Male Breast Reduction Surgery (Gynecomastia)
Breast man? Unfortunately, not that kind of breast man, right? Well, you're not alone. Studies suggest that 40 to 60% of men suffer with gynecomastia, Greek for "woman-like breasts." If you're one of these men, the old, "if I had breasts, I'd never leave the house," is not only a bad joke, but also a cruel one, because the fact is there's nothing funny at all about feeling too embarrassed to take part in the activities you enjoy. But you already know this, and I understand that knowing you're not the only man living with overly large breasts is probably of little consolation. Then you need to know about...
Breast enhancement for men, also known as male breast reduction surgery. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), male breast surgery has helped thousands of men achieve a firmer, more masculine looking upper body. In fact, in 2008 alone, the ASPS reports that the procedure was performed 17,902 times here in the United States. During the procedure, a plastic surgeon may:
- Excise (cut out) extra glandular tissue, fat and skin
- Utilize Liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue
Prior to male breast surgery, your doctor may request a mammogram to screen for breast cancer, as well as to diagnose what's causing your breasts to enlarge–glandular tissue and/or fat.
Whether your male breasts are the result of a side-effect of a prescribed medication, thyroid disease, alcohol/marijuana or prior obesity, if you're dedicated to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, male breast reduction just might help you to achieve a more masculine chest and, at the same time, alleviate the anxiety you're living with and allow you to live your life.
Okay, so, the cost of gynecomastia surgery… what are we talking? It's not as much as you might think, especially when you consider the emotional cost of continuing to live with male breasts. The table below has the answer, along with a lot more important information about breast enhancement for men.
The Guy's Guide to Plastic Surgery for Men
Male Breast Reduction Surgery |
|
|---|---|
| a.k.a.: | Reduction Mammaplasty |
| The Numbers: | 17,902 male breast reduction procedures performed in the United States in 2008 (Source: ASPS) |
| Objective: | To decrease the size of overly large male breasts |
| Benefits: | Smaller breasts, and a firmer, flatter chest |
| Anesthesia: | General |
| Duration of Procedure: | 2 hours |
| In/Outpatient: | Outpatient |
| Recovery: | Most men return to work in 1 to 2 weeks, resuming strenuous activities after about 6 to 8 weeks |
| Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery: | $3,282 (Source: ASPS. National average, 2008. Physician fee only.) |
Although an elective procedure, breast reduction for men is still surgery, so there is some inherent risk to the procedure. With that said, you can play a major role in minimizing any risks by simply adhering to your doctor's pre- and post-operative instructions.
There's all sorts of slang nowadays for overly large male breasts-moobs, man boobs, man cans, moobies. Forget all of those, and just remember this, the name of the plastic surgery procedure that might just be able to make a big difference in your life-male breast surgery.
Find a Plastic Surgeon in your area now.