Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) removes excess breast tissue. The procedure may include liposuction, excision (using larger incisions) or a combination of both. People choose to have this procedure to improve self-confidence, enhance their appearance and reduce discomfort that can result from larger breasts.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common condition which results in enlarged male breast tissue. It can be seen in males of all ages, but usually occurs during the newborn period, puberty and older adulthood. There are many causes for gynecomastia, most commonly an imbalance of the hormones testosterone and estrogen.
How does gynecomastia affect my body?
Gynecomastia can be seen as a button-sized growth underneath the nipple. You may be able to see this as a breast lump or feel it when you press on the area. The lump may move easily within the breast tissue and may be tender to touch. Breast lumps and breast enlargement may occur in one or both breasts.
How common is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the most common male breast disorder. It affects between 50 to 65% of boys and men worldwide.
Who might have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can occur at different times, including:
- Birth: More than half of male newborns have enlarged breasts, or breast buds. This condition is due to the mother’s estrogen levels. The enlarged breasts usually go away within a few weeks.
- Puberty: More than half of teenage boys have some degree of breast enlargement. Fluctuating hormones, including drops in testosterone and surges in estrogen, cause breast tissue to grow. The condition goes away as hormone levels even out — a process that takes about six months to two years to complete.
- Adulthood: Enlarged breasts are more common in men over 50. With age, men’s bodies produce less testosterone. They may also have more body fat, which stimulates estrogen production and breast tissue growth.
How is gynecomastia diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will assess symptoms, perform a physical exam and review your medical and family history. A blood test may also be recommended to check hormone levels.
Because both gynecomastia and breast cancer cause breast lumps, your provider may order a:
- Breast ultrasound to view detailed images of breast growths.
- Mammogram to examine unusual growths or changes in breast tissue.
How is gynecomastia managed or treated?
Some people don’t want or need treatment for gynecomastia. If a medication or other substance is causing breasts to enlarge, you may need to stop using the drug or switch to a different one. If a disease is the cause, swelling should go away with disease treatment.
Some men choose to get breast reduction surgery. During this procedure, a plastic surgeon removes breast tissue to make breasts smaller.
Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure to reduce the size of breast tissue in a person assigned male at birth. This surgery is also called male breast reduction and reduction mammaplasty. It helps people who have gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue).
People choose to have this procedure to remove excess tissue and fat from their breasts. Gynecomastia surgery can improve your self-image and confidence. Many people decide to have this procedure to enhance the way they look, either in clothing or when they aren’t wearing a shirt.
This procedure includes liposuction, surgery or both. Your provider will recommend the technique that’s right for you.
Why do people get gynecomastia surgery?
A type of breast surgery, this procedure treats a condition called gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue). Gynecomastia can result from obesity and certain drugs or hormone changes that usually happen during adolescent development. But it can also affect older people as hormone levels shift. In severe cases, the excess breast tissue causes your breasts to sag and your areola (the dark skin that surrounds your nipple) to stretch.
This is an elective cosmetic surgery procedure. People choose this procedure to improve how they look and increase their self-esteem. Decreasing the size of their breast tissue can help them feel more comfortable in clothing. Some people choose the procedure to reduce pain and discomfort that can result from excess breast tissue.
What happens during gynecomastia surgery?
In some cases, surgeons only use liposuction to remove breast tissue. They insert a suction hose through several small incisions (cuts) to remove fat.
If you have excess skin, fat and tissue, your provider may recommend excision. This technique uses larger incisions to remove breast tissue. Your provider can also reposition your nipple and areola during an excision procedure. The incision patterns, lengths and locations depend on the size of your breasts and your desired look.
You may need a combination of excision and liposuction. Your surgeon will recommend the technique that’s right for you. Before either technique, you’ll get general anesthesia through a vein in your arm. You’ll be asleep throughout the procedure and won’t feel pain during surgery.
What are the advantages of gynecomastia surgery?
Many people who have this surgery feel more confident and comfortable with how they look. They may enjoy being able to button a shirt without gaps. Or they may feel more satisfied with their appearance in a t-shirt or swimsuit.
The weight of excess breast tissue can also cause discomfort or pain. After gynecomastia surgery, you may be able to jump, run and do activities that you found uncomfortable before.
What is the recovery time after getting gynecomastia surgery?
You can expect to feel very sore the first few days after gynecomastia surgery. The discomfort and tenderness should get better within a week or so. Most likely, you’ll be able to go back to work in about two weeks.
While you’re healing, follow your provider’s instructions carefully. Avoid lifting or carrying anything heavy and reaching your arms above your head.
Keep in mind that you may not see results for about three to six months following surgery. It takes time for your breast tissue to heal and for swelling to decrease. Results are permanent. But you may need more than one surgery to get your desired result.
FAQ
What conditions cause gynecomastia?
Certain conditions can cause male breast enlargement, including:
- Adrenal tumors.
- Alcoholism.
- Kidney disease or kidney failure.
- Klinefelter syndrome (an inherited condition).
- Liver disease.
- Thyroid disease.
What medications or drugs cause gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can result from taking medications to treat:
- Anxiety and depression.
- Bacterial and fungal infections.
- Enlarged prostate.
- Heartburn and peptic (stomach) ulcers.
- Heart failure and high blood pressure.
- Male infertility (by taking human chorionic gonadotropin, or HCG).
- Substance abuse (by taking methadone).
These drugs also can cause breast swelling:
- Amphetamines, marijuana and opioids.
- Anabolic steroids used to build muscle.
- Lavender oils and tea tree oils (found in herbal supplements and skin care products).
How common is gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction surgery)?
About 20,000 people get this surgery every year. Gynecomastia (the condition this surgery treats) is very common. It affects more than half of people assigned male at birth around the world.
What happens before gynecomastia surgery?
Before surgery, your provider will discuss your options, goals and medical history. Your provider may recommend a complete blood count (CBC) or other tests to evaluate your health and determine what’s causing gynecomastia.
They will examine you, measure your breast tissue and screen you for male breast cancer. They may also take photographs of your breasts.
You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, prior to surgery. If you smoke, ask your provider about quitting smoking before your procedure. Tobacco use can slow the healing process. The day before surgery, your provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking. You should wear loose-fitting clothing when you arrive at the surgical center or hospital.
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