Breast Reduction/Male
Breast Reduction is performed on men to decrease the size of the breasts and improve their shape.  “Gynecomastia” is the term used to describe male breast enlargement.  It may be associated with puberty, obesity, liver disease, or a side effect of some medications.  Enlarged breasts associated with puberty generally resolve by age 18.  Continued gynecomastia after this time requires a medical evaluation for possible correction.  Surgical intervention may be required to correct male breast enlargement.  Male breast reduction is performed on an outpatient basis, using general anesthesia.  The procedure can take 1-3 hours depending upon the extent of correction.  If the breast enlargement is caused primarily by fatty tissue, liposuction is the procedure of choice.  A small cannula is placed through a tiny incision under the arm or around the areola.  Fat cells are removed by aspiration.  For patients with glandular tissue and excess skin, surgical excision may be required.  Scars may be located around the areola or on the chest wall.