PROCEDURES

Tampa Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction surgery in Tampa, is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast or fatty tissue from a man’s chest. Starting in childhood and adolescence, boys may develop glandular tissue on their chest similar to breast tissue. This is secondary to hormonal imbalances in puberty. In a significant percent of these patients, the excess tissue fails to resolve and these male patients have a persistence of ‘breast tissue’ for life.

The development of gynecomastia is also seen in men who use anabolic steroids, testosterone, or pro-hormones. These substances can also generate hormonal imbalances which in turn stimulate the development of breast tissue in men. 

Gynecomastia tissue varies histologically from pseudogynecomastia. In Gynecomastia, the excess tissue present in men is glandular or true breast tissue. In pseudogynecomastia, the excess tissue present is primarily fatty tissue which is deposited on the chest. In patients with pseudogynecomastia, diet and exercise should help improve the appearance of the chest. 

A skilled plastic surgeon should be able to determine the difference between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. During your consultation with Dr. Fakhre, he will personally examine your chest and will let you know which type of tissue is most likely present.

Once gynecomastia develops in a man, the tissue will typically not resolve without surgical intervention. The presence of male breast tissue is understandably frustrating and unpleasant for affected teenagers and men. Unfortunately diet and exercise will not remove gynecomastia tissue and can often make the breast tissue look more prominent as the underlying pectoral muscles push the gynecomastia and nipples out. Also leaning up reduces the surrounding fatty tissue making the gynecomastia more noticeable.

Fortunately at New Tampa Plastic Surgery we offer highly effective surgical options for the treatment of gynecomastia or male breast tissue. The basis of the treatment relies on the surgical excision and removal of the excess breast tissue. Liposuction is not effective at removing gynecomastia tissue, however it may be used as an adjunct to excision in cases where excess fatty tissue is also present. Finally in patients with significant sagging of the skin and nipples, excision of the excess skin will also be necessary to achieve the best result possible. Once Dr. Fakhre examines you and discusses your goals, he will make recommendations for what option will most likely achieve the best result.

Reasons for Considering Gynecomastia Surgery or Male Breast Reduction Surgery in Tampa:

• Presence of prominent nipples or breast tissue in men
• Inability to improve the appearance of the chest with diet and exercise
• Frustration, insecurity or embarrassment with the appearance of the chest 

The Tampa Male Breast Reduction Procedure

The specific procedure selected to treat gynecomastia and reduce the male breasts depends upon the patient’s goals, physical exam and Dr. Fakhre’s professional opinion. As mentioned above, the mainstay of all effective treatments of gynecomastia is surgical excision. This will require the placement of small incision along the margin of the nipples. These incisions are used to remove the excess gynecomastia tissue. Dr. Fakhre carefully places these incisions so the scars heal very well and are generally barely noticeable once healed. He will also take steps to reduce the likelihood of developing contour irregularities on the chest. In patients who also require excision of redundant or excess skin, additional scars will be necessary. 

In patients with very mild cases of gynecomastia, this can be performed in the office under local anesthesia. In patients with moderate to severe gynecomastia, this will need to be performed in a surgical facility as general anesthesia will be necessary. All male breast reduction surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and usually takes one to three hours depending on the amount of breast tissue present and type of procedure performed.

Recovery following Male Breast Reduction in Tampa

Most men who undergo male breast reduction surgery can plan to return to work after about three days. In cases where more extensive excisions are performed, these patients should plan to be off work for one week. After surgery Dr. Fakhre will wrap your chest in a special compression binder. This binder will need to be worn for about a month. Patients typically do very well after surgery as the procedure is generally very well tolerated. Pain after surgery is usually mild and well controlled with oral pain medications.

Dr. Fakhre will ask you to refrain from any strenuous activity for anywhere from two to four weeks, depending on how much tissue is removed. Complications after male breast reduction are rare, and can be minimized by carefully following Dr. Fakhre's postop instructions.

To find out if you'd be a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction surgery in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, at 813-PLASTIC (752-7842).

Click here to see Dr. Fakhre's Wesley Chapel and Tampa Gynecomastia Surgery or Male Breast Reduction Before and After Photos.