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 #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.
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. 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.
Gynecomastia – Patient 164
An early ( 6 week) result for a man in his late 20’s with gynecomastia since the age of 17, most likely from weight lifting supplements. He is shown before and again, just 6 weeks after treatment with a combination of power assisted liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique, combined with a direct excision of breast tissue through a peri-areloar incision
Scars are typically at their thickest and reddest at 6 weeks and will now soften and fade over the next 2 years. Tattoos have been blurred for his privacy
Gynecomastia – Patient 163
A man in his late 30’s with gynecomastia since puberty. He was heavier as a child and had a maximum weight of 250 lb. He took some anabolic prohormones in his early 20’s and developed some tenderness and increasing fullness of his breasts. He has reduced his weight to 190 lbs but continues to have female appearing breasts which are prominent in fitted shirts and also bother him with his shirt off. He wears extra shirts to try and camouflage the appearance.
He is shown before and again, 6 months after surgery with power assisted liposuction using the S.A.F.E. technique combined with direct excision of breast tissue through a periareolar incision.
Although he continues to have mild skin laxity from decreased skin elasticity following his weight loss, his appearance is greatly improved. The only reliable way to tighten loose skin would be to place a visible scar on his chest which would not be worth the tradeoff.
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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"I treat my patients like I would treat
- Jonathan D. Hall, MD, FACSmembers of my own family."
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