When performed by an experienced, double board-certified plastic surgeon like myself, patient satisfaction after cosmetic surgery is often extremely high. However, if you asked me which cosmetic procedures would rate highest in this regard, I would say the male breast reduction would be very near the top. Gynecomastia, a condition in which excess glandular tissue in the chest area causes male breast enlargement, is a common source of embarrassment and frustration for men of all ages. That’s why I wanted to answer a few common questions I have received from prospective patients about male breast reduction and how it can help.
Question #1: How long does it take to notice results from a male breast reduction procedure?
Results can often be seen immediately following surgery. Post-surgical swelling is natural after plastic surgery and will temporarily obscure the final results of the surgery. However, the difference made by removing this tissue (as well as some skin and fat) from the chest area can be immediately noticeable. Male breast reduction results will continue to improve in the weeks and months following surgery.
Question #2: How much tissue is removed during the male breast reduction procedure?
When it comes time to answer how much tissue will need to be removed during male breast reduction, it’s a fact that every patient is different. During the pre-surgery consultation, I am able to examine the patient’s chest area and discuss their specific aesthetic goals. At this time, I will be able to determine what exactly will need to be done during surgery and how much tissue will need to be removed. Depending on the patient, some amount of fat and/or skin may also be removed.
Question #3: Will the effects of gynecomastia come back over time?
The results of male breast reduction surgery are meant to be long-lasting. The tissue removed during the procedure will not grow back. Gaining weight can negatively impact the results achieved from surgery, but tissue in the area will not return once it has been removed. In addition to weight gain, certain activities including using steroids or recreational drugs can also lead to a recurrence of gynecomastia symptoms.
No man should have to deal with the feelings of shame and embarrassment associated with gynecomastia. My staff and I have decades of experience performing male breast reduction and helping guys feel their best about their body. For more information on gynecomastia and male breast reduction, contact me, Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery to set up a complimentary plastic surgery consultation today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more cosmetic surgery tips, news, photos, and more.