Male Breast Reduction

ORANGE COUNTY GYNECOMASTIA (MALE BREAST REDUCTION)

Gynecomastia is a term to describe overgrowth of breast tissue in men. The condition can result from hormonal imbalances as a teen, and later in life, as a result of certain medications ((e.g.Lipitor) or drug use (Cannabis).

After identifying the cause of male breast development and correcting the underlying issue, if tissue is still present, surgery may be the only option.

This Gynecomastia procedure in Orange County has helped the self-confidence of many men who in the past may have avoided activities due to their condition. 

Is Male Breast Reduction Right For Me?

The ideal candidate for male breast reduction surgery in Orange County is any male who has excessive breast tissue but is of normal weight. A patient is not a candidate if they have any major medical problems prohibiting them from general anesthesia in an outpatient setting, or are on any type of blood thinners or anticoagulants.

Male breast reduction is advisable for any man who struggles with self-confidence because of his enlarged breasts. Often, male breasts first develop as the man in question puts on excessive weight, and while this condition can be sometimes fixed through diet and exercise, surgery may sometimes be required.

Why can’t I lose my breasts through diet and exercise?

If you’ve been on a proper, healthy diet, and have been following along with weight loss and toning exercises for some time now, but still fail to see a difference in your chest area, then you might need a male breast reduction procedure. Usually, the reason why you’re not seeing an improvement is that excess tissue has accumulated around your chest area, and needs to be specifically removed. Unlike excess fat, this tissue can’t be “burned” through high-intensity exercise alone, which is where breast gynecomastia comes in.

Procedure

Dr. Nitta’s preferred approach is to combine direct excision of the breast gland with Vaser Liposuction. This technique requires an incision below the areolar and one additional small incision in the armpit. The procedure takes approximately 2 hours. An additional hour will be required in cases where extra skin needs to be removed. As with liposuction, the quality of the skin will dictate the amount of skin shrinkage afterward. In some cases, a lift may also be necessary to achieve the best results.

For treating male breasts with liposuction, the doctor will administer local anesthetic (or general, if you so choose), and proceed to make a small incision on either side of the patient’s chest. Through these incisions, your doctor will then remove the excess tissue and fat, all the while remodeling the patient’s breast. This will restore firmness and what is considered a more natural shape. Now, you have two options for the incision location. You can either have it along the areola or inside the armpit. Having the incisions inside the armpit has the obvious benefit that they would be very difficult to see. Then again, the doctor can make an incision either along one half of the areola or all around it (common if the areolas are large and need reducing, also). Once again, the scars are usually concealed by the naturally dark pigmentation in the area.

Which type of incision you go for will be decided both by you and by Dr. Nitta during your initial consultation. This will depend on personal preference, but also on factors such as the make-up of your chest (e.g. is it just fat that needs removing or actual gland tissue?).

Recovery

After surgery, the patient will wear a compression garment for 4 weeks. On the second post-operative day, the garment, as well as foam padding and gauze, can be removed to shower. The garment is replaced and must continue to be worn 24/7. Steristrips on the incision sites must be left alone and remain in place. After one week, the patient is seen back in the office for their first follow-up, at which time steristrips and sutures are removed. The compression garment will need to be worn for 3 weeks following the first post-operative visit. Patients will have the option of switching to a compression garment, like Spanx, if they so choose.

Activity will need to be limited for the first 10 days following surgery. On day 11, low impact cardio may be resumed, however any activity engaging the chest area must be put off for 4 weeks. Patients will see immediate improvement, but they will need to wait 4-6 months to see final results (possibly longer depending on swelling).

Is There Another Way?

As mentioned, Dr. Nitta’s preferred method for reducing the breasts of male patients is that of liposuction. In your initial consultation, she can go into this subject in more depth and explain why she prefers lipo. But you must know that there is another method, commonly used by specialists.

Orange County Gynecomastia | Male Breast Reduction Through Tissue Excision

In more extreme cases, your doctor may recommend a tissue excision procedure, rather than a liposuction one. Usually, this is preferred when lipo alone can’t remove all the glandular tissue, or when there is extreme sagginess of the skin in and around the chest area. Once again, while liposuction can successfully get rid of excess fat and some glandular tissue, it can not help with saggy skin, so you would still be left with an undesirable appearance if you have very pronounced breasts (similar to female ones) and saggy skin.

Similarly to the liposuction procedure detailed above, tissue excision surgery implies either general or local anesthesia (depending on personal preference). For tissue excision, the incisions are usually made either along the areola or inside one of the natural creases in your chest, so as to better conceal the future scar. While marks of this procedure may be more pronounced than those of breast liposuction, a skilled surgeon, such as Dr. Nitta, will cleverly conceal the incisions to make sure that the scars are as inconspicuous as possible.

Which one’s a better choice for me?

This will be determined during your initial consultation with Dr. Nitta. While it’s natural to exaggerate the extent of the issue you want corrected, it may well be the case that you are not such an “extreme case” as you may think.

If you are male and looking to enhance your appearance, call our office at (949) 722-6644 to schedule a consultation with Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Katharine C. Nitta today!

Frequently Asked Questions about Male breast reduction

What is male breast reduction?

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure aimed at treating gynecomastia, a condition where men develop enlarged breast tissue. The surgery removes excess fat and glandular tissue to create a flatter, more masculine chest.

Who is a good candidate for male breast reduction in Newport Beach?

Ideal candidates for male breast reduction are men in good overall health who are experiencing gynecomastia and are looking to improve the appearance of their chest. The condition should be persistent and not responsive to diet and exercise.

How long does it take to recover from male breast reduction?

The recovery period can vary, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within 1-2 weeks. It’s essential to follow Dr. Nitta’s post-operative care instructions for optimal results.

How Do I Schedule an Appointment for Male Breast Reduction?

To schedule a consultation for male breast reduction, you can call Dr. Katharine Nitta, a renowned plastic surgeon in Orange County, by calling (949)722-6644 or by filling out the “Request A Consultation” form on the website.

Where Can I Get Male Breast Reduction near Orange County?

Dr. Katharine Nitta offers male breast reduction procedures in Orange County. Her expertise ensures that you’ll receive the best possible care and results.

Is Dr. Katharine Nitta's clinic easily accessible from Newport Beach?

Yes, Dr. Nitta’s clinic is conveniently located in Orange County, making it easily accessible for residents of Newport Beach and the surrounding areas.

Is male breast reduction covered by insurance?

Coverage for male breast reduction varies by insurance provider and may depend on whether the procedure is deemed medically necessary. It’s best to consult with your insurance provider for specific details.

What are the payment options for male breast reduction?

Various payment options are available, including credit cards and financing plans, to make the procedure more affordable.

What can I expect after undergoing male breast reduction?

After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Dr. Nitta will provide specific post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

When can I resume exercise after male breast reduction?

It’s generally recommended to wait at least 2-4 weeks before resuming light exercise, and longer for more strenuous activities. Dr. Nitta will provide personalized guidance based on your recovery.

Can male breast reduction be combined with other procedures?

It’s generally recommended to wait at least 2-4 weeks before resuming light exercise, and longer for more strenuous activities. Dr. Nitta will provide personalized guidance based on your recovery.

How long do the results of male breast reduction last?

The results of male breast reduction are generally long-lasting, especially if you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.