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Male Gynecomastia Breast Reduction
Plastic Surgery and Medspa Practice Serving Maryland, Washington DC & Virginia

Posted by Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Cosmetic Surgery Associates on June 30, 2016

Male Gynecomastia Breast Reduction

 

Gynecomastia, breast enlargement in men, affects an estimated 20-40% of men at some point in their lives. In a small number of men, it is related to a genetic condition. It may also be caused by the use of marijuana as well as the prescription drugs Aldactone, Furosemide, and Digoxin. Anabolic steroids and medications that contain or promote the effects of estrogen have also been implicated. In the vast majority of cases, the cause is unknown.
Gynecomastia typically develops in adolescence and may involve one or both sides. The degree of development may be from a small amount of swelling beneath the nipples to changes that resemble a woman’s breast. Men affected are typically apprehensive about their appearance and do not like to be seen with their shirts off. It decreases their self-esteem.
Treatment involves removing the excess which consists of both glandular tissue and fat. If the tissue is mainly fat, liposuction alone will suffice. For most men, the use of ultrasonic liposuction followed by the removal of the small amount of remaining breast tissue using a grasping instrument through the same, small incision in the armpit works best. This technique avoids scars on the breast or nipple. If it is small and primarily breast tissue, as is often seen in very fit individuals, excision through a small opening in the nipple is the best choice. In a few men excess skin must also be removed and is typically done by a donut-shaped incision around the nipple leaving only a circular scar around the dark skin of the nipple.
The procedure takes about 1 1/2 hours and is usually described as minimally painful. Typically, three to seven days are taken off from work. A compression garment is worn for one to two weeks and small drainage tubes are removed in 4-7 days. A small amount of swelling is typically seen for a few months before final results are achieved. Before and after photos can be viewed here.
Scarring in the armpit or around the nipple is usually minor. Temporary numbness may be present. Infrequent complications include infection, fluid accumulation, and firmness in the area that may require injections to decrease.

Frank Richards, MD

Dean Jabs, MD

[inject-related-blog]

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons at  | Website |  + posts

Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Richards, Dr. Jabs, and Dr. Magge lead Cosmetic Surgery Associates in Bethesda, MD. They specialize in personalized cosmetic procedures delivered with exceptional skill and care, helping every patient look and feel their best.

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