Gynecomastia

A word about breast reduction in men...

Gynecomastia, often mispelled as Gynocomastia, is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "woman-like breasts." Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it's actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases of gynecomastia.

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast reduction surgery can help. The procedure for correcting gynecomastia removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

If you're considering surgery to correct gynecomastia, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure--when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect. It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual circumstances. Please be sure to ask your doctor if there is anything about the procedure you don't understand.

The Best Candidates For Gynecomastia Correction

Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours.

Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss (similarly advised to any form of liposuction). Also, individuals who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty And Risk

When male breast reduction surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, as with any surgery like liposuction, there are risks. These include infection, skin injury, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and excessive fluid loss or accumulation. The procedure may also result in noticeable scars, permanent pigment changes in the breast area, or slightly mismatched breasts or nipples. If asymmetry is significant, a second procedure may be performed to remove additional tissue. The temporary effects of breast reduction include loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Quick Facts*

• Procedure: Reduce enlarged, female-like breast (gynecomastia) in men using liposuction and/or cutting out excess glandular tissue. (Sometimes covered by medical insurance.)
• Length: 1 hour or more. [Depending on the Surgeon]
• Anesthesia: General or local.
• In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.
• Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation.
• Risks: Infection. Fluid accumulation. Injury to the skin. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Asymmetry. Pigmentation changes (may become permanent if exposed to sun). Excessive scarring if tissue was cut away. Need for second procedure to remove additional tissue.
• Recovery: Back to work: 3 to 7 days. More strenuous activity: 2 to 3 weeks. Swelling and bruising: 3 to 6 months.
• Duration of Results: permanent

Taken From The American Society of Plastic Surgeons www.plasticsurgery.org

"Gynocomastia" is a mispelling of Gynecomastia, improperly derived from the prefix "Gyno-"