Gynecomastia is the development of “woman-like breasts” in men.  This abnormal glandular breast overgrowth, or breast hypertrophy, afflicts as many as two thirds of adolescent males and one out of every six adult males in the country. The disorder’s prevalence is reflected by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s ranking of gynecomastia surgical treatment as one of the top five cosmetic surgery procedures performed on men.

No longer do men with Gynecomastia have to hide their chests or be ridiculed for having “man-boobs”. In fact, Male Breast Reduction is being increasingly performed for all groups of men who suffer from Gynecomastia. 

Research shows breast tissue naturally grows in all adolescent boys during normal development as a result of hormonal changes and that it is estimated that as many as 65% of teenage boys experience enlarged breast tissue or Gynecomastia. For the fortunate majority of these boys, Pubertal Gynecomastia resolves itself in a matter of months, or with the end of adolescence, however, for a significant number of individuals, an estimated 10-15%, the symptoms unfortunately remain through adult life.

Gynecomastia, a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men, is common in men of any age. It can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity conditions, disease or the use of certain drugs.

Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.

Gynecomastia is characterized by:

	Excess localized fat
	Excess glandular tissue development
	A combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue
	Gynecomastia may be present unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)
	Is it right for me?

Gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

This procedure is a good option for you if :

	You are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
	You have realistic expectations
	Your breast development has stabilized
	You are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large

Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.

Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on:

	Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
	Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
	Non-smokers and non-drug users
	Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia

What to expect during your consultation

The success and safety of your gynecomastia procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle. After surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.