According to statistics more than one out of every three men have enlarged breasts. Known as Gynecomastia or man boobs, it is a condition caused by the excess formation of breast tissue and fat in the chest area giving an appearance of breasts. For some men and boys, it is an embarrassing issue that can lead to problems with body confidence, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Gynecomastia Surgery is a highly effective treatment for correcting enlarged or overdeveloped breasts in men.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
- 2 Cause of Gynecomastia
- 3 Gynecomastia Symptoms
- 4 Initial Consultation
- 5 Gynecomastia Diagnosis
- 6 Gynecomastia Treatment Options
- 7 What happens after Gynecomastia surgery?
- 8 Male Breast Reduction Before & After
- 9 How much does gynecomastia surgery cost in Dubai?
- 10 Gynecomastia FAQs
- 11 Consult our Expert Surgeon
What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is also known as Reduction mammoplasty, or Male Breast Reduction is a procedure that reduces the breast size in men by flattening and enhancing the contours of the male chest.
Male breast reduction surgery can be done using different techniques such as:
- Liposuction to remove the excess fat
- Surgical excision of the excess breast tissue
- Combination of both liposuction and surgical excision techniques
Having excess breast tissue can lead to the sagging of breasts and stretching of the areola. In search of a case, gynecomastia surgery will involve surgically improving the size and position of the areola as well as reducing the excess skin.
Cause of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is typically caused by an imbalance between the androgen (male hormone) and estrogen (female hormone) hormones. Normally men produce a small amount of estrogen which is responsible for controlling the growth of breasts. Producing too much estrogen or having hypogonadism (low testosterone) may cause the breasts to enlarge. This mostly happens during puberty and although it can resolve on its own, sometimes it does not.
Gynecomastia can be caused by other factors which include:
- Aging: Older people tend to store more body fat and produce less testosterone.
- Medications
- Certain herbal products
- Poor health
- Alcohol
- Obesity
Gynecomastia Symptoms
Symptoms of gynecomastia tend to vary from person to person but they generally include:
- Breast tissue enlargement on one or both breasts
- Painful breasts
- Nipple sensitivity
- Breast tenderness
- Swollen breasts
Initial Consultation
During your initial gynecomastia surgery consultation with your doctor, you will discuss several things such as:
- Your concerns and expectations
- If you’ve had any previous surgeries
- Your medical history
- If currently, you are on any medication, herbal supplements, tobacco, alcohol, vitamins, or recreational drugs
Gynecomastia Diagnosis
Diagnosing gynecomastia will involve your doctor performing a physical examination and evaluating your general health status, including any pre-existing conditions.
Tests will be performed to help pinpoint the cause of gynecomastia and to rule out possible breast cancer and other conditions. The tests include:
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound scan
- Biopsy of the breast tissue
- Blood tests
Your surgeon will discuss the treatment options and recommend the best one for you. You will also be taken through the likely outcome and any potential risks or complications.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
Gynecomastia surgery is an outpatient procedure but sometimes it may require the patient to spend a night at the hospital. It is usually performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
Two main techniques are used during gynecomastia surgery and are liposuction and surgical excision.
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Liposuction Technique
The liposuction technique is used when gynecomastia is a result of excess fatty tissue. This involves the surgeon making several small incisions in the treatment area. A cannula which is a thin hollow tube is inserted through these incisions. It is moved in a back and forth controlled motion to dislodge and loosen the excess fatty deposits. The fat is removed via suction.
Several liposuction techniques may be used and your surgeon will recommend the best one for you.
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Surgical Excision Technique
In cases where gynecomastia is caused by excess glandular breast tissue or there is the presence of excess skin, the surgical excision technique is used. This technique is also used if the nipple needs repositioning or the areola requires a size reduction to achieve a more natural male chest contour. The incision patterns that the surgeon uses vary depending on what exactly is being corrected and the surgical preference.
Some cases of gynecomastia require a combination of both liposuction and surgical excision techniques to treat the condition.
Sometimes male breast reduction treatment does not require surgery and the enlarged breast tissue can be reduced with medication.
What happens after Gynecomastia surgery?
The length of time it takes for the results to be visible and for you to heal from male breast reduction surgery is based on the surgical approach used, your general health and age, and how well you follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions.
The common side effects associated with gynecomastia surgery include bruising, swelling, and soreness in the treatment area. You may also experience some tightness in your chest area when you lift your arms.
After the procedure, you will be required to wear a support garment or elastic bandage on your chest to minimize the swelling and prevent fluid accumulation. This will be worn for about 3-4 weeks.
Most people resume their normal activities after about a week but are required to refrain from strenuous exercises for 3-4 weeks or until they are completely healed.
Male Breast Reduction Before & After
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost in Dubai?
The average minimum price of male breast reduction is 15,000 AED. The final cost mainly depends on the treatment technique and the level of reduction needed.
Gynecomastia FAQs
How long does a Gynecomastia operation last?
Depending on the amount of glandular breast tissue and fatty deposits being removed, the surgery can take about one to two hours.
How long does recovery take after Gynecomastia surgery?
Recovery from gynecomastia surgery takes about 4-6 weeks depending on the surgical technique used and the amount of excess breast tissue removed.
Are the results of Gynecomastia surgery permanent?
The results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent even though there’s a slight chance that the gynecomastia can return.
Consult our Expert Surgeon
Gynecomastia is a common problem in adult men and it can cause physical and psychological problems. At Euromed Clinic Dubai we have a team of Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons who are experts in male breast reduction. If you are a male and have enlarged breast tissue which is making you uncomfortable, book a free consultation with one of our surgeons to know how you can get relieved from your condition.
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Dr. Ken Arashiro
Physician Specialist Plastic SurgeryDr. Ken Arashiro is a seasoned plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in this field. He is certified by several prestigious organizations and licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
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