Gynecomastia is a medical term that originates from the Greek words for “women-like breasts.” This condition is far more common than many realize. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population. It may affect only one breast or both. Although certain drugs such as anabolic steroids, medications containing estrogen, alcohol, marijuana, etc., and medical conditions including cancer, impaired liver function, to name a few, may cause or contribute to enlarged male breasts, it is widely accepted that a large percentage of cases derive from unknown sources.
Men of any age who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours. In some instances, surgery may be discouraged for overweight men who have not first tried an exercise and diet regimen.
Enlarged male breasts can be reduced by liposuction and/or by cutting out excess glandular tissue. If excessive glandular tissue, fat and skin are present, they will be removed.
Surgery may be performed alone or in conjunction with lipoplasty, where the suction device will typically be inserted through the existing incisions. For the removal of excess fatty tissue alone, liposuction may be all that is needed; in such cases, scars will be small and barely visible.
Results are permanent, although subsequent obesity can create a gynecomastia-like effect. Some of the benefits of surgery include a firmer, flatter, more contoured chest which may give the male patient a boost in self-confidence. There is little downtime, and you may return to work within one week usually, unless you are involved in strenuous activities.
There will be scarring around the nipple of the breast (areola) from this procedure, but it will fade over a period of time and be less visible. There will be some post-operative bruising, swelling, and burning sensation. To assist with the healing process, the patient will wear an elastic pressure garment for 3-6 weeks and must avoid exposing scarred areas to the sun for at least 6 months.
Other considerations include temporary numbness or lack of sensation that could last up to a year. Infrequent complications may include infection, skin damage, fluid accumulation, bleeding, scarring or pigment changes. Post-operative asymmetry, while rare, is possible; a second procedure may be needed to remove additional tissue.
As a board-certified South Carolina plastic surgeon, Dr. C. Brett Carlin has been practicing state-of-the-art cosmetic plastic surgery in Columbia since 1998. His practice is limited to aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body.
By narrowing his practice in scope, he can offer his patients truly superior care and expertise. “Our specialty encompasses a very broad spectrum. If you only do a few cases of a specific procedure each year, you never really gain meaningful experience or expertise with it. It is hard to be proficient in all aspects of plastic surgery. Find what you do well and become your best at it.”
Male breast reduction (gynecomastia surgery), performed by Dr. Carlin.
Photographs are of actual patients of Carlin Plastic Surgery, published with patient consent. Please use before-and-after photographs only as a benchmark of good results. Individual results vary person to person.
Carlin Plastic Surgery has its own operating room at the practice in West Columbia. Our surgical team includes a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). The surgery center.
No. Carlin Plastic Surgery does not accept insurance. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and CareCredit financing.
Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on Friday. After hours, surgical patients can reach Dr. Carlin through our answering service. Directions and contact details.
What to expect as a new patient, and what our patients say about the experience.
“Dr Carlin takes pride in his work. He has an amazing bedside manner and is honest. He's attentive and very professional along with his entire office staff. Couldn't ask for anything more from a plastic surgeon!”
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(803) 926-0969