Men - Chest Reduction - Sinno Plastic Surgery

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For some men, having overly large breasts is an embarrassing problem. At Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery, we understand that and can help you improve your appearance so that your body image and self-confidence are enhanced and your sense of yourself is improved. We strive to be sensitive to your needs as we provide you with a quality health care experience.

What is chest reduction?
When should you consider chest reduction surgery?
Who is a good candidate for chest reduction surgery?
How is chest reduction surgery done?
What results can you expect with chest reduction?
How can you prepare for your chest reduction surgery?
What can you expect when you are healing?
How long will results last?
What are the possible side effects or risks?
Are there other procedures that could be done along with chest reduction?
Are there any alternatives to chest reduction surgery?
Will insurance pay for the procedure?
Next steps …

WHAT IS CHEST REDUCTION?
Approximately 40-60% of men are affected by a condition known as gynecomastia, to varying degrees. This medical term describes breasts in men that have a “woman like” appearance. Sometimes only one breast is affected. Gynecomastia frequently occurs without any known cause. It may be related to hormonal abnormalities, certain drugs or prescription medications or associated with obesity.

If you are a man with excessively large breasts, breast reduction surgery can create a flatter, more masculine looking contour for your chest.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER CHEST REDUCTION SURGERY?

Are you a man who is self conscious about your obvious or excessively large breasts?
Have you lost a lot of weight, leaving you with excess or sagging tissue on your chest?

If you answered yes to one or both questions, you may be a good candidate for chest reduction surgery.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR CHEST REDUCTION SURGERY?
If you are considering chest reduction surgery, you need to meet the following criteria:

You are generally healthy
You are emotionally and mentally stable
You consume alcohol in moderation*
You do not smoke marijuana*
You are not using anabolic steroids*
You are not obese or grossly overweight for your height

*Note: Alcohol, marijuana and anabolic steroids may be factors causing your enlarged breasts. If you’re using any of these substances, stop for a while to see if your breast size shrinks.

HOW IS CHEST REDUCTION SURGERY DONE?
The operation is done at the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery on an outpatient basis. Dr. Sinno will discuss with you the type of anesthesia to use, depending on the extent of your surgery. Local anesthesia, combined with a sedative, allows you to remain awake but very relaxed. With a general anesthetic, you will be asleep throughout the procedure.

Sometimes liposuction alone (using the ultrasonic machine) is sufficient to treat the entire breast. In many cases a small incision is needed in conjunction with liposuction.

As shown at the right, a small incision is made either under your arm or at the edge of the areola (the dark area around your nipple), and then ultrasonic liposuction is usually performed. Dr. Sinno may also have to cut away the excess breast tissue. In some cases, excess skin may have to be cut off so that the remaining chest skin can be fixed firmly to your new chest contour.

WHAT RESULTS CAN YOU EXPECT WITH CHEST REDUCTION?

Your breast reduction will eliminate excess fat and tissue from your chest.
Your chest will look flatter, firmer and more masculine.
Your may need (or want) new clothes that better fit your newly contoured body.
Many men with overly large breasts report an increased sense of self-confidence and self esteem after chest reduction surgery. If your expectations of the surgery are realistic, then you likely will be very satisfied with your new look.

HOW YOU CAN PREPARE FOR YOUR CHEST REDUCTION SURGERY?

Initial consultation
You will have a comprehensive consultation with the staff at the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery that includes:

Discussion of your goals and expectations
A full medical history
Examination of your chest
Possible blood tests to investigate the cause of your gynecomastia
Discussion of potential risks and limitations
Outline of how the surgery is done, anesthesia used for the procedure and what to expect
Details about costs
Answer any questions you have

Be ready to provide the following information:

Complete medical history
List of medications you take, including use of aspirin and other over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements
Details about your tobacco and alcohol consumption or any drug use

Before your surgery date:

X-ray. You may need to get an x-ray of your breasts before the surgery.
Prepare yourself. Dr. Sinno will give you specific instructions on eating, drinking, smoking, taking vitamin supplements or using any medications before surgery
Live right. The best way to prepare your body for any surgical procedure is to make healthy lifestyle choices in the weeks beforehand. If you prepare your body for surgery, your “back-to-normal time” is often reduced.
Exercise regularly.
Get adequate sleep.
Eat right.
Take vitamin supplements.
Reduce stress.
Depend on someone. Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery. You also may want to have someone to help you at home for the first day or two while you recuperate.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE HEALING?

Right after surgery

You will go home several hours after the procedure.
Your chest will be covered with a light gauze dressing.
A specialized elasticized chest vest is placed over your chest to aid in the healing process. You will wear this for 2-3 weeks. It can be worn discretely under your clothing.
A small tube—called a drain—may be used to help drain off excess fluids (a normal result of surgery) for several days. Staff at Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery will give you instructions on how to care for the drain.
Expect minor discomfort or pain. This will go away in a couple of days. You can take prescribed pain medication to manage it.
Sleep or lie only on your back the first week. Try to avoid sleeping on your side. Use pillows to elevate and support your head and back to help reduce swelling.

Pain, swelling, bruising

The surgery will cause you to be swollen and bruised for several weeks.
Bruising and swelling will slowly disappear. It may take 4-6 months for all swelling to fade completely. Try to be patient.
You can take prescribed pain medication to manage the minor pain and discomfort you may experience.

Getting better

The gauze dressing or Ace wrap will be removed on your first office visit with Dr. Sinno after surgery.
You can take a shower or bath 24 hours after surgery, even with the drains in place. Staff at the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery will give you specific instructions for handling your bandage and drains while bathing.
Stitches are usually the absorbable type.

Getting back to normal

Try to start walking around a few hours after your surgery.
Return to work when you feel ready. For most men, this is within 1-3 days.
You can go back to work and your regular routine within 2 weeks
Hold off on sex activity for 1-2 weeks.
Avoid heavy or strenuous exercise, including lifting, for at least 3 weeks
For at least a month, stay clear of any tasks, job or sports where you might be hit in the chest
Be careful of sunlight exposure while healing. Your scars—though placed inconspicuously—are highly sensitive to the sun for at least a year. Use SPF 15 or higher whenever you go outside.

What you might notice

Each side of your chest may heal at a different rate. One may be more swollen, one may feel less comfortable than the other, or the shapes may look different at first. When fully recovered, your chest will look flat, firm and natural
You may feel tired or “washed out” for several weeks. Listen to your body and only do what you can. Don’t push yourself.
You may see a small amount of fluid draining from your surgical incisions. Some crusting is normal. If you have bleeding or intense pain, call us at the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery.
Your chest will probably ache occasionally for a few weeks.
There may be some hardness under the skin.

Diet and Nutrition
Good diet and nutrition will help your body heal better, and faster, after a surgical procedure.

Drink plenty of water or clear fluids; up to 64 ounces a day is recommended
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal
Eat small amounts of protein with every meal
Eat every 4-5 hours; do not wait longer to eat
Eat more frequent meals, with fewer calories per meal
Eat breakfast within an hour after you get up
Use vitamin supplements, especially antioxidants, to promote healing and renew energy

HOW LONG WILL RESULTS LAST?
Results of your chest reduction are permanent. If you gain excessive weight, take or use certain drugs, you may notice an increase in your breast size again.

WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OR RISKS?
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you can only be determined during your consultation with Dr. Sinno prior to having the procedure.

You can reduce chance of risk by closely following instructions before and after the procedure that are provided by Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery.

Sensation changes
You may have tingling, burning or shooting pains as your sensory nerves regenerate after surgery. These will eventually disappear. Try self-massage to alleviate the discomfort.

You also may experience some numbness in certain areas of your breast. Normal sensation will eventually return. Permanent loss of sensation in the nipples or skin after the procedure is rare.

Scars
Scars lines are frequently limited to less then 1/2 inch incision in the armpits or lower breast crease for liposuction and drain access. When surgical tissue removal is needed, another line is carefully placed at the lower edge of the areola.

Breast hardness
Reducing your breast size will not protect you from breast disease or cancer. Continue to get regular check-ups by your primary doctor.

Surgery can sometimes cause scarring within your breast. The scars can make your breast feel hard in places. This is not cancer! If you are concerned about hardness you feel in your breasts, talk with your doctor about getting a biopsy or mammogram.

ARE THERE OTHER PROCEDURES THAT COULD BE DONE ALONG WITH A CHEST REDUCTION?
Liposuction is sometimes used in other areas (like the abdomen or under the arms) for body contouring, if needed.

ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO HAVING CHEST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Potential alternatives to this procedure include:

Weight loss
Exercise
Change in medication
Elimination of steroid use
A standard mastectomy

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR CHEST REDUCTION?
Breast reduction is occasionally covered by insurance. Our staff at Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery will work with your insurance company if you meet its medical criteria, to obtain pre-authorization for coverage. In most cases, chest reduction surgery is considered cosmetic and is not covered by medical insurance.

NEXT STEPS . . .
Contact the Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sinno to talk about your plastic surgery interests. Your visit will be confidential, and your questions will be answered in detail.