For many men, living with enlarged breasts (or “man boobs”) can seem hopeless. That is until they are introduced to male breast reduction. Male breast reduction surgery can provide men who experience breast enlargement a terrific way to flatten the contour of their chest and achieve a more masculine appearance once and for all. Like any other plastic surgery procedure, male breast reduction requires some preparation on the part of the patient. To help prospective patients get off on the right foot, I wanted to provide a few tips for how guys can prepare for their male breast reduction.
Receive a Diagnosis from a Plastic Surgeon
True gynecomastia is caused by an excess of glandular breast tissue, not from fat. That’s why weight loss cannot alleviate breast enlargement for the majority of men. It’s important to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to confirm that you are experiencing true gynecomastia and then begin to develop a surgical plan together.
Find a Plastic Surgeon You Can Depend On
Selecting the right plastic surgeon to perform your male breast reduction is the most crucial step towards achieving the outstanding, long-lasting results you deserve. Any surgeon you consider should be board-certified as a plastic surgeon (not a cosmetic surgeon). They should have considerable experience working with male patients and performing male breast reduction.
Prepare for Post-Surgery Recovery
The recovery period is an essential and unavoidable aspect of undergoing male breast reduction, so it’s best to be prepared. In addition to setting and maintaining realistic expectations for your surgery and recovery, I recommend coordinating a ride to and from your procedure and making sure you have physical assistance on-hand for the first few days following your surgery. It’s important to schedule 2 – 4 days off of work for recovery (jobs that entail more strenuous labor may require more time).
I typically perform at least 4 or 5 male breast reduction procedures every week and patient satisfaction is extremely high. My team’s ability to make guys feel comfortable and deliver the outstanding, life-changing results they expect is a large reason why we are one of the Southeast’s leading practices when it comes to treating gynecomastia. Depending on the degree of breast enlargement, I can perform this procedure in the office under light sedation or under general anesthesia. Post-surgery recovery is virtually pain-free following male breast reduction.
If you think you might be a good candidate for male breast reduction, the first step is consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon like myself. During all male breast reduction consultations, I take time to answer any questions the patient may have and provide thorough pre-operative instructions to help them prepare for their surgery. For more information on male breast reduction or to schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for additional news and updates.