Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastectomy, is a plastic surgery procedure that removes breast tissue and skin, if necessary, in men suffering from gynecomastia, or overly large breasts. Gynecomastia is a benign condition that can appear during puberty or later in life. The cause of this condition is different in each life phase but the surgical treatment is the same. Although the condition is benign, the psychological impact and effect on ones self-esteem can be significant. The results and benefits of gynecomastectomy are ranked among the highest in plastic surgery patient satisfaction.

Surgical process explained

The surgery can take between two to four hours. Dr. Kessler will recommend whether general anesthesia or intravenous sedation is the best option for you. Medications will also be administered throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort. While the appropriate incision technique will vary according to individual breast presentation, there are essentially three options. The first is the most common and is for individuals with good skin tone and breast tissue which resides immediately below the nipple. In these individuals liposuction is done through small incisions in the breast fold and an incision at the junction of the pigmented skin of the areola and the lighter breast skin. This color change camouflages the incisions which generally heal beautifully. This incision is usually about a third of the diameter of the areola and allows for the removal of the breast gland. If there is excess skin in addition to significant breast tissue an incision completely around the areola may suffice. If a full cup breast and skin excess are present an incision made in the breast fold will be necessary to address this. In rare cases with large breasts free nipple grafting may be necessary. Sutures are used to close the incisions and a compression vest is worn for a few weeks. Drains may or may not be used based on the extent of the procedure. If a drain is placed it will usually be removed by the fifth postoperative day.

Your Male Breast Reduction Surgery will be performed in Dr. Robert Kessler's surgery center located in Corona Del Mar.

Recovery period after surgery

Most men return to work by one week. Postoperative pain has been described as being similar to soreness after a vigorous work out. It is common to experience some swelling and bruising at the surgery site, but the compression vest is designed to minimize this. You may resume limited activities immediately but no cardio or actions which will significantly raise your blood pressure. Lower extremity work outs can begin by two weeks. Upper body exercise is restricted until one month postop.

• 01 What is a breast reduction?
  Breast Reduction, also known as Mammaplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to reduce the size of large, heavy breasts. This procedure will make the chest more proportionate in size to the rest of the body; relieving strain on the back, neck, and shoulders.
• 02 How is a breast reduction performed?
  A Breast Reduction involves a periareola and inverted T-incision (around the nipple, down the breast, and horizontally across the breast crease). Once an incision is made, excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin are removed; often Liposuction is used in the armpit area for a sculpted breast contour. The nipples are then repositioned and the incisions sutured.
• 03 Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction?
  The ideal candidate for a Breast Reduction will be a nonsmoking woman, in good health, seeking relief from a heavy, large chest.
• 04 Where is the breast reduction procedure performed?
  Dr. Kessler performs surgery at a nearby accredited outpatient Surgery Center.
• 05 What type of anesthesia is used during a breast reduction?
  A Breast Reduction is performed under general anesthesia.
• 06 How long does a breast reduction procedure take?
  Depending on the specific patient, a Breast Reduction will take between three and five hours.
• 07 What can i expect from the breast reduction recovery?
  The recovery from a Breast Reduction is expected to last from seven to ten days. Some tenderness, swelling, and bruising may be experienced initially. Dr. Kessler will prescribe appropriate medications to keep patients comfortable at home. All strenuous lifting and exercise should wait for at least four to six weeks.
• 08 When can i return to work after a breast reduction?
  Patients are normally feeling well enough to return to work three to five days after their Breast Reduction.
• 09 What are the risks of a breast reduction?
  A Breast Reduction is a safe and effective procedure, although there is the risk of complications involved with any surgery. These may include excessive bleeding, poor healing, asymmetry, and numbness around the nipple.
• 10 Will a breast reduction leave scars?
  Yes, there will be visible scarring after a Breast Reduction; this runs around the areola, down the breast, and across the breast crease.
• 11 Can i finance my breast reduction?
  Kessler Plastic Surgery accepts a wide variety of payment choices: cash, all major credit cards, and financing through CareCredit. An online application will provide immediate approval for your line of credit; no down payment is required.

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