Having “man boobs,” also known as gynecomastia, can take a toll on your self-esteem and lifestyle - especially with the warm climate in Beverly Hills. Most people equate plastic surgery with women and femininity. However, a lot of men are self-conscious about their male breasts and seek reduction to restore their self-confidence and self-image. Do you want a more masculine chest? Experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Gary Takowsky offers male breast reduction to decrease the size of your breasts, as well as address any other cosmetic issues, like puffy nipples.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is when men experience excess fat and tissue in their breast region, due to an imbalance of the hormones, estrogen and testosterone. Excess fat in male breasts can occur in one or both breasts.
Due to fluctuations in hormone levels, infants, adolescent boys, and older men can develop gynecomastia. A number of factors can lead to the development of gynecomastia, including medications and illnesses. Men suffering from gynecomastia often complain of tender and swollen breasts. While there are few physical risk factors, it can be the cause psychological and emotional damage.
Due to fluctuations in hormone levels, infants, adolescent boys, and older men can develop gynecomastia. A number of factors can lead to the development of gynecomastia, including medications and illnesses. Men suffering from gynecomastia often complain of tender and swollen breasts. While there are few physical risk factors, it can be the cause psychological and emotional damage.
Treating Gynecomastia with Male Breast Reduction Surgery
At Gary Takowsky, M.D., we will design a treatment plan for your gynecomastia based on your unique body composition and image goals.
In most cases, we use liposuction to treat male patients suffering from overgrown breasts. Liposuction for gynecomastia is a simple procedure. It requires a small incision under the breasts or around the areola, then excess breast tissue and fat is suctioned from under the skin.
In some more extreme cases, we will surgically remove bits of the breast tissue, in which case, we might need to make a larger incision in the chest wall. During male breast reduction surgery, we will pay careful attention to ensure your chest is perfectly symmetrical.
Oftentimes, patients undergoing male breast reduction surgery will also opt for liposuction on their hips to remove love handles. During your initial consultation, Dr. Takowsky will discuss your objectives to help you reach your ideal image.
In most cases, we use liposuction to treat male patients suffering from overgrown breasts. Liposuction for gynecomastia is a simple procedure. It requires a small incision under the breasts or around the areola, then excess breast tissue and fat is suctioned from under the skin.
In some more extreme cases, we will surgically remove bits of the breast tissue, in which case, we might need to make a larger incision in the chest wall. During male breast reduction surgery, we will pay careful attention to ensure your chest is perfectly symmetrical.
Oftentimes, patients undergoing male breast reduction surgery will also opt for liposuction on their hips to remove love handles. During your initial consultation, Dr. Takowsky will discuss your objectives to help you reach your ideal image.
Candidates for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
The ideal candidates for male breast reduction surgery are healthy and average weight. However, heavier men can also benefit from this procedure, but it is not effective for correcting obesity. It is also important that candidates have realistic expectation of the end result. Men with firmer, healthier skin are better candidates for this treatment. If you take steroids, you might not be a candidate for male breast reduction surgery.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction surgery requires general anesthesia, and it is often performed in an operating room. Since you will be undergoing general anesthesia, you should plan your recovery time accordingly. Make sure you coordinate a ride home from surgery and have someone to help you during the first day after surgery. You can expect some pain and discomfort after surgery, which can be treated with prescribed pain medication or over the counter medication.
Recovering from Male Breast Reduction Surgery
For better healing, you should avoid activities directly after your surgery. After a week or two, you can continue your regular daily activities. After about 4-6 weeks, you can resume cardiovascular exercise. However, you should ask Dr. Takowsky beforehand, especially if your procedure is more extensive.
Ask Dr. Takowsky before resuming any weightlifting activities. You will also need to prevent hyperpigmentation of your scars by avoiding the sun for about 6 months. There are minimal risks associated with male breast reduction surgery. The results of your male breast reduction surgery should last a lifetime, since the fat and glandular tissue is permanently removed. At the same time, it’s important to remain healthy by avoiding weight gain, steroid use, alcohol, and treating any medical condition that could lead to gynecomastia.
Ask Dr. Takowsky before resuming any weightlifting activities. You will also need to prevent hyperpigmentation of your scars by avoiding the sun for about 6 months. There are minimal risks associated with male breast reduction surgery. The results of your male breast reduction surgery should last a lifetime, since the fat and glandular tissue is permanently removed. At the same time, it’s important to remain healthy by avoiding weight gain, steroid use, alcohol, and treating any medical condition that could lead to gynecomastia.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
To avoid risks and complications with your male breast reduction surgery, it is important to choose an experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Gary Takowsky in Beverly Hills, CA is a board certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. Are you ready to start going shirtless again? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Takowsky today at 323-676-0222.
Male Breast Reduction
Gynecomastia, which is the overdevelopment of male breasts, affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be the result of hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs or heredity, and can affect one or both breasts.
Candidates for breast reduction are men who have large or sagging breasts that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. Breast reduction can be performed on men whose breast development is complete; are in good health, both physically and emotionally; do not smoke; and are not overweight. Ideally, candidates have firm, elastic skin that will reshape itself to fit the contours of their breasts postsurgery
Male breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Male breast reduction is performed using liposuction or surgery, or a combination of the two.
