Gynecomastia Surgery for Over-Developed Male Breasts

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 20 Apr 2005 - 11:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men, as well as a number of adolescents. Many men avoid swimming or sporting activities because they have fat on their chests that makes it look like they have breasts. Gynecomastia is a condition in which firm breast tissue forms in males, causing an enlargement of the pectoral region to develop. Gynecomastia may affect one pectoral or both.

Gynecomastia is usually discovered at the onset of puberty. There is no known cause of gynecomastia, although certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast over development.

The size of the breasts is reduced by ultrasonic liposuction and excision to remove the excess glandular tissue. In extreme cases, excess skin may be removed. The result is a flatter, firmer, and better-contoured chest.

Dr. Delgado specializes in gynecomastia throughout Oakland, Santa Rosa, and San Francisco, California. He comments, "Gynecomastia can greatly improve your quality of life. My patients are no longer self-conscious or embarrassed about taking their shirt off in public, or engaging in any activity that they used to avoid."

The surgery can take from 3 to 4 hours depending on the complexity of the procedure. Male breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. The patient will be able to rest following surgery in the comfort of his own home. Patients are usually able to return to work after 5-7 days (avoiding strenuous physical activity for two or three weeks).