Male Breast Reduction
Many men also have breasts that are too large – a condition called gynaecomastia. It can be extremely embarrassing, and is not unusual after hormone treatments – for example to treat prostate cancer. Some men also tend to accumulate fat in this region, and though the gland itself may be of normal size the fat can look like a breast – a condition called pseudogynaecomastia. These conditions can be treated with a cosmetic operation to reduce the size of the male breast.
What does surgery involve?
The surgeon will examine the tissue, and can feel how much of the over-development is due to growth of the gland and how much is fat. It can be performed with only a local anaesthetic.
If the only procedure necessary is liposuction, a small incision is made either at the edge of the nipple or below the breast, and the fat is removed. If there is too much glandular tissue, however, the usual way is to make a small incision across the areola and cut the tissue loose from the under side of the areola.
It is then possible to carefully free the entire gland down to the underlying muscle, so that all of it can be lifted out via the incision. Dissolvable sutures are usually used.
After the operation
These operations are relatively minor, and most patients can return home the same day. By that time the chest already has a flatter, less feminine appearance, although it will take a few months for the tissues to adapt fully to the new situation.
Usually the patient will have to wear a tight fitting support garment or vest for 4 – 6 weeks to keep swelling to a minimum.
For further information on any surgical procedures or
to book a consultation, please contact us at:
Fitzwilliam Clinic, 70-72 Lisburn Road, Belfast
Tel: 028 9032 3888
Email: [email protected]
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