Male Breast Surgery
Overview | FAQ | Photo Gallery
- What is gynecomastia?
- What causes enlarged breasts in men?
- Are enlarged breasts in men a dangerous condition?
- How common is gynecomastia?
- Will I need liposuction or excision of breast tissue during gynecomastia surgery?
- Will there be any scarring?
- Will my insurance cover male breast surgery?
Gynecomastia is a condition in males where the breasts become enlarged and appear “female-like”. Patients with gynecomastia may have excess fat and/or glandular tissue as well as variable degree of redundant skin tissue.
What causes enlarged breasts in men?
The causes of enlarged breast in men are several and include: genetic predisposition or disorders, natural aging changes, puberty, obesity, steroid abuse, chronic liver disease, side effects of estrogen-containing medications, excessive drinking, drug abuse such as marijuana use, or certain brain or breast tumors. Enlarged breasts can be common in adolescent boys and are usually only temporary. Interestingly, enlargement of breasts may affect only one and not both breasts.
It is important to determine the cause of enlarged breasts prior to male breast surgery in order to address any pertinent medical problems and discontinue any activities that may preclude you to recurrence of enlarged breasts. In rare cases, surgery may not be indicated.
Are enlarged breasts in men a dangerous condition?
Typically, enlarged breasts are not dangerous to a patient’s health. Although extremely rare, breast cancer may be a cause of enlarged breasts. Breast cancer should be considered when there is enlargement in only one breast because gynecomastia usually occurs in both breasts. When there is concern of breast cancer, patients must get a mammogram prior to surgery. Additionally, patients may harbor a brain tumor resulting in increased estrogen production which requires diagnosis and treatment prior to considering any breast surgery.
Some studies have estimated that as many as 60-70% of males have gynecomastia. This condition is particularly common in newborns, adolescents, and older men. Males from these age groups have an exceptionally high frequency of gynecomastia due to drastic hormone fluctuations. An abnormal ratio of estrogens to testosterone in the body affects the growth of tissue in the breast region.
Will I need liposuction or excision of breast tissue during gynecomastia surgery?
The technique of gynecomastia surgery that you will require depends on the degree of redundant breast fat, glandular tissue, and skin that you have. Patients with firm skin, minimal glandular tissue, and excess fat may require liposuction only. However, most patients do present with excess glandular tissue and thus will require a combination of liposuction as well as direct excision of the glandular tissue underlying the nipple and areola complex. Less often, patients with extensive redundant skin and sagging breasts, may require direct excision of the breast skin, fat, and glandular tissue. In these patients, the nipple areola complex must be replaced as a skin graft.
When liposuction and/or direct excision of the glandular tissue is required, surgical incisions are limited and scarring not typically a concern. In contrast, when direct excision of the breast skin, fat, and glandular tissue is required, patients must be counselled about the surgical scars that will ensue. These scars are placed appropriately to mimic an “armor plate” and surgical incisions are repaired using meticulous technique. Although these scars typically remain red for a few months, they will eventually fade into thin white lines.
Will my insurance cover male breast surgery?
Since gynecomastia is usually not detrimental to a patient’s physical health, male breast surgery is typically not covered by insurance companies. However, coverage policies may vary and in rare cases when it is documented that the enlarged breasts have resulted in psychological trauma to the patient, your plastic surgeon will help determined if insurance coverage is attainable.
