Assessing The Risks of Male Breast Reduction Surgery

 Gynecomastia (excess male breast tissue) is a purely cosmetic issue that can ripple out into a broad range of mental health and confidence issues for men. Chances are that if you have gynecomastia, you have considered surgery to get rid of your ‘man boobs.’ Many people who would not normally consider cosmetic surgery end up with this option in front of them. It’s common for these patients to be intimated by the idea of surgery, and they worry about complications. This apprehension comes from the right place: it is important to take healthcare decisions seriously. But how rooted in reality are these concerns?

What Exactly is Gynecomastia?

Our society has a wide variety of colorful (and often hurtful) terms for gynecomastia: male breasts, man boobs, moobs and some that we won’t print here. On a basic level, gynecomastia is the excessive development of breast tissue in men. It happens in every phase of life, but is most common in adolescence and old age. It can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, medications and hormonal changes. Because of the association of breast tissue with womanhood, the effects of gynecomastia on a man's body image and self-confidence can be devastating. And then there are the people who suffer from insults and bullying due to their male breasts. If you want to learn more about the condition, read our article on Understanding Gynecomastia.

The Male Breast Reduction Procedure

In a gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction treatment, a cosmetic surgeon creates a more masculine chest contour by getting rid of extra breast tissue. To remove the extra fat and tissue, the surgeon makes miniscule incisions around the areola. They proceed to suction out the tissue, working to achieve a natural, aestheically pleasing chest contour for the patient. Male breast reduction surgery is a type of liposuction, which is why the procedure is so successful at eliminating unwanted fat.

Understanding The Danger

The male breast reduction procedure is a surgery, even if it is a relatively minor one. All surgeries do come with accompanying risks. But when the procedure is done by a cosmetic surgeon in a quality facility, it is considered to be a very low-risk, safe procedure.

Potential risks include:

1. Bleeding: Bleeding can occur during or after any surgical procedure. 

2. Infection: Following any surgery (or cut), there is a chance of infection. It is very important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions in order to mitigate this risk.

3. Scarring: Incisions leave scars. But expert cosmetic surgeons pride themselves on putting scars in places where they won’t be noticed, keeping them tiny and especially in leaving behind scars that ultimately disappear.

4. Skin Sensation:  For a brief period after surgery, many patients experience strange skin sensations–like tingling and numbness. They typically subside after a few months (when the nerves have healed).

5. Asymmetry: Sometimes, a surgery fails to make a completely symmetrical chest. In most cases, this is minor. But followup cosmetic procedures can be used to finish the look that a patient desires.

The Recovery Process…and the Results!

• Male breast reduction procedures usually have fairly simple recovery periods. In the days immediately after the treatment, most patients experience some combination of swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These initial symptoms are typically treated with pain medication and compression garments.

• Follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions religiously in order to speed up your recovery time and reduce your chances of complications. 

• Patients notice an improvement in their appearance immediately after the surgery. But as the healing process moves on, the body contour continues to improve for a couple of months.

• After the treatment and the healing process are over, you will end up with the chiseled chest you always wanted. The difference in self-confidence for many patients is hard for them to describe.

Conclusion

Male breast reduction procedures done by skilled cosmetic surgeons are an effective and safe option for treating gynecomastia. No surgery is 100% risk-free. But the minimal risks inherent in these procedures are outweighed by the increase in confidence and happiness for the people who choose to do it. If you’re considering a procedure to deal with your male boobs, consult with a cosmetic expert. Together you will create reasonable goals and expectations, walk through the procedure, and discuss any concerns you have and any potential hazards your specific case may present.

Get an appointment at Aesthetic and Cosmetic surgeon Los Angeles! We have a team of skilled cosmetic surgeons with expertise in male breast reduction treatment. We customize individual procedures to achieve the patient’s desired outcomes. Our experts will thoroughly review your particular case and present you with a thorough explanation of the surgical procedure. Our goal is to provide you with clear, straightforward information so you can make the best choice for your physical and mental well-being.