Virtual Consultations Available! Start Your Journey Today.

Schedule A Consultation

Dr. Cruise’s philosophy regarding male breast reduction

Dr. Cruise’s philosophy regarding male breast reduction

The medical term for enlarged male breasts is called gynecomastia. It is a problem that often times seriously affects a man’s psyche. It has become generally accepted in our society for a man to carry a few extra pounds around his stomach, however this not the case when it comes to carrying weight in the chest. It’s hard to say why this is, but it could be that larger breasts on a man is too closely related to the feminine quality of women. Time and time again my gynecomastia patients tell me they are no longer comfortable taking off their shirt in public and, sometimes, even with their sexual partner. As a result, many self-esteem issues can arise causing a man’s world to be negatively affected in a variety of ways.

Gynecomastia has been a hidden problem for decades, and, therefore, treatment options have not received the attention that other cosmetic procedures have. This is because of the embarrassment associated with the condition and the teasing that men receive for having what is referred to as “man boobs.” This is really unfortunate, because gynecomastia is very treatable, especially with modern advances in plastic surgery. As a plastic surgeon, I find it very satisfying to perform gynecomastia surgery, because the results are typically very predictable and can be life changing. I believe this is why gynecomastia has become such a large part of my practice.

As mentioned earlier, gynecomastia is composed of three possible problems. I will discuss each of the issues and explain the techniques I have found most effective to treat them.

1) Excess Fat

Before

After

Almost every gynecomastia patient I consult with has excess fat. This excess fat is also often present in patients who are not overweight. Removal of fat alone can be predictably treated with liposuction. The fat underneath the nipple is very fibrous and hard to remove, so I find it key to use a very aggressive cannula during the procedure.

2) Excess Fat and Breast Tissue

Before

After

When I inform my patients that men have glandular breast tissue just like women, they are very surprised and find it hard to believe. It is almost always located below the nipple and feels firm and squishy. With most of the gynecomastia patients I see, their breast tissue has enlarged to a point of becoming a problem, and they now want to find out what treatment options are available.

Enlarged glandular breast tissue does not typically respond to liposuction alone. It usually requires a small incision under the nipple to remove it. Fortunately, this incision is well hidden and becomes virtually unnoticeable over time.

The incision is well hidden, it is placed right on the margin of the lower portion of areola.

3) Excess Fat, Breast Tissue and Skin

Before

After

In fewer cases, gynecomastia may involve excess skin, which will also need to be removed. This situation is uncommon, because chest skin has a great capacity to contract back to the chest when the breast tissue is removed. Only patients with significant sag or poor skin quality need to have skin removed as well.

Testimonial

On July 18, 2008, I had the procedure. Now, a year on, I feel great! Due to my visit to Cruise Plastic Surgery, I have changed the way I eat and exercise. I’ve lost 25lbs. so far on a popular diet program and plan on a total loss of 60lbs. I just want to give a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Cruise and his staff for changing the way I live and how I feel about myself. I can stand tall with confidence and certainty thanks to Dr. Cruise. Thanks again!
–Luke H., 19 years old

If skin needs to be removed, I typically do so around the areola, so the incision is hidden between the interface of the dark areola skin and the chest skin. I do not typically remove skin at the same time as removing excess fat and/or glandular tissue. This is because the patient’s skin could tighten enough during the healing process to not warrant additional skin removal. Keep in mind, even poor quality skin has the capability of contracting to some degree. Therefore, it is best to allow this natural process to occur and only remove what is necessary. This is usually determined a few months after the first procedure takes place, and can be performed under local anesthesia in my office.