Gynecomastia or Male Breast Enlargement can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition. Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called Reduction Mammaplasty, and reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contours. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.

Step 1: Anesthesia

The choices include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2: Liposuction

In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through small periareolar incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.

Step 3: Excision

Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced, or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

After the procedure, you will likely to feel a little discomfort in raising your arm & feel mild stiffness and pain in your chest which will subside within 2-3 days. All the normal office type activities can be resumed after 2-3 days while the heavy physical activities will be restricted for 4-6 weeks. A pressure garment is important after surgery, you will need to wear it immediately after the procedure for three months to minimize swelling & support your new chest contour. Results of Gynecomastia Surgery are permanent, although subsequent obesity can create a gynecomastia-like effect.