Male Breast Reduction

For many men, a strong, firm chest is a symbol of masculinity, strength, and physical fitness. Unfortunately, many men cannot achieve this appearance, despite their best efforts to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Overly developed breast tissue in men with otherwise normal body weight is a medical condition called gynecomastia, which may require treatment through gynecomastia surgery in Fairfax, Virginia, also known as male breast reduction. Men may consider this plastic surgery option at a variety of ages. Several factors contribute to this condition, including hormonal changes, heredity, disease or the use of certain medications.

Dr. Andrew Goldberg and Dr. Mitchel Krieger are gynecomastia surgeons in Virginia who specialize in male breast reduction. If you would like to learn more about this surgery, click here to request a complimentary consultation with one of our Fairfax plastic surgeons.

Your Breast Reduction Procedure

For men suffering from gynecomastia, plastic surgery in Virginia can be a truly life-changing experience. Often, these patients have been self-conscious for years, having been teased in childhood for their feminine-looking chest. Many men with gynecomastia limit their activities and clothing choices to avoid showing their large breasts. Drs. Goldberg and Krieger offer surgical options to help these patients return to a normal, active life.

Surgical Options

In some cases, specifically those where excess fat is the major cause of gynecomastia, [link] liposuction [/link] alone may be able to reduce the breast volume and give you a more masculine chest contour. In such cases, a small tube called a cannula is inserted through tiny incisions and the fat is suctioned out. The type of liposuction used will depend on your particular anatomy, and will be determined through discussions between you and your surgeon.

For the majority of gynecomastia patients, excision - or surgical removal of tissue and skin - is required to create the desired results, and is often performed in conjunction with liposuction. Incision methods will vary depending on the volume of tissue to be removed, as well as whether or not the nipple needs to be repositioned. In many cases, the incision will encircle the nipple, allowing for reduction of enlarged nipples. For the most natural look, incisions are carefully placed to minimize scarring and to be as unnoticeable as possible.

Recovery and Results

Breast reduction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure for men, either using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. Most patients return home shortly after surgery, with either prescription or over-the-counter medications to manage pain. Your incisions will be bandaged and dressed, and you may be wrapped in a tight-fitting compression garment.

Your Fairfax, Virginia plastic surgeon will send you home with specific instructions for your post-surgical care and recovery. Most patients must keep their activity level low - with the exception of walking around to prevent blood clots - for a few days following surgery. Bruising and swelling will dissipate over the first 1 to 2 weeks, but full results may not emerge for up to 3 months following surgery.

If you are interested in finding out more about male breast reduction, click here to request a complimentary consultation at our plastic surgery center. Or you can call us toll free at 888-245-6513 to make an appointment.