Large breasts in men are common. It is estimated that at some time in their life over a third of men experience this problem.
This is a brief summary of the operation. More details can be obtained from your own surgeon or the ASPS.
Indications: This operation is to remove excess breast tissue in men. This develops in one of two patterns, either a firm button of tissue beneath the nipple or a diffuse fatty change with poorly defined edges. Sometimes both patterns are present. The causes of gynecomastia (large breasts in men) are numerous and may dictate the treatment used. The extent of gynecomastia is graded in stages.
Method: Ultrasonic liposuction alone is helpful for removing the tissue and may avoid skin excision in many patients. It is now considered the treatment of choice for many men with large breasts.The type of surgery recommended depends on the pattern of enlargement. The most common traditional method is to remove the excess tissue through an incision around the nipple. The incision extends out from the nipple at 3 and 9 o'clock. Liposuction is used to improve the contour or remove additional fat. The operation is under a general anesthetic (you are asleep). Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.
Problems: All operations have some risk. It is possible to divide the risks of surgery into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problems which are special for this operation are surface irregularity and a change in shape or position of the nipple.
Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two.