MALE BREAST REDUCTION (GYNECOMASTIA)
A NATIONAL LEADER IN GYNECOMASTIA
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common condition characterized by enlarged male breasts. Depending on the literature you read, gynecomastia affects between 40 and 60 percent of men. Doctors do not know exactly what causes it, although certain drugs and medical conditions may contribute to the development of excessive breast tissue.
Although the cause is ambiguous, the solution is clear: male breast reduction surgery with Dr. Ary Krau, one of Miami’s most respected plastic surgeons. Dr. Krau has nearly two decades of experience helping his patients achieve their cosmetic goals. Gynecomastia treatment can significantly improve your level of confidence and self-esteem and help you live a happier life.
Am I A Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Dr. Krau evaluates each gynecomastia surgery candidate on an individual basis to determine whether the procedure is a good choice.
Ideally, gynecomastia surgery candidates are men who:
- Are in good physical and psychological health
- Do not have any uncontrolled medical conditions that could impair healing
- Understand the (rare) risk of complications
- Desire improvement, not necessarily perfection
During your consultation, Dr. Krau will perform a physical examination of your chest and ask you questions about your health history. He will also ask you to describe your ideal cosmetic outcome, and he will help you set reasonable expectations. Dr. Krau has found that the most satisfied patients are typically those with the most realistic surgical goals.
How Male Breast Reduction is Performed
Male breast reduction is an outpatient procedure performed at a local accredited surgery facility. Anesthesia medication will be administered to prevent you from feeling any pain.
To begin, Dr. Krau makes a very small incision around the areola. Through the incision, he removes excess glandular tissue. In some cases, he may also use liposuction to remove fatty tissue. He can also reduce over-sized areolas, if necessary. This creates a flatter, firmer chest that has a classically masculine appearance.
After Dr. Krau is finished making the surgical modifications, he will close the incisions with sutures. He may place a compression garment to help the tissues heal.
Recovering From Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Dr. Krau will provide all the necessary post-surgical instructions during the consultative phase. He is also very involved in your follow-up care and will closely monitor your healing progress and address any questions you have as you recover.
The first few days of recovery are usually the most challenging. You should rest as much as possible and avoid bending or lifting your arms above your shoulders. Dr. Krau will prescribe oral pain medication if you have any discomfort. After the first few days, your side effects will subside and you can return to your normal lifestyle.
Dr. Krau advises that you wear your compression garment for a few weeks after surgery to assist in the healing progress. Also, he recommends that you avoid vigorous exercise and movement for approximately two weeks after surgery, and then gently ease back into arm and chest exercises.
Scarring varies by patient. That being said, most patients find that their scars fade over time until they are not very visible.
Male Breast Reduction Risks
Male breast reduction is a safe operation and complications are very infrequent. It’s still important to remember that any surgery will carry some degree of risk.
Possible complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Hematoma/seroma
- Changes in skin sensation
- Unfavorable scarring
Your results should last for many years, provided you do not gain a significant amount of weight.
Gynecomastia FAQ
- What are the possible causes of gynecomastia?
- Will gynecomastia resolve itself?
- What is the difference between true clinical gynecomastia and pseudo-gynecomastia?
- What type of results can I expect from gynecomastia surgery?
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF GYNECOMASTIA?
True gynecomastia is generally caused by hormonal fluctuations. The hormonal fluctuations can be triggered by puberty or older age; the chronic use of certain prescription or recreation drugs (e.g. anabolic steroids, marijuana); and certain diseases, including some forms of cancer.
WILL GYNECOMASTIA RESOLVE ITSELF?
Sometimes, gynecomastia that develops during adolescence resolves itself over time. Often, however, gynecomastia cannot be treated without surgical intervention.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUE CLINICAL GYNECOMASTIA AND PSEUDO-GYNECOMASTIA?
True gynecomastia is enlarged male breast tissue. Pseudo-gynecomastia is excess fat throughout the chest area, which leads to the appearance of enlarged male breasts. Often, pseudo-gynecomastia is caused by major weight gain. Sometimes, patients can have a combination of the two. During consultation, Dr. Krau evaluates the cause and anatomy of the enlarged male breasts. Based on this information, he recommends an appropriate treatment plan.
WHAT TYPE OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?
Once the body has healed and any residual swelling has resolved, you can expect a firmer, flatter chest contour after gynecomastia surgery.
Learn More About Gynecomastia Surgery
For more information about male breast reduction, please contact Dr. Ary Krau by calling (305) 861-6881 or sending an email.