Male breast reduction, or gynecomastia surgery, reduces excess fat, skin, and/or glandular tissue to create a more masculine and toned appearance.
Common factors that can cause enlarged male breasts, or gynecomastia, include:
Many men deal with these issues. Estimates suggest that about fifty percent of men in the United States have experienced some degree of gynecomastia, usually occurring during puberty and reversing spontaneously. Fortunately, surgery can deal very effectively with persistent cases and consistently satisfies patients. Dr. Steven Varkony has performed this procedure a great many times with consistently outstanding outcomes.
There are two primary methods for performing male breast reduction, though they may be combined.
Liposuction is typically used to remove excess fat and sculpt the remaining tissues. In gynecomastia surgery, a solution is injected into the breast tissue to shrink blood vessels before a cannula (a small surgical suction device) is inserted into the targeted area through tiny incisions. Excess fatty tissue is then suctioned out before the incisions are closed. A patient’s age and skin elasticity may help to determine whether or not liposuction is the best choice.
Surgical excision (also known as the excision technique) removes additional non-fatty tissues, such as glandular breast tissue and/or excess skin. This technique may also be applied to the areola region if it has been stretched or displaced by excessive breast weight. Incisions are typically hidden within the natural wrinkles of the patient’s skin or surrounding the areola.
Sometimes, a combination of both liposuction and extraction is used to produce the best results. Each patient’s needs will vary, so a consultation with Dr. Varkony will help determine the most appropriate technique.
The procedure begins with general anesthesia administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. After the patient is fully anesthetized, incisions are made. These are based on several factors, including breast size, areola size, and whether or not excess skin is present. In most cases, the procedure takes about one hour. If additional surgeries are being performed simultaneously, it may take longer.
A compression bandage is applied immediately after surgery. Patients can return to a sedentary job the day after surgery. Upper body exercise or strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.
The final results of the procedure should be evident once swelling has fully subsided. Outcomes should last indefinitely so long as the patient avoids significant weight gain and/or ceases taking any medications or drugs that contributed to their gynecomastia. More specific detailed instructions tailored to each patient will be provided by the doctor and surgical team.
If you’re ready to seriously consider gynecomastia surgery, please call us at (818) 791-1143 or visit our contact page. A leading plastic surgeon in Encino, Dr. Steven Varkony serves patients from throughout the Greater Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley areas, including Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Tarzana, Woodland Hills, Beverly Hills, and West LA.
