Home | Surgical Procedures | Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery)

• Share
• Tweet
• Pin
• • 
  • 

Our Waterloo-Kitchener clinic is seeing an increasing number of men considering gynecomastia surgery, a procedure that removes the excess breast tissue that sometimes develops in men and adolescent boys. It is a condition that can create embarrassment and limit a man from certain physical activities, such as swimming, because he feels awkward about being shirtless. Surgery is often the best solution for patients interested in male breast reduction.

Men travel to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic for gynecomastia surgery from Guelph, London, Cambridge, and Windsor, Ontario, where our surgeons specialize in cosmetic surgery for men and women. Request a consultation using our online form or call our office at (519) 746-1132.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is generally caused by a combination of dense breast tissue behind the nipple and fatty tissue over the pectoralis major muscle. It isn't necessarily related to being overweight. The condition can occur in adolescent males and young men and can occur in one or both breasts. It is not a medically serious condition, but it can cause awkwardness, and many boys and men feel self-conscious about their physical appearances.

Males with gynecomastia usually notice swelling, and their breasts are often painful or tender to touch. The condition often coincides with the hormonal changes that occur during puberty and resolves without treatment in 6 months to 2 years. You can also learn more about the condition by watching Dr. Robert Shenker's interview with CTV News in our Media Center.

What happens during gynecomastia surgery?

We conduct a physical examination during your consultation to determine your customized surgical plan, which may include either local anesthesia with sedation or a general anesthetic. If your condition is caused primarily by excess fatty tissue, the surgeon may use liposuction, which involves inserting a thin hollow tube called a cannula. Fat is suctioned away using the cannula.

Another option is removing glandular breast tissue using a surgical technique called excision. The surgeon may also remove excess skin and reshape the breast during this procedure.

It's important to research plastic surgery practices from London to Kitchener and throughout Southwestern Ontario to ensure you find the best plastic surgeon to perform your gynecomastia procedure.

How should I prepare for surgery?

You will first have a thorough consultation with Dr. Shenker to determine your goals. The Clinic's Patient Coordinator will guide you through all the details of the planning process for your procedure, including scheduling and paperwork.

Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery.

You are to have nothing to eat or drink for the twelve hours immediately before your surgery.

What will the day of surgery be like?

You will arrange for someone to drive you to The Cosmetic Surgery Clinic and to pick you up after the procedure. Our staff will assist you with planning for your ride home.

You will meet our highly qualified and professional operating room staff so you will be assured that you are in excellent hands. Our anesthesiologist will talk to you before you go to sleep for your surgery. After the procedure is completed, you will be taken to our recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. After a brief recovery period you will be permitted to leave with your driver.

When can I resume normal activities?

It is not unusual for gynecomastia patients to resume normal activities, such as driving, showering and work, within one to two days after surgery. Exercise and physically demanding jobs may be resumed three to six weeks after surgery.