As men age, the appearance of their chest may change. Sometimes they develop excess glands, have stretching of the breast tissue, and may have distortion of one or both nipples. The term “Gynecomastia” is used to describe male breasts that are enlarged. Reduction mammaplasty is the technical term for plastic surgery that reduces excess male breast tissue and improves the appearance of the chest. A man who wishes to have gynecomastia surgery can once again have a flat chest with firmer skin, and an appearance that is thought to be more masculine.
How is Reduction Mammaplasty Performed?
After anesthesia is administered, the physician performs one of the following techniques (or both if needed.) The liposuction technique involves inserting a cannula (a tube that is thin and hollow,) into an incision in the chest. The doctor moves the cannula back and forth to dislodge fat and then suck it up through the tube. If excess skin, or glands need to be removed, the plastic surgeon will cut out what they feel needs to be removed. This procedure is also used if the nipple needs to be re-positioned.
How do Plastic Surgeons Determine if a Patient is a Good Candidate for Surgery?
A doctor will require the following conditions if a man is to be considered a good candidate for reduction mammaplasty:
- They must not a be a drug user or smoker
- Their condition cannot be fixed by any other procedure
- Someone with realistic expectations of their after surgery appearance
- Men who are within a normal weight range
- Someone in good health
- A man who believes that his breasts are too big
Restoring a youthful look, improving appearance, and boosting self esteem, are three of the reasons why a man may choose to have the reduction mammaplasty. This type of surgery may also be helpful to teenage guys, but they should be cautioned that the procedure may have to be repeated later if their breasts continue to develop.
