Male Breast Reduction in Birmingham, AL

Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, is a relatively common condition among adolescent boys, as well as older and overweight men. Understandably, many individuals with gynecomastia battle embarrassment and shame, especially in light of the societal ideas of what the male body should look like. In order to escape these feelings, some men with enlarged breasts attempt to hide or ignore the condition. For these individuals, male breast reduction surgery may offer a promising solution.

When to Consider Male Breast Reduction

The cause of gynecomastia is unknown, though certain habits and lifestyles, and hormone imbalances are known to aggravate the condition. Indications for male breast reduction surgery may include any number of the following:

• Use of anabolic steroids, estrogen-containing medications
• Excess breast tissue (combination of fat and glandular tissue)
• Sensitive or tender chest tissue

Your Male Breast Reduction: What to Expect

Dr. Petro may ask that you receive a general pre-surgery check-up so that she can gain a comprehensive understanding of potential factors affecting your condition. Additionally, she may recommend that you have an MRI or mammogram.

Male breast reduction surgery itself takes about 2 hours. If the cosmetic surgeon decides to focus mostly on removing glandular tissue, then she may only use an excision-only approach when performing your male breast reduction. However, if both fat and glandular tissue must be removed, then a combined approach involving liposuction and excision will be used.

For an excision-only (surgical removal) approach, the surgeon will make the incision under the arm or the areola, through which glandular tissue and fat will be removed with a scalpel. In a combined approach, liposuction will be performed following the excision, and with the same incisions. During liposuction, the surgeon inserts a cannula, or thin tube, into the incision and removes the fat by way of a vacuum device. If only liposuction is needed, then your cosmetic surgeon will make a small incision around the edge of the areola, or under the arm.

What Happens After Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Most men are back to work within 1 week following breast reduction. Discomfort, swelling and bruising are common side effects of surgery that can be managed with pain medication. Dr. Petro will go over aftercare instructions specific to your surgery and individual needs.

If you would like to learn more about the cost, risks, and benefits of male breast reduction surgery, please contact Dr. Melanie Petro’s Vestavia Hills office located near Birmingham.