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Male Breast Reduction in Birmingham AL

Reduced Breast Size in Men with Gynecomastia Surgery

Male breast reduction model

Gynecomastia is a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men. This condition is characterized by excess localized fat, the development of excess glandular tissue and sometimes the presence of excess breast skin. In severe cases, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple).

Gynecomastia can occur at any age and often results from hormonal changes, heredity, obesity or the use of certain drugs. Enlarged male breasts can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy to hide their condition.

Male Breast Reduction, or reduction mammaplasty, reduces breast size in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contours. Gynecomastia surgery with Dr. William Hedden, Dr. Stephen Gunn or Dr. Joshua Halka at our cosmetic surgery center in Birmingham, Alabama can help you create a more masculine-looking appearance, redefine the contours of your chest and make you feel more comfortable and confident with or without a shirt.

Male Breast Reduction Candidates

Gynecomastia surgery candidates include:

Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.

Your Male Breast Reduction Consultation

During your gynecomastia surgery consultation be prepared to discuss:

Your surgeon may also:

Male Breast Reduction Risks and Safety

Each patient must decide if the benefits of gynecomastia surgery will achieve their goals, and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. The risks of male breast reduction include:

Male breast reduction risks will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all of your concerns about risks with your plastic surgeon. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications.

Preparing for Male Breast Reduction

In preparing for gynecomastia surgery, you may be asked to:

The success and safety of your male breast reduction procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You will be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Male breast reductions are performed at our accredited Outpatient Surgery Facility in Birmingham, Alabama. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and stay with you for at least the first night.

Male Breast Reduction Procedure

Anesthesia options for male breast reduction surgery include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Liposuction Technique

In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.

Various liposuction techniques may be used. The technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

Male Breast Reduction liposuction incisions diagram
Male Breast Reduction liposuction incisions

Excision Technique

Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced or the nipple will be repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Male Breast Reduction excision incisions diagram
Male Breast Reduction excision incisions

Combination of Liposuction and Excision

Gynecomastia is sometimes treated with both liposuction and excision.

Male Breast Reduction liposuction and excision incisions diagram
Male Breast Reduction liposuction and excision incisions

Male Breast Reduction Recovery

During your gynecomastia surgery recovery period, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals after surgery.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery. Following these instructions is essential to the success of your male breast reduction. The instructions may include:

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or unusual heartbeats after going home. You may require hospitalization and additional treatment if any of these complications occur.

The surgical incisions should not be subjected to excessive force, motion, swelling or abrasion during the time of healing.

Male Breast Reduction Results

The results of male breast reduction with Dr. William Hedden, Dr. Stephen Gunn or Dr. Joshua Halka are immediately visible. Over time, post-surgical swelling will resolve and incision lines will fade. Satisfaction with your new image should continue to grow as you recover from surgery. The final results of your gynecomastia surgery may take 3 to 6 months to achieve.

The final results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent in many cases. However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs (including steroids) or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results. Please discuss this with your physician before making changes to your prescription medications.

Although good results are expected from your male breast reduction procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure. Another surgery may be necessary to perform additional tightening or repositioning of the breasts, or to treat any complications that may occur.

Male Breast Reduction Scars

Any surgical treatment to correct gynecomastia will require incisions. While most incision lines are concealed within natural contours, some may be visible and are a necessary result of male breast reduction surgery.

All gynecomastia surgery scars are permanent, even though some scars may be concealed in the natural contours of the breast. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a t-shirt or baring your chest at the beach.

Male Breast Reduction Words to Know

Procedure Information © American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Hedden and Gunn Plastic Surgery

Male Breast Reduction is used to reduce breast size and flatten the chest contours to create a more masculine look.

Birmingham, AL Office & Surgery Suites

Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery
140 Village Street
Birmingham, AL 35242
205-980-1744 or 800-HeddenMD
American Society of Plastic Surgeons* American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery*
* Dr. William Hedden, Dr. Stephen Gunn
Hedden and Gunn Plastic Surgery

Contact Us Today

Questions About Breast Enhancement?

Contact our Alabama plastic surgeons today to learn more about body contouring with Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia.

To schedule your consultation at the earliest possible date, please call 205-980-1744.

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