Male Breast Reduction

Breast reduction for men is the surgical correction of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.

Procedure: Liposuction is used to remove the fatty tissue under a general anaesthetic. Small incisions are then made around the nipple and at other sites in the chest. A small metal tube (cannula) is used to suck out the fatty tissue. If necessary glandular tissue is also removed through incisions at the border of the nipple. The incisions are then sutured to give a flatter, firmer and better-contoured chest. Any stitches will be of the dissolving type and so do not need to be removed.

Length of the procedure: 2 hours

Recovery: There will be some swelling and bruising of the treated area and to help reduce this you will wear a firm Lycra garment which is worn for 3 weeks. The worst of your swelling will go down in the first few weeks however, it may be a couple of months before the full effect of the breast reduction surgery is apparent. Most patients can resume full activity, including exercise, in about a month following surgery for Gynaecomastia. Recovery is normally between two to three weeks, however 1-2 days after surgery you should be on your feet. It is important not to carry out vigorous activities for the first five days after the surgery. You can return to work and resume most normal activities after three weeks and begin exercise after six weeks.

Results: As long as your expectations are realistic, the chances are you will be pleased with the results. You will have a flatter, better-contoured chest that is more pleasing to yourself.

Risks and complications: Like all surgical procedures, with male breast reduction surgery there is always a possibility of complications. Although these complications are rare, they can include:

Infection

Adverse reaction to anaesthesia

Excessive bleeding

Delayed wound healing

Loss of nipple sensation

Unsatisfactory results

The need for second or sometimes third procedures.