Before & After Results
Some men have gynecomastia, which is the enlargement of breasts caused by excess glandular tissue. After a male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia surgery, he’ll have a more masculine chest contour.
Gynecomastia is a Greek word meaning women-like breasts. It is rather common affecting one or both breasts for 40 to 60 percent of men.
This condition can make a man feel very self-conscious about his body and the appearance of “man boobs”. A breast reduction for men in Portland resolves this issue by removing fat from the breast area. In some cases, excess skin needs to be eliminated for a flatter and firmer contour. Dr. Bartholomew strives to deliver the best male breast reduction Portland has to offer.
Any man with enlarged breasts in good physical health is a good candidate for a male breast reduction. The best candidates have firm and elastic skin to help reshape the body’s contours.
This procedure may not be appropriate for obese men, who should attempt weight loss first. Heavy alcohol drinkers and marijuana smokers are also not considered good candidates for this type of surgery. Portland male breast reduction patients are encouraged to stop taking these drugs which can cause gynecomastia.
Many men have gynecomastia-- enlarged, female-like breasts-- caused by excess glandular tissue or fat (or both).
Like any other surgery, there are some risks involved but complications are minor with a male breast reduction in Portland. Potential risks include excessive bleeding or fluid loss, infection, skin injury, or some adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Some scars can be noticeable in the breast area and there is the possibility of slightly mismatched breasts or nipples. A second procedure may be necessary to extract more tissue if the asymmetry becomes significant.
Glandular tissue must be cut out, usually through a small incision near the edge of the areola.
During your initial consultation, you will have an opportunity to talk with Dr. Bartholomew about the gynecomastia surgery. He will evaluate your medical history, including the use of drugs such as anabolic steroids, and ensure you are a good fit for the surgery. Dr. Bartholomew will examine your breasts and might recommend a mammogram to rule out cancer.
It is important for Dr. Bartholomew to discover how much fat and glandular tissue is inside your breasts and decide on the best option. You can also discuss whether the treatment is covered by your insurance company.
The consultation allows you to ask questions about your surgery and how it will improve your life. Getting a male breast reduction will help give you the confidence to be the best that you can be.
Dr. Bartholomew will give you instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, including what not to eat or drink and dealing with medications. If you smoke, you should stop smoking at least a week before surgery as it reduces circulation.
Fatty tissue can be removed by liposuction. A small, hollow tube is inserted through a tiny incision, leaving a nearly imperceptible scar.
An incision is made on the edge of the areola and under the arm to take out excess glandular tissue. This is sometimes done in conjunction with liposuction. The goal is to remove the fatty tissue from the areola and breast areas.
Depending on how much tissue is to be taken out, a larger incision may be necessary resulting in more visible scars. With liposuction, a cannula is inserted through existing incisions to clear out the excess fat.
Dr. Bartholomew will make a small incision around the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. The cannula is then attached to a vacuum pump and inserted into the incision allowing him to break the fat and suction it out.
A small drain is sometimes used to excrete fluids in a separate incision that is covered with a dressing.
Following surgery for gynecomastia, the patient has a more masculine chest contour.
Dr. Bartholomew can prescribe medication for the discomfort you will feel for a few days. It is best to have a family member or a friend drive you home after your surgery.
Expect to be swollen or bruised until the swelling subsides from the male breast reduction surgery. How long that will be depends on your body and your reaction to the procedure. Dr. Bartholomew may suggest wearing an elastic pressure garment 24/7 for a couple of weeks and at night for additional weeks.
Your stitches will be removed a week or two after surgery. Avoid exposing the scars to the sun for at least six months as it affects the skin’s pigmentation and turns it dark.
It will likely take more than three months before you really feel the positive impact of your surgery. During that time, it will be important to resume normal activities and go back to work once you feel strong enough. Some of our Portland male breast reduction patients return to work within a couple of days.
Dr. Bartholomew may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise and any sport with risks of a blow to the chest area for three or four weeks. It takes roughly a month to resume all of your normal activities.
Ultimately, a breast reduction for men in Portland will enhance your appearance and get your self-confidence back. Be realistic about your expectations and discover a new look that will be a satisfying change in your life.
