One in three men suffer from an embarrassing condition called Gynecomastia that causes the male breast to become enlarged. Most often a subtle imbalance of hormones is the cause. Excess fatty tissue is also a cause of enlarged breasts. Whether due to excess fatty tissue or glandular tissue, or a combination, cosmetic surgery can remedy the situation.

For excess fatty tissue alone, liposuction can be done. When excessive glandular tissue causes the problem, it can be removed through a surgical procedure called reduction mammaplasty or breast reduction. Results are excellent. The patient's normal breast contour is restored. Incisions are small and carefully hidden in normal body folds.

Before Surgery

Prior to surgery, a complete medical history is taken in order to evaluate the general health of the patient. The breast are examined thoroughly to determine the most effective surgical approach and to search for abnormal lumps or growths. Dr. Galoob will describe the type of anesthesia to be used, the procedure, what results might realistically be expected and possible risks and complications.

X-Rays may be taken as well as photos. Preoperative instructions often include the elimination of certain drug (aspirin, garlic, arthritis medications, etc.) for a week before surgery in order to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Patients are advised to refrain from smoking before surgery for at least one week and for two weeks after the procedure. Patients who smoke have a higher risk of poor healing and other problems.

The Procedure

Dr. Galoob commonly performs these procedures in his AAAHC accredited Office Surgical Facility (www.aaahc.com) or a local outpatient surgical facility and the patient stays in a local hotel for one to two days. Pain connected with the procedure is minimal to moderate and is controlled with oral medication. Antibiotics are given through an IV at the time of surgery and continued post operatively for several days to prevent infection. Instructions for the day of surgery include bed rest with limited activities. The physician determines when normal activities can be resumed; however, strenuous exercise and overhead lifting must be avoided for several weeks.

Following Surgery

Following surgery, the patient wears bandages. Since patients are commonly operated on in an office or surgery center setting, they are released immediately to a hotel or to home (if local).
Sutures are removed in seven to 14 days. Numbness around the treated area may occur, but this condition is usually temporary. Swelling and discoloration disappear in a few days, and scars from the incision, although permanent, fade significantly with time.

Complications are rare. However, there are certain inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure that should be thoroughly discussed with the physician. Patients can minimize complications by carefully following directions given by the physician. Some patients who experience poor healing may require additional treatment.

Most patients can return to restricted activity within one week, normal activity within four weeks. The time of return to work depends on the type of job and whether adequate healing has occurred.

Contact Us
If you are interested in learning more about Male Breast Reduction, call or email our office or leave your name and address on this web page and we will be happy to answer your questions.