Breast reduction is most commonly associated with women. However, this procedure is not exclusive to women. In many cases, men can also receive breast reduction to alter the appearance of their chest and bring back their feelings of masculinity and self-confidence. Male breast reduction has been on the rise as more men seek to regain their confidence. 

What is male breast reduction? 

Male breast reduction is one of the most common and effective methods for treating gynecomastia, which is a condition that causes enlarged breasts in men. In this procedure, a surgeon will remove excess fat and glandular tissue from the breast to restore a flatter and firmer look to the chest.

Up to 50% of men in the United States experience gynecomastia at some point in their lives, and gynecomastia can be present at any age. Gynecomastia can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, certain medications, and other unspecified reasons. Male breast reduction is one of the best treatment methods for this condition and can be performed safely and effectively on men of all ages. 

Benefits of Having a Male Breast Reduction

Everyone deserves to look and feel their best in their bodies. Many men strive to maintain a masculine appearance, which can be affected by the presence of excess breast fat. Losing weight can help some men to reduce the appearance of gynecomastia, but oftentimes there is excess glandular tissue that remains even after substantial weight loss. This extra tissue can make even very lean patience still notice their enlarged breasts. 

Male breast reduction is the only consistently effective treatment for gynecomastia. This procedure results in very long-lasting, if not permanent, results for men of all ages. The majority of breast reduction patients say they feel more comfortable going outside shirtless, and many have reported enhanced feelings of self-confidence. 

Dr. Finkel understands that a lack of confidence can hold us back from doing the things we love. If you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your chest, male breast reduction may be an option for you to consider. Male breast reduction offers notable and near-immediate results. Plus, with the help of a qualified surgeon, you will see these improvements with very minimal scarring. 

Additional Reading: 5 Tips to Prepare for Male Breast Reduction Surgery

What to Expect During the Procedure

If you aren’t familiar with male breast reduction, you might be wondering what the process is like. Typically, male breast reductions are performed using local anesthesia to numb the area. Some patients prefer sedation or general anesthesia. Your chosen surgeon will make a small incision on each side of your chest, usually around the edge of the areola or under the armpit. Then your doctor will insert a liposuction tube through these incisions to remove excess tissue and sculpt a new chest shape. 

There is another method for male breast reduction wherein your surgeon will manually remove excess skin, tissue, and fat, while also lifting the remaining skin. This method is a little bit more invasive than the liposuction method. Be sure to talk with your surgeon about which option is better for you. 

If you have any questions about male breast reduction, Dr. Rimma Finkel is here to help. Feel free to call her office at (480) 963-3034 or contact us online. We are happy to help in any way we can. 

The Recovery Time

If you are considering a male breast reduction, it’s important to think about the recovery time well in advance of the procedure. Recovery time for a male breast reduction is unique to each individual, but it usually takes a few weeks. Immediately after the procedure, you’ll be given a compression garment to wear. This garment will help minimize swelling and promote healing. Most patients are able to return home on the day of the surgery, and you will be provided with detailed instructions about how to care for yourself during the recovery process. 

Your doctor will recommend that you wear the compression garment for a couple of weeks. You will also be able to take any prescribed medications to reduce pain and prevent infection. It is very likely that your doctor will recommend that you avoid exercise for about three weeks. However, most patients will be able to resume normal work and daily activities (such as walking and showering) within a few days. Definitely avoid heavy lifting so as to not disturb any stitches. Although your scars will be permanent, they will fade over time, especially if you take good care of them. 

How to Choose a Qualified Surgeon for Male Breast Reduction

Selecting the right cosmetic surgeon is an important decision, and the process can seem overwhelming. However, there are a few tips that can help you in your search for a cosmetic surgeon. 

• Search locally. For many patients, convenience is one of the top considerations when selecting a cosmetic surgeon. Start your search local, if possible, to avoid long travel times to and from your appointments. 
• Check ratings and reviews. These days, most people rely on ratings and reviews to guide their decisions. And while ratings and reviews are a good place to start, don’t necessarily let them dictate who you decide to choose. Remember to do plenty of your own research as well. 
• Get referrals. If you have family members, friends, or coworkers who have undergone male breast reduction (or even female breast reduction), ask them about their experiences. They may offer great recommendations of surgeons they had success with. Your primary and specialty doctors may also be able to offer referrals for this procedure. 
• Schedule consultations. Take your time getting to know each surgeon you meet. It may take a few consultations before you find a cosmetic surgeon that can address all of your needs. Get a feel for the surgeon’s competence and personality. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut when it comes time to make a decision. 
• Ask questions. Prepare some questions and talking points to discuss with your surgeon. This will help you determine not only if male breast reduction is right for you, but also if your chosen surgeon is the right person to perform the procedure. You can also ask for before and after photos to see results from real patients. 

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon About Male Breast Reduction

Attending consultations is one of the most important parts of planning your male breast reduction. You want to get a feel for the clinic and the cosmetic surgeons. You’ll want to be prepared to ask the surgeons questions that will help you determine if they are a good fit for your needs. 

Here are some questions you should ask your surgeon about the procedure:

• Are you board-certified in cosmetic surgery?
• What surgical or medical organizations are you a member of?
• How many years of experience do you have as a cosmetic surgeon?
• How many male breast reductions have you performed before?
• Can I see some before and after photos of patient procedures?
• Can you tell me more about the procedure?
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• Are there risks involved?
• What is the recovery time like?

Dr. Rimma Finkel – A Certified Cosmetic Surgeon for Male Breast Reduction

Everyone deserves to look and feel their best, but gynecomastia can prevent some men from enjoying what they love. If you are self-conscious or uncomfortable about the appearance of your chest, male breast reduction may be able to help. 

Dr. Rimma Finkel specializes in male and female breast reduction and reconstruction. She is double-board certified and has years of experience serving clients throughout the Greater Phoenix area. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Finkel today!