Male Breast Reduction Q&A
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When to Get Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

asked 4 years ago by anon
Latest answer by Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS
Question viewed 1,814 times
Tags: candidate, timing

I think I have gynecomastia and am considering a male breast reduction. Is there a standard I should apply to decide if I really need the surgery?

31 answers to When to Get Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

+1

Is Gynecomastia surgery necessery is a Good Question

It is a decision you,and you alone, have to make according to your personal needs. When you ask such a question you might not be ready for surgery. Just think about it, Gynecomastia surgery is not for everybody only for man who "really suffer" from the fact their breast are enlarged ,aesthetically,physically and/or psychologically. It is surgery and there is no standard that should apply to decide if you really need the surgery. Some man have an enlaged breast,yet they don't... more
Mordcai Blau, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

www.cosmetic-md.com

+1

Considerations of Gynecomastia Surgery

Many men can live with gynecomastia and have a happy, normal life. Just visit the beach or a public swimming pool and you will see many men bearing their breasts without concern. However if you find that you are very uncomfortable removing your shirt in public, it may be time to consider surgery. See the attached video of three of my patients who share their story. see video
Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD

San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

+2

Variety of treatment options for Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia has many variation in appearance and can affect the composition of the breast with differential involvement of: skin fat gland Depending on what needs to be treated, the surgical options will differ and consist of: Liposuction Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction Gland excision Skin excision No one treatment is sufficient for all the forms of gynecomastia and treatment will advised based on the findings during your examination. The vast majority of patients can be managed with... more
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+2

Really depends....

Gynecomastia as you probably know is condition of enlargement of the male breast - usually there are variable amounts of fat and glandular tisse (actual breast tissue). I treat a fair amount of men for this condition, and what I have found that most cases will benefit from a combination approach consisting of liposuction (to address the fat component and feather / sculpt the chest) and direct glandular excision (through a small incision on the underside of the areola - because this will not... more
Vishal Kapoor, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+2

Male Breast Reduction -- Improving the Male Chest through Surgery

There are two important components of gynecomastia or enlarged chest tissue in men. The important thing for your surgeon to determine is how much of the enlargement consists of actual glandular tissue and how much is related to surrounding fat. As every patient has variable amounts of these, there is no set standard and you should seek an evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon in order to help you make a decision about surgery. Liposuction can often be used to address the excess fat in... more
Eric A. Marchant, MD

Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon
+1

Timing for Male Breast Reduction

When to get Male Reduction (Gynecomastia Reduction) - Best Candidates are healthy men, whose condition cannot be corrected through exercise, weight reduction or other non-surgical treatments. Appropriate preconditions for surgery are the stabilization of breast development (no further breast enlargement) and localized areas of excess breast tissue and fat. Gynecomastia or breast enlargement in men can be corrected by a variety of plastic surgical techniques. This condition... more
Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

Considering Gynecomastia

If your gynecomastia is bothering you it may be a good time to visit with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who does a lot of these procedures. You should see lots of pictures of their results. My patients range from very minor to more major gynecomastia. The decision should be made after you understand all of the risks and benefits and decide if it is right for you. If you are considering this, the best results come when the skin is still young, and more elastic. By the time men are in... more
James A. Hoffman, MD

Saint Paul Plastic Surgeon
+1

Decision for gynecomastia surgery

The first thing that has to be determined is whether you, in fact, have gynecomastia. For this, you will need to see a board certified plastic surgeon. It is also quite important for ascertain whether there is a hormonal imbalance causing increase in breast size so a consultation with an endocrinologist to rule out any underlying medical etiology is recommended. If you do have gynecomastia, the next step would be to assess whether you are a candidate for liposuction or would require... more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Deciding to get gynecomastia surgery

Hello, If the volume of gynecomastia is not improving through either diet/excercise or modification of any supplements being taken then there is no point in waiting longer to have it corrected. If this is the case and the extra chest tissue bothers you I recommend that you evaluate your options for getting it corrected. All the best Dr Repta
Remus Repta, MD

Phoenix Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction (gynecomastia reduction) surgery

Gynecomastia reduction surgery is usually an elective procedure. There is a large range of "ideal" male breast sizes, so often, a conversation with your plastic surgeon before surgery helps to determine the optimal goal. The goal is reduce the size of the chest, so that it is proportionate with the rest of the body. It is important that some fat be left on the breast, or else the skin would be firm, immobile and attached directly to the muscle. This could lead to contour... more
Joseph Mele, MD

Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon
+1

When To Consider Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction is increasingly common as people become more aware of our ability to help with this problem. Newer techniques make the operation more accessible with less scarring. If you are bothered with excess breast size, seek consultation with an experienced surgeon to see if you are a good candidate for male breast reduction.
Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction in MEN--more common that you might think

Male breast reduction is done when the size of a man's breasts bother him.  That's the "standard" you can use to decide when to seek a consultation for male breast reduction. Gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) is quite common and may be caused by a number of factors.  Assuming you are otherwise healthy and are a good candidate for treatment, you might have just liposuction to remove the extra fullness, or you may need a surgical excision (usually done... more
Carmen Kavali, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male chest controuing more common than ever.

Many men have contour issues of the chest and are learning that there are good surgical options available. The procedure to remove fatty and fibrous tissue usually includes liposuction and may also include a small incision to remove the fibrous tissue.  The final conour depends on the amount removed and how well the skin retracts. In my experience, the skin does shrink and the final skin removal is less than would be expected at first.
Anne Taylor, MD

Columbus Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction, male liposuction, gynecomastia

Many men I consult with regarding excess breast development do not have gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a nodule of very firm, sometimes tender breast tissue just underneath the nipple complex. It is generally too dense to liposuction, but can be removed using a small incision around the areola. More commonly I see men with excess fatty tissue in their breast area. If the skin is in good condition, and without stretch marks, liposuction can be a very good option. In those patients who... more
Patti A. Flint, MD

Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon
+1

One out of every six men in Los Angeles have Gynecomastia or Male Breasts

Although one out of every six men in Los Angeles have Gynecomastia not all of them get male breast reduction. Most men who get breast reduction are bothered by the appearance of their chest with or without their shirt on. ith is either having puffy nipples or acutally large breast tissue which hanges. look at before and after pictures of male breast reduction in order to get a better idea if you are also a candidate for male breast reduction.
S. Sean Younai, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Gynecomastia- Male Breast Reduction surgery

Many men, including teens, are too ashamed of their overdeveloped breasts to take off their shirt at the beach. The common condition known as gynecomastia (Greek for "womanlike breasts") is characterized by enlarged breast tissue. The surgery can now be performed through a small incision under the nipple and it is also possible to have gynecomastia correction as an outpatient procedure under twilight anesthesia administered by a board certified anesthesiologist... more
Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

You need male breast reduction surgery if the shape of your chest bothers you

Male breast reduction or the treatment of gynecomastia is not something that is medically necessary.  However, most men are bothered by the feminine shape of their chest.  This makes them uncomfortable taking their shirts off, going to the beach or participating in sports and being in locker rooms.  For these reasons and others, many chose to have their gynecomastia treated.  Surgery is the only effective treatment for gynecomastia.  Often, this involves a... more
Parham Ganchi, MD

Wayne Plastic Surgeon

www.ganchi.com

+1

Male Breast reduction

Excessive breast (Gynecomastia) is a benign condition. There is no medical reason to correct it. However, men who have gynecomastia may seek treatment due to the negative psychological impact. Most of these men do not like going to the beach or the gym and are very self-conscious of their body. If you are in this category of men, you might benefit from treatment. Surgery for Gynecomastia is usually done as outpatient surgery. I usually start with Liposuction of the breast. Most of... more
Stanley Okoro, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Gynecomastia (excessive breast tissue in a male) is a benign condition and never requires exciscion.

Gynecomastia is a benign condition that is not a health threat.  However, most men find it embarrassing and are willing to undergo a small operation to ameliorate the problem.  Sometimes liposuction alone will fix the problem but more often excision is required.  Liposuction will not remove the glandular tissue.
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Removing Excess Breast Tissue for a More Masculine Chest

Excessive breast tissue in a male is a condition known as gynecomastia. This condition can affect both young boys and adult males alike and is often unkindly referred to as "moobs". Although it is a condition that does not pose any medical threat, the condition often leaves boys and men feeling self conscious about their appearance. Because the issue is with breast tissue and not just fat, male breast reduction surgery is the only way to correct the condition. No amount of diet... more
Tarick K. Smaili, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction surgery

If you are concerned about the size of your breasts, then you may benefit from reduction surgery.  The condition, gynecomastia, is quite common and underlying causes are rarely found.  An evaluation by your plastic surgeon can help you decide whether you would be a good candidate for the procedure.
Randy J. Buckspan, MD

Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction surgery increasingly popular

  Male breast reduction surgery, or the correction of gynecomastia, is an extremely popular surgical procedure. Patients appreciate the more toned and athletic appearance after the surgery. In our practice, the priority is to establish a good pectoral contour and to minimize scars much as possible. The majority's cases can be performed through 3 mm incisions and using ultrasound liposuction. In our practice, we commonly used digital software to help morph the patient's... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD

Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction - when and how?

Usually, it is best done when it becomes more of a bother to you. There are different ways - liposuction alone, direct excision of breast tissue and fat, or a combination of both liposuction and excision of tissue. The amount of skin laxity is also a consideration. I wish you all the best.
J. Vicente P. Poblete, MD

Cleveland Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction

There is no one set operation for every person.  The bottom line is that if you are unhappy with the way the chest looks, there are options for treatment from liposuction to skin excision procedures.
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

You are in control of male breast reduction

You have received several answers and the theme of the day is "When you are ready if ever." What drives men to seek treatment is the social embarrassment it can cause as it relates to intimate relationships and/or social situations where it may be desirable to remove one's shirt (i.e. the beach). Only you can determine the threshold!
Earl Stephenson Jr., MD, DDS

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Necessity of Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Usually male breast reduction surgery or gyneco-mastectomy is an elective procedure that each patient must decide for himself whether or not to undergo. This involves weighing the benefits, the risks, and the costs. The one situation which at least should result in a biopsy if not a gynecomastectomy is when the enlargement is on one side only. Although breast cancer is unusual in men (about 1% of all cases), it does occur and can be very aggressive.
John Whitt, MD

Louisville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction is for cosmetic, not functional deformity

Male breast reduction surgery is NEVER strictly speaking necessary. Unlike many other conditions, Gynecomastia (man breasts, Moobs etc) is a cosmetic deformity -- not a functional deformity. If it does not bother you -- do not have it corrected.
Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Male breast reduction creates a flat chest.

Hi. There is no medical reason to correct gynecomastia.  But if you have enough breast fullness that you are self-conscious and you are not taking off your T shirt at the beach, then I would recommend male breast reduction.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Gynecomastia

Male breast reduction for gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissue) is usually an elective procedure performed for cosmetic reasons. Very rarely does a patient have such extremely large breasts or significant excess skin from their breasts that insurance covers the surgery. Most patients who seek out surgery have a moderate form of this condition which is typically treated with a combination of liposuction and direct removal of breast tissue, through a small incision at the level of the... more
William Bruno, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can cause emotional distress among patients who are ashamed of their anatomic chest features. There is no optimal time to seek a consultation for gynecomastia as it is a medical condition with cosmetic implications. If it bothers you, seek a consultation. That said, I would advise patients who have pain, abnormal breast nipple discharge, cellulitis, breast mass, or armpit lymph nodes and unilateral symptoms to seek attention immediately.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is an increasingly common reason that male patients schedule consultation in our practice. Gynecomastia may occur on one or both sides of the chest, may be localized primarily behind the nipple and areola or involve the entire pectoral area, and may arise in the teen years or in retirement years. As the manifestations of gynecomastia vary significantly from patient to patient, the surgical treatment must be carefully individualized. Some... more
Michael Law, MD

Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

michaellawmd.com

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