Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)

Gynecomastia is the medical term for excessive breast tissue in males.  Frequently this develops during puberty.  Once medical causes such as hormonal irregularities or chromosomal abnormalities are eliminated the majority of cases are mostly of social significance and some young men are embarrassed by the prominence of their breasts.  The prominence of the breasts is due to enlarged breast gland tissue and frequently there is also a fatty collection which contributes to the appearance of a larger breast.  In men who are overweight the excess fat in the chest area can mimic the appearance of an enlarged breast.

Surgical treatment involves reduction of both the fatty and glandular tissues in the breast area.  Dr. Samuel uses liposuction to remove the fatty tissue around the breast.  If this is enough to achieve the desired shape then nothing further is required and the only scar is from the puncture area for insertion of the liposuction cannula.  If after the fat has been removed with liposuction, there is still a residual bulge due to the remaining glandular breast tissue, then a small incision may be made at the edge of the areola and the excess breast gland tissue is removed.  The small resultant scar is usually well camouflaged due to its location at the edge of the areola.  After surgery a compressive dressing is applied to decrease the tendency for collection of blood or fluid in the operative area.

After surgery Dr. Samuel advises his patients to avoid excessive upper body activity for a couple of weeks in order to minimize the risk of bleeding in the area of surgery.

Patients who have larger breasts may have some excess skin laxity after removal of the underlying fat and breast tissue.  In younger patients the skin will frequently shrink down, thereby avoiding the scarring that would result from removal of excess skin.  In older men, if there is a need to remove the excess skin, the scars are frequently hidden to a great extent by the chest hair.

As with all surgeries, Dr. Samuel assesses the patient and explains in great detail all aspects of the operation, the post-operative course and the relevant consequences to the patient.  Gynecomastia surgery (male breast reduction) is one of the many surgical procedures in which Dr. Samuel has extensive experience and expertise.

If you are a man considering surgery to reduce the prominence of your breast area, please contact Dr. Samuel’s office by calling 416-630-2715 or e-mailing info@torontoplasticsurgery.net. His office staff will be pleased to assist you.

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Disclaimer:  The explanations on this procedure are meant to provide only an overview of information on the subject.  This does not constitute ‘informed consent’.  Each case must be assessed   by Dr. Samuel individually.  The consultation will include a proper history, physical examination and discussion of the proposed surgery, post-operative course including the relevant potential complications.  During the consultation and subsequently, the patient will have opportunities to ask questions and clarify any concerns he/she may have relating to any aspect of their care by Dr. Samuel and his staff. 

This website is aimed at informing Canadian patients of the services provided by Dr. Samuel.  At no time is it intended for patients who reside outside Canada.