Male Breast Reduction: It’s More Common Than You Think!

While many Americans know that breast augmentation is the most commonly performed plastic surgery on women, few know that male breast reduction surgery, or gynecomastia surgery, is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures for men. In fact, male breast reduction surgery is the fourth most performed male-oriented plastic surgery after nose reshaping, liposuction, and eyelid surgery.  

With extensive gynecomastia surgery experience between them, Drs. Paul Gardner and Leo Baccaro understand the psychological impact that the appearance of excess breast tissue can have on a man’s well-being. They understand why men often have a difficult time discussing the condition and are happy to offer the surgery to help afflicted men regain their positive self-image and confidence. If you or someone you know is suffering from gynecomastia, male breast reduction surgery may be the answer!    

Gynecomastia is Much More Common Than You Think

Because men tend to have a difficult time talking about this sometimes-embarrassing condition, few realize how prevalent it is within the male population. In fact, at some point in their lives, more than 70 percent of all males will be afflicted. Many adolescent males suffer some form of gynecomastia because of hormonal imbalances, which is thought to be the primary cause behind the condition. Most adolescent cases resolve themselves over time, but up to 20 percent continue on into adulthood. Researchers believe that gynecomastia can affect up to 65 percent of middle-aged to older men, though, as with adolescent gynecomastia, some cases can resolve on their own. In the cases which do not resolve over time, many men tun to male breast reduction surgery as an effective solution.

Hormone Imbalance Not the Only Trigger

While hormone imbalance is the underlying cause of most cases of gynecomastia, other factors can trigger the condition, too. Numerous drugs can cause the condition, as can some herbal products containing plant estrogens that can affect the body’s hormonal balance. Excessive alcohol and marijuana consumption, as well as anabolic steroids, have also been linked to gynecomastia. However, in up to 25 percent of adult gynecomastia cases, a distinct cause or trigger cannot be identified. Known as “idiopathic gynecomastia”, these cases tend to be difficult to treat non-surgically because of a lack of distinct cause. While there are drug regimens that may help resolve such cases, these standard-of-care drugs are not usually effective in men who have had the condition for longer than a year.

Surgery an Effective Option to treat Gynecomastia

Many men who find that they cannot reduce the size of their over-large breasts through other means turn to breast reduction surgery. The idea may sound daunting to some; however, male breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure which only requires a week or two of at-home recovery. Most men with gynecomastia find the resultant slimmer physique and better-defined chest to be well worth it! 

Learn More Through a Consultation at Gardner Plastic Surgery

If you would like to learn more about gynecomastia and male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Paul Gardner or Dr. Leo Baccaro would be happy to speak to you in a one-on-one consultation. Either can discuss your condition and all efforts to treat it to determine the best course of action, and detail which surgical techniques can help alleviate the condition and achieve aesthetic goals. Contact Gardner Plastic Surgery today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.