Male Breast Reduction – Gynecomastia
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of male breasts that can affect one (less common) or both sides and can occur at various stages of life (in newborns, during puberty, and in older age). The two main causes of gynecomastia are: hormonal imbalance, which causes an increase in glandular tissue, and excessive body mass, which leads to the accumulation of fatty tissue in the breasts (known as pseudogynecomastia). Hormonal gynecomastia is due to an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels, specifically an elevated level of estrogen relative to testosterone. It naturally occurs in male newborns due to exposure to maternal estrogen and also during puberty when hormone levels fluctuate. In men over 50, gynecomastia is very common due to the natural decrease in testosterone levels and an increase in body fat in this age group. In some cases, a combination of factors is present, resulting in an excess of both glandular and fatty tissue in the breasts.
In most cases, gynecomastia resolves spontaneously as hormone levels normalize during development and does not cause significant issues. However, in some boys and men, it may persist or develop later in life due to various health conditions or the use of medications affecting hormone levels. Gynecomastia is treated by addressing the primary cause, using medications to regulate hormone levels, or through surgical removal of excess tissue from the breasts.
What is male breast reduction?
Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure that involves removing glandular and/or fatty tissue to reduce the size of the male breasts. If the enlargement is due to an increase in glandular tissue, the reduction is performed using a classic surgical method through a small semicircular incision around the nipple. If the issue is due to fatty tissue accumulation, liposuction is the most effective method for reducing the breasts by removing excess fat. Sometimes, both methods may be used in the same procedure due to the presence of both glandular and fatty tissue.
How is male breast reduction performed?
Male breast reduction is performed under general or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether glandular or fatty tissue, or both, need to be removed. Removal of a larger amount of glandular tissue typically requires direct surgical removal through a small incision (about 3 cm) under the nipple. This procedure is usually done under general anesthesia and lasts approximately 2 hours.
If the breast enlargement is due to fatty tissue accumulation, the best and least invasive method is liposuction, which involves removing the excess fat. At Poliklinika Sinteza, we perform male breast reduction under local anesthesia using laser lipolysis, which melts fat cells using laser energy. After this, a vibrating liposuction cannula is used to separate and remove excess fat. This method reduces the duration of the procedure (about 1 hour), postoperative swelling, and recovery time due to its less invasive nature.
If necessary, the procedure may also include reducing and reshaping the nipples.
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SEND INQUIRYWho are candidates for male breast reduction?
In addition to being a common aesthetic problem that can lead to dissatisfaction with appearance and loss of self-confidence in both young men and adults, gynecomastia can also cause physical discomfort. Symptoms include:
- Breast pain
- Swelling and sensitivity of the breasts
- Swelling and sensitivity of the breasts
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it is essential to visit a doctor to determine the underlying cause of the breast enlargement (such as diseases, medication use, excessive weight, etc.) and to develop a treatment plan.
Risks of male breast reduction
Postoperative complications are rare but can include reactions to anesthesia, increased bleeding, swelling, or infection.
Other rare complications after breast reduction include:
- Seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin)
- Hypertrophy of scars
- Breast asymmetry
- Poor wound healing
- Loss of sensation in the nipple area
- Unsatisfactory aesthetic appearance of the breasts or nipples
Preparation for male breast reduction
Before the procedure, a consultation with a plastic surgeon is necessary to determine the type and amount of tissue present in the breasts and to recommend a treatment plan and the optimal method for addressing your issue. At our clinic, we take into account medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors that might have contributed to the development of gynecomastia, so it is important to provide all relevant information during the consultation.
A consultation with an endocrinologist may also be required to check for any underlying hormonal disorders.
Preparation for the procedure involves several steps, depending on the type of anesthesia (general or local) and the extent of the procedure.
If general anesthesia is recommended, laboratory blood tests, an ECG, and a consultation with an anesthesiologist are necessary, and fasting for 8 hours before the procedure is required.
It is also recommended to stop taking blood-thinning medications (such as Andol, Aspirin) and NSAIDs (such as Brufen, Voltaren, Ketonal) 2 weeks before the procedure, and to stop smoking 6 weeks before the procedure.
The day before and on the day of the procedure, you should shower with antibacterial soap.
Recovery from male breast reduction
Recovery from the procedure is relatively easy and quick. If the reduction was performed under general anesthesia, the patient may stay at the clinic until the next day, while with local anesthesia, the patient can go home the same day.
An elastic bandage is applied after the procedure, which is replaced with an elastic compression garment the next day and should be worn for 4-6 weeks.
Return to regular activities is possible after 7-10 days, with a need to avoid strenuous activities such as intense exercise and heavy lifting for about 3 weeks. More significant physical activities can be resumed after 4-6 weeks.
A slight swelling is expected during the first 3-4 weeks, which may cause temporary changes in sensation but will subside over time.
Cost of male breast reduction
You can check the current price list for the cost of the procedure. Contact us by phone at +385 1 5005 970 or email info@sinteza.hr for more information. For direct appointment reservations, click on the link.
Service location
- For 16 years, the first choice for our clientsSinteza - Folnegovićeva
