The common condition known as “man boobs” is humiliating to live with. Feeling like you have puffy, woman-like breasts can hurt your sense of masculinity. Fortunately, Dr. Ronald Schuster is here to listen to your concerns and discuss with you the right procedure to get the job done. You’ll have a flatter, firmer chest following this common outpatient surgery.
Below, we look at 5 things to know as you research gynecomastia and its treatments.
1. Gynecomastia varies.
Gynecomastia is abnormal breast enlargement in men. It most commonly develops during puberty. The exact cause is not known. Less commonly, gynecomastia may be connected to a hormonal imbalance, obesity, anabolic steroids, body building supplements, or a problem related to the thyroid. In such cases, those conditions will need to be addressed by your doctor before determining your candidacy for male breast reduction. As men get older their breasts can increase in size because of fat.
2. Male breast reduction flattens breasts.
Gynecomastia surgery is a form of breast reduction designed for men. Dr. Schuster chooses a technique specific to your gynecomastia and your anatomy. You will be able to return home the same day as surgery. Generally, the recovery from surgery is fast. You’ll need to take a couple days off from your normal routine. Exercise must be delayed for 2 weeks. You see dramatic improvement but the results will continue to improve for about 3 months.
3. Techniques involve excision, liposuction or both.
The right technique depends mostly on the amount of excess breast tissue, fat and the amount of excess, loose skin. Dr. Schuster will assess the laxity of the skin, and whether it is capable of shrinking back to fit the flatter contour of the chest.
Dr. Schuster most commonly uses a technique that involves liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction and excision of the breast tissue. Excision simply means precisely removing the actual breast gland. This three-pronged technique works well for most men with “man boobs.” While some surgeons create matching scars around the nipples, Dr. Schuster uses the Lateral Pull Through technique, which involves creating a small (1/2 inch) incision on the side of the chest. Everything is completed using this incision. The great thing about Lateral Pull Through is that the incisions are unnoticeable once they heal into scars. They’ll be concealed when you have your arms down and aren’t visible from the front like incisions around the nipples.
There are two other possible techniques. In the next most common, loose skin around the areola is also removed. This technique may be appropriate if the male breasts have puffy skin and enlarged areolas. In this method there are incisions made around the circumference of the areolas. The third technique is reserved for the most significant cases of excess skin and breast tissue. An incision is made horizontally beneath the breast crease, and the extra skin and breast tissue is removed. The nipple may need to be moved into a higher position.
4. The results often provide important physical and functional benefits.
Working out, running, hiking and generally getting active are all more comfortable after gynecomastia surgery. You’ll no longer have all that extra tissue and heft weighing you down and causing discomfort. Many men with gynecomastia find they can lead the active lives they’ve always wanted once they take this step.
5. The results often provide important emotional benefits.
Many men with gynecomastia struggle with feelings of self-consciousness. You may be embarrassed to remove your shirt in front of other people, or even when you’re by yourself. You may feel embarrassed even when clothed in a light t-shirt, if the mounds are apparent. After this surgery, you may feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders because you’ll feel better about yourself. An increase in confidence can have an impact on many areas of your life.
Find Out If You Are a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction
To arrange a consultation with experienced plastic surgeon Dr. Ronald Schuster, please call our staff at 410-902-9800. Our surgical practice is located in Baltimore and we proudly provide care for people from across the region, including Owings Mills and Towson.
