What is male breast reduction?
Male breast reduction is a procedure which can reduce the size of enlarged male breasts, making them flatter, firmer and better contoured. During the surgery, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed from the breasts and, if necessary, excess skin may be removed as well.

Who is a candidate for male breast reduction?
Candidates for male breast reduction include men who are looking to improve the appearance of an enlarged breast. It's also important that male breast reduction candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. Many patients undergoing this surgery are affected by gynecomastia, a medical condition characterized by over development of the male breast which affects an estimated 40% to 60% of men.

What occurs during a consultation for male breast reduction?
During the consultation for male breast reduction, you will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. The doctor will carefully examine your breasts and take your medical history. He will check for potential causes of gynecomastia which may include impaired liver function or the use of certain drugs like estrogen-containing medications, anabolic steroids, marijuana and alcohol. If a cause is found, it will need to be addressed before undergoing surgery. The details of the procedure will be explained, your expectations discussed, and any questions that you have addressed.

Where is the male breast reduction surgery performed?
At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota may perform male breast reduction surgery in their in-office operating room, a state-of-the-art facility that is fully approved by the American Association for the Accreditation of Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for class A/B/C surgical procedures.

What form of anesthesia is the male breast reduction surgery performed with?
General anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation may be used during the male breast reduction surgery.

How is the male breast reduction surgery performed?
The male breast reduction surgery begins by making incisions which may be made on the edge of the areola or in the area of the underarm. Working through the incisions, excess glandular tissue and fat are removed from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breasts. Excess skin may also be removed. Liposuction alone may be used if there is only excess fatty tissue.

How long is the surgical time for male breast reduction?
Male breast reduction takes an average of one to one-and-a-half hours to perform.

Where are the incisions made for male breast reduction?
The incisions for male breast reduction are usually made around the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. Incisions may be large if a major reduction is being addressed. If, on the other hand, fatty tissue alone needs to be removed with liposuction, a very small incision of less than a half-inch in length may be made around the edge of the areola.

Are there scars after male breast reduction surgery?
The incisions made for the male breast reduction surgery will result in scars. However, they are usually placed in a well-concealed location on the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. Incisions and resulting scars may be smaller if only excess fatty tissue is to be removed or they may be larger if a major reduction is required.

How much pain is associated with male breast reduction surgery?
Some discomfort may occur during the first few days after the male breast reduction surgery and medication can be prescribed to help alleviate this.

What sort of recovery is there after male breast reduction surgery?
After male breast reduction, bandages or dressings may be applied to the breasts. In some cases, a small drainage tube may be applied to the incision site as well. Patients can expect some degree of swelling and bruising. The swelling may disguise the improvement at first but should fade within a few weeks. A compression garment may need to be worn for about one to two weeks after the surgery.

How soon after male breast reduction surgery can patients return to their work?
Most patients are able to return to work and most other normal activities within about one to two days after undergoing male breast reduction surgery.