Introduction to Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for “women-like breasts.” Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it’s actually quite common, affecting an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men which can affect a single breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. We offer Male Breast Reduction surgery in Beverly Hills for our male patients who feel self-conscious about their appearance

Workout Man | Male Breast Reduction | Dr. Nikolov

What is Male Breast Reduction?

A Male Breast Reduction is a procedure that removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases, excess skin. This results in a flatter, firmer, and better-contoured chest.

If you’re considering surgery to correct gynecomastia, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure – when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results in you can expect.

What are the Benefits of Male Breast Reduction?

Having a “manly” body is often the cause of concern for many men around the world. Our Beverly Hills patients have discovered renewed confidence and enhanced self-esteem following their Gynecomastia surgery, in addition to the following benefits:

  • Ability to participate in more physical activities
  • Alleviated back pain
  • Better fitting clothing with more options
  • Comfortable and quick procedure
  • Have a healthier weight
  • Improved posture
  • Long-lasting results
  • Possess a more masculine figure
  • Quick recovery
Touching Chest | Male Breast Reduction | Dr. Nikolov

What’s the First Step?

The first step in getting Male Breast Reduction in Beverly Hills is scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Nicholas Nikolov. You will need to discuss your medical history, so it’s important that you are aware of any allergies, any past procedures, and previous diagnoses. Dr. Nikolov will examine your breasts and check for causes of gynecomastia, such as impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing medications, or anabolic steroids. If a medical problem is the suspected cause, you’ll be referred to an appropriate specialist.

Dr. Nikolov may, in extreme cases, also recommend a mammogram, or breast x-ray. This will not only rule out the very small possibility of breast cancer but will reveal the breast’s composition. Once Dr. Nikolov knows how much fat and glandular tissue is contained within the breasts, he or she can choose a surgical approach to best suit your needs.

Don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Nikolov any questions you may have during the initial consultation- including your concerns about the recommended treatment or the costs involved. Dr. Nikolov will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating, drinking, and taking certain vitamins and medications.

Smokers should plan to stop smoking for a minimum of one or two weeks before surgery and during recovery. Smoking decreases circulation and interferes with proper healing. Therefore, it is essential to follow all of Dr. Nikolov’s instructions.

What to Expect on the Day of Male Breast Reduction

Surgery for gynecomastia is most often performed as an outpatient procedure, but in extreme cases, or those where other medical conditions present cause for concern, an overnight hospital stay may be recommended.

Correction of enlarged male breasts may be performed under general anesthesia, or in some cases, under local anesthesia plus sedation. Dr. Nikolov will discuss which option is recommended for you, and why this is the option of choice.

If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, it will be excised, or cut out with a scalpel. The excision may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision is made in an inconspicuous location – either on the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. Working through the incision, the surgeon cuts away the excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin from around the areola and from the sides and bottom of the breast. Major reductions that involve the removal of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions that result in more conspicuous scars. If liposuction is used to remove excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions.

If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, Dr. Nikolov will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola – the dark skin that surrounds the nipple. Or, the incision may be placed in the underarm area. A slim hollow tube called a cannula is attached to a vacuum pump and is then inserted into the incision. Using strong, deliberate strokes, the surgeon moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin, breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. Patients may feel a vibration or some friction during the procedure, but generally no pain.

In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, the skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the removing skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.

Sometimes, a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw off excess fluids. Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.

The surgery itself usually takes about an hour and a half to complete. However, more extensive procedures may take longer.

Who are the Best Candidates for Male Breast Reduction?

If you are looking into surgery to correct gynecomastia, the best candidates for this procedure are:

  • Emotionally stable
  • Have difficulty correcting conditions through traditional methods
  • Have firm, elastic skin that can reshape the body’s new contours
  • Nonsmokers/ Non-drug users
  • Overall healthy

*Unfortunately, we can not recommend this surgery for obese or overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss.

Couple on Sand | Male Breast Reduction | Dr. Nikolov
Workout Man | Male Breast Reduction | Dr. Nikolov

Male Breast Reduction Recovery

Whether you’ve had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Nikolov. In any case, you should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and help you out for a day or two if needed.

You’ll be swollen and bruised for a while. To help reduce swelling, you’ll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and a few weeks longer at night. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

Dr. Nikolov may advise you to avoid sexual activity for a week or two, and heavy exercise for about three weeks. You’ll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least four weeks. In general, it will take about a month before you’re back to all of your normal activities.

You should also avoid exposing the scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect the skin’s pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock.

How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost in Beverly Hills?

The cost of a Male Breast Reduction in Beverly Hills is determined by a variety of factors. The best way to learn how much your surgery will cost is to meet Dr. Nikolov and discuss what your goals are for the procedure. Once he has a better understanding of what your needs are, he will be able to create a surgical plan and our Patient Coordinator will be able to give you a breakdown of the procedure.

Why Choose Dr. Nikolov?

Dr. Nicholas Nikolov offers highly individualized care, technical skill, and an artistic approach to help each one of his patients achieve more confidence in their appearance but still retain a natural look. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon and is a diplomat of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the California Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Nikolov has been considered an authority in the plastic surgery field for over 20 years and often hosts other doctors to help them learn about his techniques and procedures.

Get in Touch

If you’re tired of having “Man Boobs” and would like to take your body back, the Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills is ready to take your call! You can reach us at (310) 247-1932 or request a consultation through our website and one of our team members will be in touch with you.

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