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Gynecomastia is the medical term for over-developed or enlarged male chests. The topic has become common in the media, sometimes featuring in (somewhat insensitive) jokes or comedies, bandied about as ‘moobs’, ‘man boobs’, etc.  Against this background however, innovative male breast reduction surgeries for men are an increasing trend in cosmetic surgery.

The procedure

Men having breast reduction surgery should meet with their physician to discuss the operation before scheduling as

-         there are a number of causes for the condition – DO SEE YOUR DOCTOR TO EXPLORE THESE FIRST

-         techniques and results vary from patient to patient

So whilst many internet sites may detail ‘procedures’, again the only true advice for patient is that of the physician! Generally speaking though:

Where the chest is enlarged due to fatty tissue, liposuction is used. Various techniques exist for liposuction, chosen according to the patient’s individual needs. In general, the patient is given a general anaesthetic and a cannula, a narrow hollow tube shaped instrument is inserted through small surgical incisions. The cannula is manoeuvred backwards and forward to loosen the fatty tissue for removal by suction.

Removal of glandular breast tissue or excess skin is generally with excision techniques, where incisions are made to enable surgical cutting away of the unwanted materials before suturing to reseal the chest.

The surgery may involve a combination of techniques, and if the nipple or areola needs repositioning due to the ‘new’ chest shape created by liposuction this will involve excision.

Reasons for choosing breast reduction surgery

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Common reasons for choosing this surgery are regions of fat that don’t respond to training marketed as ”get rid man boobs’ diets and exercise; rapid weight loss leading to sagging skin giving a more defined look to the breast than is comfortable for the man and feelings of embarrassment around the physique.

Some men may have difficulty finding clothes which they feel hang correctly over the enlarged chest. Social factors, such as ‘jokes’ or insensitive comments may also contribute to the desire for surgery. For some men the condition can provoke deeply uncomfortable emotions. Some men can feel embarrassed, ashamed, anxious and unfortunately shameful about their physique. Others may feel perhaps not such a range of negative emotion but have a desire to look younger.

Considerations

Advice from various professional cosmetic surgeons associations emphasises time and again the need for qualified and experienced surgical teams who have specialist training in the procedure. One common theme is that while for many patients, cost can be a huge factor in choosing a surgeon; it is advised that a surgeon is never chosen simply for the cheapest price tag. Another common caution is any surgical procedure carries elements of risk and these should be fully explained and explored with the surgeon before committing to any procedure.

There are many other considerations; consult your physician and try the professional body for cosmetic (aesthetic, plastic) surgeons in your country for more information. There is a rising trend for male cosmetic procedures, including hair transplant surgery, male breast reduction, male tummy tucks and male ‘facelift’ procedures. As with any new trend in plastic surgery, the most important element should always be saftey and consulting only expert, legally qualified and specialised surgical teams for unpressured, no-obligation advice. Never put your health at risk for a seemingly lower price without finding out all the facts first.

DISCLAIMER: No information here can be used as medical advice or used to make any healthcare decision!  Please only consult qualified physicians for advice.

Julia Smith

Photo Credits

1. http://www.sxc.hu/profile/lusi

2. http://www.sxc.hu/profile/nazreth

Professional bodies – please note, this list is not exhaustive and we do not ‘endorse’ them or get paid to carry this information:

UK-  British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

http://www.baaps.org.uk

USA – American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

http://www.plasticsurgery.org/

Canada-  Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons/ Societe Canadienne Des Churugiens Plasticiens

http://www.plasticsurgery.ca/