Benefits of Male Breast Reduction Surgery

You hide them with big, loose shirts and are careful to stay covered at the pool, beach, and gym, but that doesn’t really solve the problem. If you’re a man with large breasts, you may feel isolated and alone, but you’re not. Gynecomastia affects at least 1 in 4 men ages 50-69.

Generally speaking, having enlarged male breasts isn’t a medical problem, unless it’s causing you pain or physical discomfort. The more common complication is embarrassment and lack of self-confidence.

Frederick H. Watkins, MD, is a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who helps men throughout Rockville, Maryland, and McLean, Virginia, regain their masculine physique through male breast reduction surgery. Here’s what you need to know.

What causes men’s breasts to enlarge?

Breast enlargement in males is typically the result of higher-than-normal levels of estrogen. While estrogen is typically associated with women, men also have estrogen, but usually in lower levels.

Baby boys may have pudgy breasts because mom’s hormones are still prominent, and pubescent boys may go through a temporary stage of enlarged breasts as their hormones fluctuate. But everything tends to level out as soon as the estrogen subsides. 

Although hormonal imbalances are responsible for most cases of gynecomastia, they’re not the only cause. As an adult, you may have larger breasts because of certain medications, cancer treatment, alcoholism, certain medical conditions, malnutrition, or liver disease, to name a few. 

It’s important to find out the root cause of your enlarged breasts in case you need treatment. If it’s not medically related, you can consider it a cosmetic issue. And if it bothers you, Dr. Watkins can help.

Benefits of male breast reduction surgery

Every man is different and has unique circumstances and goals. Dr. Watkins is famous for his personal approach and attention to detail, and he’ll give you a thorough evaluation and make sure you understand the benefits and risks.

If you’re a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery, you can expect the following benefits:

Boost in confidence

As we mentioned, gynecomastia isn’t necessarily a medical condition, but it may cause severe emotional distress, which may lower your quality of life and even contribute to feelings of isolation and depression. Our male breast reduction patients love their new look and report a huge boost in self-esteem and confidence.

More mobility

In many cases, gynecomastia hinders the ability to move freely and exercise properly. Once you reduce your breast size, you may find the freedom to participate in sports and other activities that were difficult before.

Fashion freedom

Large breasts can make it hard to wear what you want. Jackets may not zip, shirts may not button, and you may be forced to wear baggy tops. It may seem like a small thing, but once you have your breasts reduced, you’ll be amazed at the options you’ll have.

Short recovery

Depending on the type of breast reduction surgery you have — liposuction to remove fat, or surgery to remove glandular tissue — your recovery time will vary. But Dr. Watkins will make sure you stay comfortable and heal properly. 

Pain and discomfort typically subside in about two days, and you should be able to go back to work in a week. In about two weeks, you should be able to take off your compression bandage, and in 4-6 weeks, you should be able to start moving around a little more normally.

Is male breast reduction surgery right for you?

Most men who are in good general health, don’t smoke, and have enough elasticity in their skin to snap back and conform to their new body shape are good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. But, if you’re overweight or obese, you should lose the excess weight first and revisit breast reduction sugery if you still need it once your body thins out.

To learn more about male breast reduction surgery and to find out if it’s right for you, book an appointment online or over the phone with the practice of Frederick H. Watkins, MD, today.