The breast tissue in men is generally 1-1/2 inches or less than that and Gynecomastia is a condition where the men have breasts that appear larger than the normal size. Some times the bigger breasts in men are simply because of the extra fat and is misunderstood as Gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is also known as male breast reduction.

What are the common causes for Gynecomastia or Male breast reduction?
Gynecomastia is mostly the result of imbalance or the unexpected changes in the hormones estrogen and testosterone.

Is there a requirement to do a test to confirm Gynecomastia?
It depends on the symptoms, age and your medical history. Almost 65% of boys around 14 years of age have this condition and it’s part of hormonal changes and puberty; here the Gynecomastia will gradually subside in 2-3 years. However if it’s a case of older men and breasts seem to bigger and tender, then after a brief physical examination a test might be conducted to confirm the Gynecomastia.

Can this male breast reduction be corrected with surgery?
Yes, there is a surgery for breast reduction in men! The surgery usually involves removal of excess fat by way of liposuction method and giving the barest its normal shape and size.

Is it painful?
Like any other surgery anesthesia is given to the patient before surgery. Your doctor is the best person to advise you weather you would need a local anesthesia or an intravenous sedation.

What about the scars after the surgery?
The scars are the natural results of the breast correction surgery. However it largely depends on the doctor again, most of the time the scars are hidden under the natural contours of your skin and are not visible unless you look for it.

Where is the surgery done usually?
It is generally considered an outpatient surgery however the surgical procedure would vary from person to person and hence it can also be done in a hospital setting.

Is breast reduction surgery must for me?
The decision to go for the breast reduction surgery should be completely your choice and should not be a forced decision. You should not take it up to fit anybody’s definition of perfect nor should you do it out of helplessness.

What are the risks involved in the male breast reduction surgery?
Some risks are the general risk that are there for any surgical procedure, like – Bleeding, infection, anesthesia risk, need for revisional surgery, persistent pain etc.
Other risks that are specific to the Gynecomastia Surgery are – Breast Asymmetry, Scarring, Swelling and bruising, Fatty tissue in the deep skin might die, Excessive loss of fluid or the fluid accumulation etc

What care and caution you should take when you go home after the surgery?

• Follow doctor’s instructions carefully and take medication prescribed on time.
• Do not exert yourself with any kind of work; relax as much as you can, both physically and mentally.
• If you see any of theses symptoms, consult your doctor immediately – shortness of breath, severe pain in chest or surrounding area, sudden bleeding, disrupted heart beats.

Are the results of male breast surgery permanent?
The outcomes of the Gynecomastia are mostly permanent except in cases where the Gynecomastia was caused by the use of a certain drugs. In such cases sufficient care needs to be taken to not to use those drugs any more after the surgery. However discuss every fact about your medical history, as it is crucial to your own health.