When to Consider Male Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is one of the most popular surgical procedures in the United States. One aspect of breast reduction that is largely overlooked and unspoken of are those needed by men. Male breast reduction is a small but important facet of cosmetic surgery. Knowing when to consider it is the first step in the process.

Do You Have Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a quite common endocrine disorder that causes boys and men to grow enlarged breasts. The tissue growth is not cancerous, but it can be crippling to self-esteem, social interactions and establishing intimacy with a partner. If you’ve been diagnosed by an endocrinologist and conservative treatments have failed, it may be time to consider a male breast reduction.

Have You Lost a Lot of Weight?

One of the challenges that face patients who’ve lost a significant amount of weight is the excess skin left behind. For some men, sagging skin and stubborn fat deposits on the chest can make it appear as if female breasts have formed.

This can be especially problematic if the skin is pendulous and moves while exercising. Men in this position often resort to binding the excess tissue when a male breast reduction would solve their issue entirely.

Does the Size of Your Breasts Bother You?

Some men are just naturally predisposed to have more breast tissue than others. If you’ve tried diet and exercise and are still concerned or embarrassed by the size of your breasts, a reduction may be in order. This is especially true if you have impressive pectoral muscles covered by a layer of soft breast tissue that just won’t budge.

What Problems Are You Experiencing?

Just as with women, excess breast tissue can lead to pain in the shoulders, back and neck. The excess weight can pull against your muscles and affect your posture. It’s also common for men with large breasts to experience chafing where clothing rubs against the skin, particularly the nipples.

Physical issues aside, you also need to consider the effect your breasts have on your social life, career and in your intimate relationships.

Male breast reduction is a huge step. It’s a surgical procedure with all the potential complications and advantages of other surgeries. With that being said, having excessively large breasts can be crippling to your mental and physical health. If you’d like an expert opinion on your individual circumstances, don’t hesitate to contact the office of Dr. Wendell Perry, MD today and schedule an appointment.