Male breast reduction, a surgical procedure, is used to treat abnormal breast development. This condition, known as gynecomastia, is thought to affect up to half of all men. Male breast surgery may also be appropriate for those who have lost a substantial amount of weight, leaving behind excess fat or skin in this area.
Gynecomastia
If you have been diagnosed with gynecomastia, male breast surgery may be right for you. Typical patients for this procedure are men who are self-conscious about the extra tissue on their chest. If you avoid taking off your shirt and exposing your chest in public, wear loose-fitting clothing to hide your breast development, or avoid physical and intimate activities that may expose your condition, male breast surgery may be right for you.
During male breast surgery, excess breast tissue, fat, and skin is removed from the chest. The goal of this procedure is to leave men with a more masculine silhouette. Ideal candidates for male breast reduction, an invasive surgical procedure, are in good overall health. Those with skin that is elastic and firm will respond best to this procedure.
Is surgery really necessary?
Before undergoing male breast reduction, discuss the possible underlying causes for breast development with your surgeon. It may be possible to correct the issue without surgery. Ideal candidates for this procedure are over the age of 18, to rule out puberty-related causes of temporary breast development. Patient wishing to undergo male breast reduction who are over 30 pounds overweight should attempt to lose weight first, as this may correct the issue.
Those who drink alcohol excessively or smoke marijuana should stop these activities, as both are potential causes of gynecomastia. Other potential causes include the use of certain medications, especially steroids, or impaired liver function. If these causes have been ruled out, male breast surgery may be right for you.
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