The weather is warming up again and shirtless season is approaching. While those trips to the beach and pool can be a blast, they can also be a source of frustration, embarrassment, and anxiety for men with gynecomastia. Gynecomastia, a condition in which excess glandular tissue in the chest area leads to male breast enlargement, affects millions of men in the US today. While gynecomastia does not pose any physical health risk, it can certainly take an emotional toll on men of all ages.
For men who seek relief from gynecomastia, there is male breast reduction surgery. During this procedure, I am able to surgically remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. There is no question that many men can benefit from undergoing male breast reduction. But what exactly makes someone a good candidate for this procedure? Allow me to explain.
To be a good candidate for male breast reduction, a man must have true gynecomastia. Meaning, their breast enlargement must result from having too much glandular tissue and not fat. It’s common for adolescent and teenage boys to experience gynecomastia-like symptoms that are caused by elevated estrogen levels that occur naturally during puberty. In many cases, the breasts will flatten out around the time they enter their 20’s. That’s why it is sometimes better for younger men to wait before undergoing male breast reduction.
The ideal male breast reduction candidate is an adult man who is not able to reduce his enlarged breasts with diet and exercise alone. Additionally, to be eligible for male breast reduction, a prospective patient must be in good mental and physical health. Candidates should be non-smokers, as nicotine use can create complications during surgery and during the post-surgery recovery period. Lastly, candidates should have a positive outlook and realistic expectations of what can be achieved with male breast reduction.
I have seen firsthand the amazing relief that comes from finally shedding the burden of gynecomastia. If you experience male breast enlargement and think you may be a candidate for male breast reduction, it may be time to schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. For more information or to schedule your complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ for additional tips, photos, videos, and more.