For men who suffer from gynecomastia, their enlarged breasts can be a source of stress and anxiety. Many men who suffer from gynecomastia feel forced to wear baggy sweatshirts to hide themselves under excessive layers of clothing. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition. Summertime can be the worst time of year, because while most men are outside with light clothing or even shirtless, many sufferers choose to stay indoors rather than face the discomforting heat and embarrassment.
Just because you may have gynecomastia does not mean that you have to go on living with it. Male breast reduction is a common procedure and a very effective permanent solution. You may not realize that as many as 1 in 4 adult American males suffer or have suffered from this problem to varying degrees.
Some causes:
- Tumors
- Genetic disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Obesity
- Medications
- Past steroid use
- Drug and/or alcohol side effects
- Puberty
- Liver problems
- Kidney failure
- Malnutrition
- Aging
Good male breast reduction candidates are:
- At a stable weight
- In good general mental and physical health
- Non-smokers
- Ready to adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Bothered, embarrassed, or anxious about taking their shirt off
- Men who have exhausted appropriate exercise and diet routines
- Men who have had this condition for 12 months or longer
- Men who have good skin elasticity
- Prepared for a surgical procedure
- Men who have realistic expectations for cosmetic achievement
Not good male breast reduction candidates are:
- Men who drink alcohol regularly and heavily
- Steroid users
- Moderate to heavy marijuana users
- Men who are or have been obese and have not tried loosing chest fat through diet and exercise
- Men who take medications that lead to breast development
It is important to know that your surgeon is board certified with experience in gynecomastia. Consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience to perform your male breast reduction surgery will minimize surgery risks and maximize safety and cosmetic results. Quality and experience should always outweigh the price tag, it will be worth it. The types of male breast reduction surgeries are:
- Liposuction
- Removal of glands and fat
- Open surgical removal
- Combination of liposuction and open surgery
- Open removal with skin excision for excessive skin
Recovery for male breast reduction:
- First week after surgery, patients may experience some discomfort, bruising, and swelling in the treatment area. This can be minimized with pain medication, ice, rest, and elevation of the head.
- Second week after surgery, most patients are ready to return to some of their normal routines. However, heavy exercise should be avoided for an additional week or two.
- For the entire four weeks after surgery compression garments should be worn at all times; use of the compression garment will improve the final outcome.
- It takes one to three months before the final outcome is apparent. Patients should also be aware that it will take a full year for the scars to fade as much as possible.
Do your research and inquire about male breast reduction surgery with Dr. Balakhani before the summer months.
