INTRODUCTION TO MICHIGAN MALE BREAST REDUCTION
Breast reduction, when performed on a man, is an elective treatment for gynecomastia.  Gynecomastia is the term used to describe excessive breast tissue on a male. Although gynecomastia can affect up to 40% of American males at any given time, puberty and the older years in a man’s life are the most frequent occurences.

WHAT CAUSES GYNECOMASTIA?
The cause of gynecomastia is almost always due to the presence of excess estrogen. It is routinely present at birth and can linger through the first few months of a baby boy’s life, due to the estrogen from the mother; this kind of gynecomastia will resolve on its own. Gynecomastia can appear around puberty, when an older boy’s hormones are in flux. It can occur as a result of extra body fat in boys and men of any age, as well as when men reach andropause (male menopause).  Bodybuilders who take steroids can be plagued with gynecomastia. Certain medications can cause gynecomastia, as can endocrine problems.

APPROPRIATE CANDIDATES FOR GYNECOMASTIA TREATMENT
Male breast reduction can be performed on males of any age who have reasonable expectations for improvement and who have been medically cleared by their primary care provider.  It should be mentioned that when teenaged boys are affected by gynecomastia, the negative social impact can be devastating.  It is not uncommon for this problem to occur during puberty, but boys who still have gynecomastia (who are not overweight or suffering from an endocrine disorder) at the age of 14 or older may be appropriate candidates for treatment.

Traverse City board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. F. Matthew Smith routinely performs gynecomastia resolution procedures to recontour and reshape the male chest.

As with all cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, it is important for Dr. Smith to carefully evaluate the anatomy of your chest, your body frame, and the general condition of your skin and muscle tone.  In addition, his understanding of your goals and concerns help in his recommendation of gynecomastia surgery.  This is accomplished during a private consultation at Dr. Smith’s Traverse City plastic surgery office, or at his Gaylord location. Dr. Smith will be able to make a recommendation for the best treatment, which may be as simple as localized liposuction or as extensive as a male version of a mastectomy.

HOW GYNECOMASTIA IS TREATED
Dr. Smith performs his cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, including gynecomastia procedures, in the accredited surgery suite at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, the Ambulatory Surgery Center in Traverse City, or Otsego Memorial Hospital in Gaylord.  A male breast reduction procedure is typically scheduled for 1-2 hours, possibly longer if extensive removal of breast tissue is necessary to obtain the desired results. General anesthesia is always used because Dr. Smith wants to ensure a well-controlled and safe surgical experience that is comfortable for his patient.

Once anesthesia has been induced, Dr. Smith will proceed either with liposuction alone, a breast reduction alone, or a breast reduction with liposuction.  Additionally, skin may also be removed.  These details will have  been discussed and confirmed previously at the patient’s consultation.

Whichever the agreed-upon course, Dr. Smith will perform the procedure with great skill and attention to detail to ensure that the best possible result is obtained.

RECOVERY FROM GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY
Generally, patients undergoing male breast reduction are placed in a compressive dressing after the procedure to assist in keeping the area stable and to reduce swelling. Within a day after surgery, most patients are up and around. It’s normal to experience bruising and swelling from any plastic surgery procedure, but discomfort is generally well controlled with Tylenol or a mild prescription medication. If Dr. Smith has placed drains in the incisions, these will be removed at one of the post-operative visits in his Traverse City or Gaylord office.

It is wise to listen to your body and respect the fact that you are healing, as everyone heals at a different rate. Within the first week you can expect that your recovery will follow this general progression: you will be permitted to shower within 48 hours, you will have a follow-up visit, you may return to non-strenuous work and sexual relations may be resumed. Dr. Smith will advise you to refrain from heavy lifting until the area has completely healed; this is usually from 4-6 weeks.