In addition to cosmetic breast surgery for women, Denver plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat offers surgical techniques for male breast reduction, which is beneficial for men who struggle with excess tissue on their chests.
The benefits of undergoing a male breast reduction surgery include:
- Removal of excess breast tissue
- Decrease in the hypersensitivity of the chest
- Improved fit of clothing and self-image
What Is Male Breast Reduction?
Excess breast tissue on men, also referred to as gynecomastia, is often thought to be brought on by hormone imbalances, but lifestyle may also play a role. This issue, which can be embarrassing for those who struggle with it, can occur in adolescents and adults and can be corrected through surgery.
The procedure uses skin and tissue tightening techniques as well as liposuction to streamline the male chest. In order to undergo this surgery, you should be a nonsmoker at a stable, healthy body weight.
During your plastic surgery consultation in Denver, Dr. Mouchantat will work with you to determine if the problem can be corrected through lifestyle changes rather than surgery. If it cannot, Dr. Mouchantat will help you understand the details of male breast reduction and perform your surgery.
The Male Breast Reduction Procedure: What to Expect in Surgery
For your male breast reduction surgery, you will be under general anesthesia for at least one hour, though, in some cases, a local anesthetic with sedation may be adequate. If you only struggle with excess glandular tissue, Dr. Mouchantat may be able to remove it using scalpel techniques alone, but glandular tissue combined with fatty tissue will necessitate a combination of skin and tissue tightening techniques, as well as fat removal with liposuction.
To begin, an incision will either be made around the nipple areola or in your underarm. Through the incision, the excess fatty tissue will be suctioned out in an effort to improve the contour of your chest. If you struggle with an excessive amount of tissue, your plastic surgeon may also have to remove skin to achieve an ideal result. After completing the removal, Dr. Mouchantat will close the incisions with sutures and cover them.
Male Breast Reduction Pre/Post Op Instructions
Following your surgery, your chest will be wrapped. You may experience swelling, bruising and discomfort and may be prescribed medication to manage pain. You can return to work after approximately one week, but you should avoid exercise for up to three weeks. It will likely take up to three months for the swelling to completely subside before you can appreciate the final results of your surgery.
Gynecomastia Surgery Pre-op Instructions
Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal medications or vitamin E for 14 days prior to surgery.
Shower with Hibiclens for 3 days and the evening before and the morning of surgery, use a clean towel
each time. Do not use the Hibiclens on your face at all, only on your body. Hibiclens is not safe to use near
your eyes. Shower 48 hours post op using the remaining Hibiclens soap for the next few showers. Hibiclens
is available at your pharmacy.
Wear comfortable clothes to the surgery center, avoid tops that pull over the head and slip on shoes are
best.
Bring your history and consent paperwork with you to the surgery center.
Fill prescriptions and read the instructions before the day of surgery. Discuss your regular medication use
prior to surgery.
Do not drive yourself to the surgery center; you will also need a ride home and someone to care for you for
at least 24 hours.
After Surgery Instructions
Eat what sounds appetizing, smaller portions more often may be more comfortable than full meals.
Take medications as directed, try to keep some food in your stomach before taking pain medications as
they can cause nausea.
Pain medications can cause constipation, take plenty of liquids and an over the counter stool softener such
as: Colace or Senna kot can help prevent problems. Milk of Magnesia as directed on the bottle is safe if
you are having a problem.
Rest, but do not be sedentary for extended periods, raise your legs and flex the leg muscles frequently while
resting and walk for 5-10 minutes four or five times a day, around the house is fine.
You may move your arms gently throughout the range of motion, no resistive exercise and no lifting more
than 5 pounds with each hand.
You should take a shower in 48 hours from the surgery time unless your discharge paperwork tells you
otherwise. Use the remaining Hibiclens for the first few showers. Wash right over the wounds and drain
dressing taking care to keep the dressing intact.
Empty your drains twice a day and record the output. Do not remove the plastic dressing over the drains.
Adjust your garment as needed, and put it back on after showers.
A gentle massage of tenderness or spasms in the muscles is OK. If something doesn’t seem right to you,
please call, we are happy to answer questions.
Click here to download instructions
Learn More About Breast Reduction for Men
To learn more about achieving a more masculine chest through male breast reduction surgery with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Mouchantat, we encourage you to call his Denver plastic surgery practice to schedule a consultation. Service areas include: Denver, Lakewood, Centennial, Colorado Springs, Arvada, Parker, Aurora, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Thornton, Wheat Ridge, Ken Caryl, Boulder & Westminster Colorado.
