Male Breast Reduction
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Correcting large male breasts through skilled plastic surgery is one of the most life-changing procedures for men. When males develop large breasts, also known as gynecomastia, it can significantly impact their quality of life. It can create feelings of embarrassment that result in loss of self-confidence and social withdrawal. If you're bothered by your appearance and are reluctant to remove your shirt in front of other people, one solution is male breast reduction surgery. Men from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, rely on Dr. G.D. Castillo for this transformative body contouring procedure.
If you are self-conscious about your breasts, request a consultationrequest a consultation online to discuss the condition with Dr. Castillo, or call our office in 217-359-7508217-359-7508 (Savoy) to schedule an appointment. Our primary plastic surgery practice is 2 miles from the Urbana-Champaign campus of the University of Illinois.
Male Breast Reduction Before & After Photos
What Is Gynecomastia?
Enlarged breasts can occur at any age for boys or men. It is a relatively common condition that can be related to hormonal changes, heredity, rapid weight gain, and the use of certain drugs can cause overdevelopment of male breast tissue. Although gynecomastia can cause emotional distress for youths, it's wise to postpone male breast reduction surgery until after puberty, when the body is mostly done developing. Excess localized fat and glandular tissue are the primary characteristics of gynecomastia. In some cases, there is also excess skin in the breast area.
The Procedure
Surgery is an appropriate option for men whose breast development is stable and who are healthy overall. As with female breast reduction, Dr. Castillo performs male breast reduction surgery under general anesthesia, in his state-of-the-art cosmetic plastic surgery facility with his long-term, experienced, skilled surgical staff. The specific technique used depends on the underlying reason for your condition. For example, in cases where excess fatty tissue is causing gynecomastia, liposuction is appropriate. In those procedures, a thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions. Dr. Castillo moves the cannula to break up the tissue, which is suctioned from the body.
Other techniques that may be used include:
- Excision: This is appropriate in cases where excess glandular tissue and skin need to be removed. Dr. Castillo also uses the excision technique for patients who want to reduce the projection of the areolar / nipple area.
- Combined excision and liposuction: Combining both techniques may be necessary to get the best results.
After Surgery
You will leave our surgical facility wearing a compression garment that is well hidden underneath normal clothing and you will continue to wear it for 1 week post-surgery. This allows you to return to routine light physical activities within 3 days after your procedure. You can gradually resume exercising and your daily routine after about a week. Very small sutures will be removed within 6 days. Discomfort and tenderness are common, and other side effects some patients experience include bruising and swelling. Numbness is less common and virtually always temporary.
Dr. Castillo provides patients detailed post-surgical instructions to help during your recovery.
