Breast reduction for men - Gynecomastia

This is usually a benign (non-cancerous) condition that may be caused by many different hormonal changes, or the cause may be unknown. The changes in hormones usually include an increase in estrogens or a decrease in androgens (testosterone). Sometimes, this condition may be associated with other diseases that must be ruled out in order to make a diagnosis. In some conditions, including breast cancer, liver diseases, lung cancer, testicular cancer, tumors of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland, drug use, certain congenital (present at birth) syndromes, or thyroid disorders or trauma, gynecomastia presents itself as a symptom.

Men of any age who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours. In some instances, surgery may be discouraged for overweight men who have not first tried an exercise and diet regimen.

Treating the underlying cause of the gynecomastia may lead to improvement in the condition. Patients should talk with their doctor about revising any medications that are found to be causing gynecomastia; often, an alternative medication can be found that avoids gynecomastia side-effects, while still treating the primary condition for which the original medication was found not to be suitable due to causing gynecomastia side-effects.  

Your surgeon may: evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, perform diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia; this may include testing of your endocrine function, examine your breasts and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples and areolas, take photographs for your medical record, discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment, discuss the likely outcomes of gynecomastia correction and any risks or potential complications and discuss the use of anesthesia during your breast reduction

The type of anesthesia used will depend on many factors, including your preference, the surgeon, the extent of the growth, your age, and the size of the incision. Either local or general anesthesia may be utilized. The surgeon often will make marks on the skin before surgery to indicate the areas to be removed. There are different types of surgical procedures that may be utilized, including the following:

- suction lipectomy - this is a form of liposuction that allows for tapering of the edges of the tissue without unwanted side effects. Complicated gynecomastia conditions may require an open surgical procedure, in which an incision is placed into the breast tissue and the excess tissue is removed,

- endoscopic surgery - this newer procedure uses a small, flexible tube with a light and a camera lens at the end (endoscope) to examine the inside of the breast. Tissue is then removed without placing a large, open, surgical incision. Data regarding the accuracy or complications of this technique are not available at this time.