San Diego Male Breast Reduction
More and more men are increasingly considering plastic surgery as an option to enhance their appearance, gain a competitive edge or address unwanted genetic issues. One of the most common issues that prompts men to seek out the services of a plastic surgeon is the formation of male breast tissue called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of unwanted male breast tissue. This has been shown to have a number of different causes, but the most frequent cause is often one that is undetermined. This, obviously, is a significant concern for all men who suffer from this problem, and is thought to affect many men – possibly as high as 30% of the male population. A number of scientific studies published in 2010 have shown male breast reduction to be one of the fastest growing procedures in all of cosmetic surgery. Our San Diego male breast reduction patients undergo treatment so they feel more comfortable and confident with their bodies.
Who is a Candidate?
Gynecomastia is often first noticed by young men in their teens and can be a source of significant embarrassment. Many boys will never remove their shirt in public and go as far as wearing multiple t-shirts to help hide the unwanted male breast tissue. The treatable causes must be ruled out before proceeding with surgical options.
The best candidates are healthy and emotionally stable men at or near their ideal weight of nearly any age. Overweight patients are often advised to lose weight to ensure that the problem is not related to excess fatty tissue and truly excess male breast tissue.
Plastic Surgery for Men is Becoming More Popular for the Average Guy
Liposuction and rhinoplasty are the most common cosmetic surgery procedures amongst men according to Del Mar plastic surgeon, Dr. Vincent Marin in a San Diego FOX 5 News interview. Other common procedures include eyelid surgery and gynaecomastia or male breast reduction. See before and after photos of Bruce Jenner.
Cast: Vincent Marin, MD
The Consultation
The most important aspect of the consultation is determining if there is a treatable cause of the excess breast tissue development that could avoid the need for surgery – prescription drugs, marijuana, anabolic steroids or in rare cases, tumors. In the vast majority of cases, no cause is found and this is called idiopathic gynecomastia.
During the physical exam, I will attempt to determine the extent of the gynecomastia, and whether this is primarily fatty, glandular (breast tissue) or a combination of both and the degree of skin excess associated with each breast. Your treatment will largely depend upon my physical exam. Once we have decided upon a plan, the details, risks and benefits will be discussed with you in detail.
Preparing for Breast Reduction Surgery
Most of my San Diego patients who are considering male breast reduction surgery are in generally good health. Any significant preexisting medical problems will be fully evaluated prior to surgery. If the breast tissue enlargement is significant, we may advise you to undergo a mammogram prior to surgery as there is a small incidence of male breast cancer. As always, all patients must stop smoking prior to any elective surgery.
The Procedure
This surgery is almost always performed on an outpatient basis, and it can be accomplished with either sedation or a general anesthesia – the decision is based upon the comfort level of the patient as well as the extent of the surgery.
The particular technique used in your case is variable and is based upon the specifics of your anatomy. The options can range from a standard liposuction, excision of glandular breast tissue to a complete breast reduction procedure.
Liposuction
Liposuction approach is the least invasive approach for my San Diego male breast reduction patients. Small access incisions (about 1/8 an inch) are made in easily concealable locations. Fluid is injected to help expand the fatty layer and limit bleeding and bruising. A narrow metal tube with small holes at the end (cannula) is used to suction out the excess breast tissue and sculpt a more masculine chest. Ultrasound assisted liposuction can be recommended if the tissue is particularly dense – as it helps disrupt and remove the unwanted tissue.
Excisional Techniques
If excess skin is not a concern, we can approach your surgery through the removal of the excess breast glandular tissue alone. The excision of the excess breast gland is accomplished through an approach along the lower edge of the areola – the pigmented area around the nipple. This helps hide the scar to the naked eye. If, however, redundant skin and breast gland are a concern, various degrees of breast reduction surgery must be performed. Scarring is more significant in this approach, but it is directly proportional to the degree of excess skin you have at the time of the consultation.
Recovery
Recovery from male breast reduction surgery is largely dependent upon your procedure. Pain and swelling should be mild to moderate and should resolve within a week. Most men are able to return to normal daily activities within a few days. I regularly recommend a compression garment to be worn under your clothes for several weeks after surgery.
Expectations
Our main goal in male breast reduction surgery is to rid you of unwanted breast tissue and skin. Eliminating this can help to restore your self-confidence, especially in situations where you may be without a shirt or need to change in front of others. I have found that most men are very willing to make the trade-off to accept a scar in favor of removing embarrassing and unwanted breast tissue.
San Diego Male Breast Reduction Consults
Contact our La Jolla office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marin.
Call 858.356.5187 or complete this form and someone from our office will get back to you.
Marin Aesthetics
Dr. Vince Marin
1431 Camino Del Mar
San Diego, CA 92014
Phone: 858.356.5187
Toll Free: 888.638.9894
Fax: 858.551.9071
Dr. Marin provides plastic surgery services to the entire San Diego County community.
