Enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia) are actually quite common for males at various stages of their lives; it may affect children, teens, adults, or seniors. The condition may affect one or both breasts. The most common cause of gynecomastia, particularly among young boys and adolescent males, is a hormonal imbalance, which resolves itself over time in most cases. Gynecomastia may also be the result of dramatic weight fluctuations, as well as some forms of cancer. Nevertheless, it is understandable why both boys and men might be self conscious about excess fatty or glandular breast tissue. Fortunately, surgical correction for men is less involved than a breast reduction for women. Here, you can learn about the male breast reduction procedure and view before and after photos of patients who have undergone the procedure at Dr. Paul Pin's Dallas practice.
Surgical Technique
Dr. Pin can reduce the amount of breast tissue using techniques specifically designed for reducing male breast mass. Liposuction to remove fatty breast tissue is the least invasive procedure. Dr. Pin will make a series of small incisions into the breast in the area targeted for fat removal. He will then insert a thin metal tube through the incisions and gently vacuum out the excess fatty tissue. Excision will be required if there is excess glandular tissue or loose skin (such as after significant weight loss). This can be done alone or in combination with a liposuction procedure.
Below are some before and after pictures of some of Dr. Pin's patients who have undergone male breast reduction. Although each patient's results are unique, these photos may provide some idea of the types of outcomes patients may expect.
Adult Male Breast Reduction via Excision
The excess breast tissue in this case can easily be seen in the profile view. Additionally, the nipples protrude outward. In this case, the patient had excess breast tissue removed by means of an incision made behind the nipple and areola (the area of darkened skin around the nipple). In the After pictures, the breast and nipples are flatter on the chest.
Adult Male Breast Reduction via Liposuction
In comparison, Case 2 shows the results that can be achieved from a liposuction procedure. Unlike in Case 1, the actual nipple and areola structure is flat to the pectoral muscles, as it should be. In a case such as this, liposuction can be used to remove the excess fatty tissue without having to do anything to the nipple and areola structure.
Adolescent Gynecomastia
This case is interesting because it is an adolescent male (14 years old). The full protrusion of the breasts and nipples out from the chest is visible in the Before picture. In this case, Dr. Pin elected to do an excision procedure to remove the glandular tissue in order to get the best results over the long term of the adolescent growth spurt.
Enlarged breasts can be a source of extreme embarrassment, particularly for adolescent boys. Males with this condition may feel uncomfortable about going shirtless or showering in the gym locker room. Fortunately, Dr. Pin is well trained in the specific techniques used to reduce the size of male breasts.