Breast Reduction Surgery for Men

Gynecomastia is a medical term for men who have enlarged breasts. This condition can be treated by surgically removing fat and/or glandular tissue. In extreme situations, skin is taken out as well. The result is a more masculine-appearing chest which can improve your self-confidence and your own image.

Approximately 50% of all men have excess fat and/or excess glandular tissue in one breast or both of them. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Gynecomastia is responsible for over 65 percent of all male breast disorders.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Men usually produce much more male hormones (androgens) than female hormones (estrogens). Gynecomastia is associated by an inequality of female and male hormones. The hormonal disproportion can be related to:

* Aging
* Testosterone deficiency
* Specific medications; digoxin (a heart medication), spironolactone (a diuretic), cimetidine (a stomach medication), and others.
* Anabolic steroids used to improve athletic performance in sports
* Marijuana usage
* Liver or kidney failure
* Chronic kidney disease
* Hyperthyroidism
* Tumors in the testicles, stomach, or pituitary gland

How to know if you are a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?

Candidates need to be in good health, with no current diseases or crucial, pre-existing health conditions, and need to have reasonable anticipations of the surgery results. Good candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will adapt to the new contours of the body. Men who are not considered to be good candidates for breast reduction are those who have any of the related causes above. If a medical condition is diagnosed as the cause during your first visit, you will more than likely be referred to the proper specialist.

NOTE: In addition, you will not be a good candidate for surgery if you smoke, have recently quit smoking, or if you are exposed to second-hand smoke. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood flow to the body's tissues which can result in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and any number of additional complications depending on the procedure type involved.