According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men are affected by gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts.
Known causes of gynecomastia include certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, estrogen-containing medications, alcohol and marijuana. Medical conditions such as cancer and impaired liver function may also cause or contribute to enlarged breasts in men. However, in many cases, there is no known or suspected cause.
Fortunately, our sophisticated gynecomastia treatment using ultrasonic liposuction with additional excision of breast glandular tissue when necessary can help reduce enlarged breasts in men. The incisions for both the liposuction and excisional procedures are typically very small (less than ½ inch) and can be made discreetly at the lower edge of the nipple areolar region.
To make the surgery as pain free and safe as possible, our gynecomastia procedure is usually performed in our Providence operatory on an outpatient basis using intravenous sedation rather than general anesthesia. The nerves that normally conduct pain are also blocked with a long-acting numbing medication.
Male breast reduction surgery is a very common procedure among men, and our patients are typically able to return to their normal daily routines after about a week. They may return to work sooner if their job is not a physical one.
We have found that this combined gynecomastia treatment approach using ultrasonic technology can lead to a firmer, flatter appearance and a better breast contour that artistically matches the male body physique. Most of our gynecomastia patients report a greater comfort level with their bodies as well as an overall boost in self-confidence following their gynecomastia surgery.
Read one patient’s story.