alcohol
  • Illegal street drugs including amphetamines and heroin
  • Marijuana
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Herbal products containing tea tree or lavender
  • Kidney failure
  • Hypogonadism
  • Tumors

Age can also influence the development of this condition. Males are more likely to develop breast tissue during times of hormonal change: infancy, adolescence, and after age 50.

Treating Gynecomastia- What Are My Options?

If you have gynecomastia, treatment may be an option. Many men find that they feel more comfortable and confident in their body’s appearance after treating their excess breast tissue. Talk with your doctor or come visit us to explore your options. Treatment options include:

  • Lifestyle or Medication Changes- If your gynecomastia is caused by a medication or lifestyle factor, making a swap can make a difference. Talk with your doctor and explore other options for medication if necessary.
  • Wait and See- Some cases of gynecomastia will resolve on their own. However, if the condition is causing distress or embarrassment, it may be worth seeking treatment to resolve the problem sooner.
  • Male Breast Reduction- Male breast reduction seeks to create a flatter, more masculine chest appearance in men with gynecomastia. We achieve this using liposuction, removal of glandular tissue, and/or skin removal if needed.

Learn more about your treatment options for gynecomastia by contacting our offices at 540-371-7730 and scheduling a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons: Dr. Heppe, Dr. Bautista, or Dr. Aflaki.

What to Expect from Male Breast Reduction Surgery

The severity of gynecomastia varies substantially. Some men experience a milder form of the condition while others have significant quantities of breast tissue. Breast composition also varies. Some men have breasts that are largely fatty tissue, and others may have more glandular tissue.

Since anatomy varies significantly from one patient to another, it is difficult to make treatment recommendations without a consultation. After an examination and a discussion of your medical history, we can discuss treatment options.

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

Since treatment plans vary for gynecomastia, so do recovery expectations. We’ll give you a better idea of what to expect before your procedure, so you can schedule time off from work and adjust your plans. Generally, less involved surgeries offer shorter recovery times. Patients that receive treatment with liposuction alone are often back to work in a day or two. Glandular tissue removal or skin removal can increase recovery times.

Male Breast Reduction FAQs

If you have questions about male breast reduction, come in for a consultation. While you wait for your consultation, discover answers to common questions about male breast reduction and gynecomastia below.

  • How Long Do Results from Gynecomastia Treatment Last? – Most men will enjoy lifelong results from their gynecomastia treatment. Gaining weight, certain medications, or hormonal changes may cause new breast tissue to develop.
  • What Results Should I Expect from Male Breast Reduction? – After surgery, you’ll enjoy a flatter, firmer, more masculine chest.
  • Will I Have Scarring After Surgical Gynecomastia Treatment? – Depending on the type of treatment used and the severity of your condition, some scarring may be present after surgery. We carefully place incisions, when possible, to hide scars should they occur. Your incisions will be most noticeable in the weeks and months right after surgery. As you heal, the incisions will fade from bright red to a color that is more consistent with your natural skin tone.
  • Why Should I Choose Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg for My Male Breast Reduction? – There are many reasons to choose PSSF for your procedure. We want your surgical experience to be a positive one. Our highly trained plastic surgeons work closely with our experienced and qualified staff to guide and advise patients throughout their plastic surgery treatment and recovery. We offer no-cost consultations to help you decide if a procedure is right for you.

Let’s help you feel more confident without a shirt on this summer. If you have gynecomastia, call our offices and learn about male breast reduction.

 

Stop Shirtless Stress With Male Breast Reduction

Do you dread a day at the beach? For men with gynecomastia, or excess breast tissue, taking off their shirt can feel like torture. It doesn’t have to be that way. Gynecomastia is highly treatable, often with excellent results. Stop hiding and finally enjoy a shirtless summer!

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the breasts in men. This can occur at any age, but is especially prevalent among teenagers and in older men. It is very common—in fact, approximately 40-60% of all men will experience it at some point in their lives. It can have many causes, including hormones, some medications, certain medical conditions, and weight gain. Whatever the cause, gynecomastia can be an embarrassing condition. Unfortunately, extra time at the gym isn’t the solution; you need surgical help.

Can Male Breast Reduction Help Me?

If you have excess male breast tissue, male breast reduction can likely help you achieve the flat, masculine chest you’re seeking. We often use one of two techniques (or a combination of both) to remove the excess tissue and restore a flatter appearance to your chest: liposuction and surgical excision of glandular tissue.

Liposuction removes excess fat through a small incision using suction. It requires limited downtime (you can return to work in just a couple of days) and can provide excellent results for many patients. If your gynecomastia is caused by glandular tissue as opposed to fat, we may use surgical excision to remove the tissue. This can be combined with liposuction as needed. In some cases, we may remove excess skin that remains after the tissue is removed. Come in for a consultation—we can explain your options and recommend a treatment plan after a careful examination.

We have successfully treated many men with gynecomastia, helping them to look and feel more confident about their bodies. If your chest makes you feel uncomfortable, come see us and explore your options.

Do you have excess male breast tissue? Call our offices today at 540-371-7730 and schedule your consultation. We’ll help you shed that shirt once and for all!