Tips to Prepare for Male Breast Reduction

Hereditary factors, hormonal changes, obesity or the use of certain drugs can lead to breast enlargement in men. Male breast reduction surgery is an effective option to address enlarged male breasts or gynecomastia. Gynecomastia surgery involves removing excess fat and glandular tissue, and in some cases, excess skin, to result in a flatter, firmer, well-defined chest.

Up to 50% of men in the United States experience some degree of gynecomastia during their lifetime, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. The condition can present at any age and affect one or both breasts, and cannot be fixed through diet and exercise. Male breast reduction can safely and successfully address the concern. Male breast reduction in NYC is performed using minimally invasive, advanced liposuction technologies such as BodyTite (radiofrequency assisted liposuction). Surgeons use different types of procedures to address individual concerns. Proper preparation before the treatment is important for optimal outcomes.

Whether you’re considering this treatment for aesthetic or psychological reasons, preparing properly is key. If you’re seeking expert guidance and results, it is essential to follow a pre-op checklist for male breast reduction patients.

Plastic surgeons in NYC provide patients with detailed guidance before surgery. They will answer any questions you may have and take a detailed medical history. They will also conduct a physical exam to determine whether you are fit for the surgery. If you have heart disease, low blood count, or any other serious medical conditions, you need to get medical clearance from your internist or specialist. A pre-surgery consultation and a preoperative electrocardiogram (EKG) would be recommended for patients who are older than 45 years or have heart disease.

 What to Expect before Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Here are some other important pre-operative considerations for gynecomastia treatment that you should know:

• Determine the procedure which will best address your specific needs – The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends that patients should first identify the procedure that can safely and effectively address their individual needs. To do this, you need to consult a plastic surgeon who is experienced in performing breast reduction surgery. The surgeon will assess your anatomy to determine whether the fullness in your chest is due to:
• Excessive breast tissue
• Excess fat, or
• Both breast tissue and fat as well as loose skin around the areolas

Typically, older men and massive weight loss patients have fullness in the chest due to loose skin around the areola and this can be easily corrected with areolar reduction. On the other hand, liposuction can provide a smooth, flat chest for patients with pseudo gynecomastia (presence of excess breast fat). Gynecomastia patients have excess fat as well as accumulation of breast tissue and require a surgical excision of the tissue and fat removal. In addition to gland removal and liposuction, men who have lost a lot of weight may need some skin to be removed as well as treatment to lift the chest.

• Healthy diet and regular exercises – The next tip to prepare for male breast reduction is to improve your diet and exercise regimen. If your condition is due to intake of a supplement, prescription medication or recreational drug, you will need to stop prior to surgery. If your full chest is due to excessive fat, you can cut weight by eating more fruits and vegetables, cutting sugar intake, minimizing the amount of alcoholic beverages you consume, doing 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week, and doing resistance workouts with weights, bands or balls. These measures can reduce excessive fat buildup in the chest and eliminate the need for surgery. Even if your physician says you need surgery, following a healthy diet and a regular exercise regimen will boost your overall health and promote healing and recovery.
• Recovery – When it comes to recovery, patients need to have realistic expectations. You are likely to have swelling and bruising for at least two weeks following the procedure. Drains will be needed for 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Compression garments for men may be recommended to manage swelling and aid in recovery. You’ll likely wear a compression vest 24/7 for three weeks, and then 12 hours a day for the next two months. Patients are advised to refrain from heavy lifting or straining for two weeks. Daily activities can be resumed gradually in the days after the surgery without going beyond your tolerance level. Most patients get back to work 2-3 days after surgery. Follow a healthy lifestyle to maintain the results of male breast reduction.

Some other tips:

• Avoid sunbathing for two weeks before surgery as tanning the chest skin can potentially increase the risk of permanent scarring.
• Refrain from using tobacco or nicotine at least four weeks prior to the procedure as nicotine can impair and delay healing.
• Stop all aspirin-containing products, medications that contain blood thinners (Ibuprofen Motrin, Advil etc.), vitamin E, and herbal supplements two weeks prior to surgery. It is advisable to take one multivitamin a day.
• Inform your surgeon about any illness, cold, or skin infection in the chest area which develops within a week of the surgery.
• Submit all requested lab results and physician’s clearances.
• Schedule time off work for nearly one week. Take a break from work for approximately two weeks if your job is labor intensive.
• Arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you around-the-clock for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Have the recommended surgical chest compression garment ready and bring it with you when you come for the surgery. You will have to wear it after the surgery for the time specified by your surgeon.
• Wear a comfortable shirt during the first four weeks following the procedure.
• Do all your important chores before your surgery, so that you don’t have to worry about taking care of things during your recuperation. After the surgery, you will not be allowed to engage in heavy lifting for several weeks.
• Avoid removing chest hair for two weeks before and six weeks after surgery.

Choosing a surgeon who has extensive experience in performing gynecomastia surgery is crucial for a successful outcome. A reliable surgeon will educate you on the benefits and risks associated with the surgery and guide you in taking an informed decision. In an AAAASF-accredited practice, you can expect end-to-end care and support all through the treatment, right from the initial consultation up to full recovery.