Male breast reduction surgery is one of the fastest growing plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. today. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, men accounted for more than 40 percent of all breast reduction surgeries performed in 2015. A total of 27,456 breast reduction procedures were performed on men during that year, which marked a 35-percent increase in the procedure since 2000.
THE IMPACT OF GYNECOMASTIA
Why are more men flocking to plastic surgeons’ offices in search of breast reduction? Gynecomastia, also known as “man boobs” or “moobs,” is an emotionally distressing condition in which the male breast tissue enlarges. The result can be breasts that are quite prominent, making some men exceedingly self-conscious about their appearance.
Gynecomastia is not uncommon. By some estimates, as many as 36 percent of younger men and 57 percent of older men suffer from this condition. While gynecomastia is rarely a serious medical concern, the psychological toll it can take on men can be significant indeed. Some men report teasing and bullying as a result of their gynecomastia, while others avoid certain activities or even intimate relationships due to self-consciousness over their condition.
GYNECOMASTIA CAUSES
Gynecomastia can strike at any time, affecting newborns and teenagers as much as adult men. In many cases, the problem can be traced to hormonal fluctuations. Once the hormones stabilize, the problem often corrects itself. Other possible causes of gynecomastia include:
- Genetics
- Some underlying medical conditions
- Some types of medication
- Excessive drug or alcohol abuse
If the cause of the gynecomastia can be pinpointed, the condition can often be treated by simply treating the medical condition or stopping the medication. In other cases, surgical treatment for gynecomastia may be necessary to alleviate the condition and the accompanying embarrassment and psychological distress.
FINDING HOPE
Now, men struggling with gynecomastia are finding hope with breast reduction surgery. This procedure removes excess tissue and skin from the breasts to create a smoother, more masculine contour. The procedure can usually be performed on an outpatient basis and requires about a week of recovery time.
Dr. Mashhadian is an expert in male breast reduction and often combines techniques to give men the best possible results. First, liposuction may be used to remove some of the excess tissue or fat cells in the breast. This procedure uses very small incisions to insert a tube called a cannula. The cannula gently loosens tissue and suctions it away to create a flatter chest contour.
Some men may also require surgical excision to remove loose skin and glandular tissue. This procedure utilizes incisions placed around the areola to minimize visible scarring after surgery. Through the incisions, Dr. Mashhadian can remove excess skin and tissue, restructuring the breasts for a more masculine appearance.
Male breast reduction surgery offers dramatic results that can help men regain their sense of masculinity and their self-esteem. Results of breast reduction are generally considered permanent, as long as a healthy weight is maintained after the surgery. It is no wonder more men are tuning into to the many benefits offered by male breast reduction today.
