Gynecomastia - breast reduction surgery for men
Gynecomastia is body phenomenon where male breasts take on a feminine form. Gynecomastia may occur due to excess weight or hormonal imbalance. If the male breast remains the same following weight loss, one can consider gynecomastia surgery.
The name gynecomastia comes from the Greek language – it means a breast of a woman.
The surgery intends to suck the excess fat tissue accumulated in the breast area.
Gynecomastia is common at all ages, and similarly affects people of all ages.
Beyond avoiding various activities that include exposing one’s breast – from the beach to various sports activities – gynecomastia also leads to harming one’s self-confidence in the interpersonal arena and reduction of quality of life in general.
There is a variety of known causes for the phenomenon, including taking certain medications, hormonal problems, genetic predisposition, being overweight, and sometimes gynecomastia appears for no apparent reason at all.
Either way, many men – young and older alike – choose to undergo surgery to correct gynecomastia, where the tissues responsible for breast swelling are removed.
At our – TLV Medical Center many such surgeries are performed, and these always end with achieving the goal: A flat male chest. What else do I need to know about this topic? Here are the details.
What is a gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia corrective surgery is designed to remove excess skin, tissue and/or fat in the male chest area.
For most people, the surgical solution is explored following rejection of other breast development causes such as stopping curtain medications or weight loss.
In addition, since there are several levels for gynecomastia – excess fat / excess skin / excess breast tissue – the course of surgery will be determined after meeting the surgeon.
You may also be interested in: Excess skin removal surgery
Who is suitable to undergo gynecomastia surgery?
Breast reduction surgery for men is performed only following extensive investigation and exhaustion of all other options.
As already noted, the reason may be excess weight. In such situations it is important to take on a diet leading to reduction in body weight, which certainly may also affect the breasts to disappear. The diet should be combined with physical activity.
At times, the reason for breast development is due to hormonal reasons, high estrogen levels and hormonal imbalance in general. This hormonal imbalance may be the result of taking some medicines. In cases where it appears that this might indeed be the cause, it is necessary to check if it’s possible to change the medicine dose or even replace the medication with another. In most cases once the body level of estrogen is reduced, the body’s shape goes back to become masculine.
How is the male breast reduction surgery performed?
The surgery is performed under general or local anesthesia, according to the doctor’s decision, and its course depends on the nature of the gynecomastia.
In cases of liposuction only – incisions are done on the breast side where the liposuction tubes go in.
In other cases where tissue or excess skin requires removal – the surgery will be done by incisions on the areola borders.
In all cases, the remaining scars or not prominent or even visible for the most part and allow exposure of the chest.
At times – and this depends on multiple variables -a less penetrative procedure may be suggested, and you may hear about it when meeting the surgeon.
Advantages of gynecomastia (breast reduction for men)
There are several advantages to performing such a surgery
Even if the decision is indeed made to go for gynecomastia surgery, it is possible to assume that the complete solution will be obtained, and the operated patient will return to the desired body shape.
How to prepare for gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under full anesthesia and lasts for approx. 3 hours. Preparing for this surgery should be done according to the surgeon’s and anesthesiologist orders when the requirement is to arrive fasting.
For the most part, the surgery starts with liposuction vis small skin incisions. Excess breast tissue is also removed if necessary.
At times, when a significant part is removed, some excess skin will remain, and it too will require removing using excess skin removal procedure Following the surgery the incisions are sutured and the patient is transferred to Recovery. If no additional observation is required, the patient will be discharged to his home already on the same day.
Before surgery
Post surgery
Gynecomastia surgery - recovery and rehabilitation
Following surgery and up to six weeks later the chest must be dress using a dressing known as “Japanese belt” The belt has two pads for the nipple areas.
Pain medication may be taken in the first few days after surgery, according to the doctor's orders.
If draining tubes remain behind in the surgery area for fluid drainage from the operated area, these will be removed after a few days by the doctor.
Important to know You should not strain yourself or engage is strenuous physical activity for at least one month after surgery. Smoking may also delay healing; therefore it is recommended not to smoke in the month after surgery.
The surgeons performing this surgery.
One way or another, do not weigh your options alone. Our doctors who specialize in breast reduction surgeries are among the experts in their field and will be happy to advise you personally on what is suitable, what you should do and when.
Amir Inbal, MD
Specialty: Plastic & Aesthetic surgery
Tali Friedman, MD
Specialty: Plastic & Aesthetic surgery
Ram Silfen, MD
Specialty: Plastic & Aesthetic surgery
Yoav Eros, MD
Specialty: Plastic & Aesthetic surgery
Oren Weissman, MD
Specialty: Plastic & Aesthetic surgery
Arik Zareski, MD
Specialty: Plastic surgery
Tamir Shay, MD
Specialty: Plastic & Aesthetic surgery
Dr. Jonathan Wagman
Specialty: Plastic surgery
