Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, or the development of enlarged breasts in males, can be a major source of self-consciousness in men and teenagers alike. This condition is often caused by a hormonal imbalance, and can affect one or both breasts. Gynecomastia is not a serious condition, and can easily be corrected with gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction.

Am I a good candidate for Male Breast Reduction surgery?

Candidates for gynecomastia surgery include males whose excess breast tissue cannot be corrected through alternative treatments, and whose breasts are done growing. It is important that patients are healthy, non-smokers who have realistic expectations of the surgery. Men who consume great amounts of alcohol or marijuana may not be ideal candidates for this procedure, due to these drugs being thought to contribute to gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Patient 38
A Hispanic male in her later 30’s is bothered by gynecomastia.  He developed female-appearing breasts at the age of 11 or 12.  He is bothered by the appearance of fitted clothes and at the beach. He wears compression garments to camouflage his appearance.  His weight has fluctuated up and down and he is mildly overweight.  As people gain and lose weight their skin has less elasticity.  The skin will shrink a little but the only way to tighten loose skin is to take a piece out and leave visible scarring on the chest which would make it difficult to take a shirt off at the beach.  Many patients prefer to have a correction of the contour and accept some looseness of the skin as he has here, to still be able to look normal with a shirt off.
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Gynecomastia Patient 37
A man in his early 30’s is bothered by female breast development which happened at the age of 15-16.  He was a regular marijuana smoker at the time and this may have been the cause.  He is bothered by the appearance of his chest with his shirt off and in fitted shirts.  He wears compression shirts under his shirt to camouflage his appearance.  He is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after bilateral gynecomastia excision with power-assisted liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique combined with direct excision of breast tissue from an incision around the lower areola.  With the S.A.F.E. technique ( Separation Aspiration Fat Equalization) a finned cannula is used initially to breast up the fa.  Unlike energy-based liposuction such as Vaser or laser, this does not damage the fat cells.  Then liposuction is performed, then breast tissue is excised.   Then the remaining fat is smooth or “equalized” with the finned cannula... In my hands, this has given the smoothest result.  Scars are at their reddest and thickest at 6 weeks and will now soften and fade over the next year or more.  Topical silicone is prescribed to improve scar maturation.  Swelling will continue to improve over the next 4 ½ months.  He is already thrilled with his result. He is looking forward to a beach wedding, and finally feeling comfortable with his shirt off.
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Gynecomastia #37
A young man in his later teens with gynecomastia since the age of 13.  He does not have a history of marijuana or anabolic steroid use so this is most likely idiopathic in origin.  Idiopathic is a medical term for “we don’t really know why” and is a common presentation at puberty.  He is bothered by fitted shirts and with his shirt off.  He is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after surgery with Power Assisted Liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique ( Separation/Aspiration/Fat Equalization) combined with direct excision of breast tissue from an incision along the lower areola.  Scars are typically at their reddest at 6 weeks and we will now have him use topical silicone to help the scars soften and fade faster.  He is thrilled with his result and can now resume normal activities and the gym.
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Gynecomastia Patient 36
A man in his middle 30’s who had had gynecomastia (development of female-appearing breasts) since he was 13.  He wears Spanx under his shirts to camouflage the appearance of his chest and is bothered by his appearance in most fitted shirts and with his shirt off.  He is shown before and again, 6 weeks after bilateral gynecomastia surgery using the S.A.F.E. technique (  Separation  Aspiration Fat Equalization) utilizing power-assisted liposuction combined with direct excision of breast tissue through an incision around the areola.  A finned  “Becker” cannula is used to breast up the fat mechanically, followed by liposuction, then the excision, then smoothing of the fat with the finned cannula again.  In my hands, this has given the most consistent results.  At 6 weeks he is already thrilled with his improvement and ready to resume normal activity.  A mole was removed from his right shoulder at the same time. 
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Gynecomastia – Patient 165
A student in his later teens who has been bothered by female appearing breast development ( gynecomastia) since the age of puberty.  He was bothered with his shrt off and wore additional shirts to camouflage the appearance.  He is shown before and again, 8 months after bilateral gynecomastia excision with power assisted liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique combimed with direct excision of breast tissue through an incision along the lower areola.
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How is gynecomastia surgery performed?

Male breast reduction surgery in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts is performed under general anesthesia while using a selection of techniques. The first technique is the liposuction technique, where a cannula or thin hollow tube is inserted through small incisions. Dr. Hall moves the cannula back and forth, removing excess fatty tissue through vacuum suction. The second technique is the excision technique, in which an incision is made to remove excess tissue and skin, resulting in a breast reduction. Both the liposuction technique and excision technique can be combined to perform this procedure as well. The technique that is most appropriate in your specific case will be defined during your consultation with Dr. Hall.

What should I expect during recovery?

After surgery, dressings will be applied to any incisions, and a support garment may be worn to aid in support and reduce swelling. A small tube may also be placed to drain any excess fluid or blood that collects. Dr. Hall will give you specific instructions for breast surgery recovery, and it is imperative that you follow them for a rapid and safe recovery.

“Dr. Hall and all of his staff are very welcoming and supportive. In addition, I am extremely pleased with the results of my procedure. I have already referred a friend to Dr. Hall!”

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