Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Candidates for gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, are typically men who have enlarged breasts due to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, hereditary factors or the use of certain medications.

Ideal candidates are those who feel self-conscious about their chest size and are looking for a more traditionally masculine contour. Suitable patients should be in good general health and should refrain from smoking.

A male breast reduction procedure is designed to treat gynecomastia and involves removing excess fat and glandular tissue to achieve a flatter, more traditionally masculine chest contour. The surgery typically uses liposuction, surgical tissue excision or a combination of both, depending on the nature of the breast enlargement.

Gynecomastia surgery, aimed at treating enlarged male breasts, employs various techniques based on the composition and the extent of the enlargement. The two primary methods are liposuction and direct tissue excision.

Liposuction is commonly used when the breast enlargement is primarily due to excess fatty tissue. In this procedure, multiple small incisions are made through which a cannula is inserted.  Dr. Tieman then uses the cannula to break up and remove the excess fat, sculpting the chest for a better contour.

Tissue excision is needed when the enlargement is due to excess glandular tissue, which is denser than fatty tissue and can’t be effectively removed by liposuction alone. This technique involves larger incisions for direct access to remove the glandular tissue and is also used to remove excess skin if there is significant sagging.

In more complex cases, a combination of both liposuction and excision might be employed to achieve optimal results. This combination allows Dr. Tieman to more precisely shape the chest area, addressing both fatty and glandular tissue for a natural, more aesthetically pleasing chest contour.

Post-operative care is crucial for successful healing and includes:

• Wearing compression garments.
• Managing pain and swelling with prescribed medications.
• Limiting physical activity to ensure proper recovery.

Recovery from male breast reduction surgery typically involves a period of rest and limited activity to allow the body to heal properly. Patients will wear compression garments to minimize swelling and support their new chest contour.

Pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications, and most patients are able to return to work within 1 to 2 weeks , depending on the nature of their job. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least six weeks to ensure optimal healing. Swelling and bruising may persist for a few weeks, but these symptoms gradually decrease as the body recovers.

The results of male breast reduction surgery are typically significant and permanent, offering patients a flatter, firmer chest contour that enhances overall physique and self-confidence. The improvements are noticeable immediately, although they may take several months to fully manifest as swelling subsides.

Most patients experience a dramatic improvement in the appearance of their chests, which can greatly reduce the emotional distress and self-consciousness associated with gynecomastia. 

Maintaining a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle is crucial to preserving the results, as significant weight gain or hormonal imbalances can potentially alter the outcome. Patients often report increased comfort in clothing and a boost in body image, contributing to a better quality of life.