It is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of men suffer from some degree of gynecomastia, also known as male breast overdevelopment. Gynecomastia, the medical term for “man boobs,” is a medical condition that may affect only one breast or both. Although certain drugs and medical problems have been linked to the condition, there is no known medical cause for the overdevelopment of the male breast tissue in most cases. Gynecomastia is not a serious or life threatening medical condition, but it can be very embarrassing for some men and cause self esteem issues.
Dr. Usha Rajagopal, plastic surgeon at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, specializes in gynecomastia surgery. Also known as male breast reduction surgery, gynecomastia surgery is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess breast gland tissue and fat from the male chest area.
Who are the Best Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy men of any age. The best candidates for gynecomastia surgery have firm, elastic skin that will easily reshape to the body's new contours.
The Procedure for Gynecomastia Correction Surgery
If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, (this is the most common), Dr. Rajagopal will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola (the dark skin that surrounds the nipple). Alternatively, the incision may be placed in the underarm area. A slim hollow tube called a cannula, which is attached to a vacuum pump, is then inserted into the incision. Dr. Rajagopal moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin to break up the fat and suction it out. Patients are under general anesthesia for the duration of the procedure and will feel and hear nothing.
If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement, this tissue can be removed with a scalpel (also referred to as excision). The excision of the glandular tissue may be performed alone or in conjunction with Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL), depending on each patient’s case. In a typical gynecomastia procedure, an incision is made, usually in the breast crease and under the areola. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more noticeable scars. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions.
In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller chest contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly adjust to the new contour of the chest. Sometimes, a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw off excess fluids. Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.
After the Gynecomastia Procedure
Whether you've had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Rajagopal. In any case, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day, if needed. You'll be swollen and bruised for a while after the surgery. It is not uncommon for men to not notice an improvement shortly after surgery due to swelling.
To help reduce swelling after gynecomastia, you'll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for four to six weeks. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of the surgery are apparent. In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal.
You'll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of your gynecomastia surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough, which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the gynecomastia procedure. Dr.. Rajagopal may advise you to avoid sexual activity and heavy exercise for about three weeks. You'll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks.
In general, it will take about a month before you're back to all of your normal activities. You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin's pigmentation, causing the scar to darken. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use sun-block with a high SPF.
San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center, the medical office of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Usha Rajagopal, is located near Union Square and Powell BART station in downtown San Francisco. For more information on
male breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery and other cosmetic procedures, please visit our website or call us at (415) 392-3333 to schedule a free consultation.
