Subcutaneous Mastectomy | Male Breast Reduction

MALE BREAST REDUCTION

Also Known As: Subcutaneous Mastectomy

Male Breast Reduction Definition

Men with abnormally large breasts have a condition known as Gynecomastia, two Greek words which means “woman breast”. Although this condition is not discussed frequently, it is somewhat common affecting almost 60% of men, particularly 90% among adolescent boys.

Gynecomastia may affect one breast or both. This condition usually occurs when the male is undergoing hormonal changes, adolescence and old age.

Gynecomastia is also a symptom to health conditions such as liver disease, congenital syndromes, thyroid trauma and disorders, as well as lung, breast and testicular cancer.

Male breast reduction involves the removal of excess breast tissues to reshape the chest. This procedure aims to produce better-shaped breasts, which are better proportion with the rest of the male body.

Benefits of Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction, also known as Subcutaneous Mastectomy, is particularly for men of all ages and from all origins.

Male breast reduction benefits men with large breasts resulting in psychological (shyness, disturbance, etc) and physical (poor body image, posture problems, etc) effects.

Male breast reduction will benefit all men with gynecomastia, a condition involving the abnormal growth of breast.

The Male Breast Reduction Procedure

For male breast reduction, anesthesia can be either general or local, depending on the severity of gynecomastia, age, medical history, overall health, medication tolerance and personal preference.

Various male breast reduction procedures can be utilized. However, the most commonly used procedure is liposuction and Endoscopic surgery.

Liposuction, particularly suction lipectomy, will be utilized to allow the tapering of tissue edges, even without lipo side effects. This male breast reduction procedure is suitable to men with complicated gynecomastia conditions, which will require open surgery.

The male breast reduction using suction lipectomy starts as the doctor cuts around the areola and nipple. Breast tissues and fat are then removed, while excess skin is trimmed. The incision is then closed with small stitches and the same steps are used to reduce the other breast.

For an Endoscopic surgery, the doctor will use a small and flexible tube with a camera and light at the end, called the endoscope, in order to examine the insides of the breast. The breast tissues are then removed without placing an open surgical incision.

Recovery After Male Breast Reduction Procedure

Immediately after the male breast reduction, the patient will need to wear a compression garment to give support to the surgical area, minimize swelling, improve blood circulation, accelerate the recovery process and allow the patient to move and visit the doctor daily. Depending on you doctor, the patient may need to wear this garment for one to eight weeks.

Discomfort is well controlled by oral medication. For this reason, the patient may resume work three to seven days after the male breast reduction. Swelling will dissipate in two to four weeks.

In order to prevent blood clot and various potential complications, slight walking is recommended. Activities that are more strenuous can be resumed after two to three weeks, or when the patient feels he or she is ready.

The Results

Complete results, without side effects or complications, of a male breast reduction procedure can be visible after two to four months. The results of the procedure are permanent.

Surgical facility And Cost

A male breast reduction procedure can be performed in a surgical office-based facility, hospital or any plastic surgery center, usually as an outpatient basis.

The cost of male breast reduction may $3,000 to $7,000, excluding anesthesia, facility and surgeon fees.

However, since male breast reduction is an elective surgery, insurance usually does not cover the procedure. However, for some patients where the operation is medically necessary, insurance may be able to cover the costs.

Side Effects, Risks, Complications and Contradictions

Male breast reduction has its own set of health risks. These include skin injury, infection, excess bleeding, bruising, anesthesia irritation and excess fluid accumulation or loss.

The breast reduction for men can also result in permanent scarring, pigment changes in the treated area, or mismatched nipples and breast.

Temporary effects of the male breast reduction operation may include numbness and loss of breast sensation, which can last up to several months.

Cosmetic Surgery