Breast asymmetry is unevenness of the breasts, meaning one breast is larger than the other breast. In men, gynecomastia may present in one breast known as unilateral, or gynecomastia may be present in both breast, known as bilateral. The most common gynecomastia diagnosis is when it occurs in both breast at different degrees, this is known as bilateral asymmetry. Glandular tissue can affect the appearance of the size and shape of the breast. The glandular tissue in combination with the breast tissue can change the appearance of the breast, including larger areola in diameter as well as protrusion.
In many cases, men that are suffering with gynecomastia develop insecurities. The insecurities can often lead to low Self Esteem, Depression and social anxiety. This can often interfere with their personal relationships, or in some cases, their day to day relationships.
No two breast are the same. In both men and women, breast will differ in size and shape. In most cases difference is slight and not noticeable to the eye. The degree of the asymmetry can vary in each individual. A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon will do an exam on the patient to determine if they are a candidate as well as determine the asymmetry of the gynecomastia. A procedure plan must be discussed between the individual and the surgeon prior to having surgery.
The asymmetry conditions can often be corrected to some degree in surgery. It is important to be informed of the realistic expectations from the surgery. Individuals should feel that they have been fully informed and educated by their Plastic Surgeon.
Gynecomastia Correction surgery includes removing both the glandular tissue as well as the fatty breast tissue. When removing the breast tissue, this gives the surgeon the opportunity to equal out the symmetry of the breast. This may include removing more tissue from the larger breast to create the same measurements as the smaller breast. This will give an overall appearance of even and symmetric breast.
Do your research on your surgeon, inquire on how many procedures they have performed and look at before and after photos. Realistic expectations are important. However, the most important thing is patient safety and satisfaction. It is highly recommended that you have a “Board Certified Plastic Surgeon”.
As potential patients research all the pros and cons of male breast reduction surgery, there is one issue in particular that comes up from time to time. It is discussed extensively on the forums of this site, and that is the concern of the loss of nipple sensation.
Permanent loss of nipple sensation after gynecomastia surgery is possible although rare, but needs to be considered as a surgical risk. For some men, it may be a deal breaker, and for others the tradeoff is worth it, to be rid of their “man boobs.”
The degree of injury will depend on the extent of surgery and the technique used. Nerves regenerate slowly, depending on the amount of breast tissue that is removed. It is normal for the nipples to be hypersensitive or to lose sensation. This is usually temporary with sensation returning in a few weeks to a few months.
The temporary loss of sensation or numbness is known as neurapraxia and is caused by stretching or compression of the nerves during surgery. It is considered a mild injury with full recovery likely. As sensation starts to return and the nerves begin to regenerate the patient may feel pins and needles which are referred to as dysesthesia/paresthesia. This is a normal condition during the healing process.
After about three weeks into your recovery, gentle massage may help to reduce hypersensitivity, but this should be done only under the direction of your surgeon.
Up to 65% of young men will develop breasts by the age of 14. As boys go through puberty, they will have an imbalance of sex hormones. This is a normal condition but can be very frightening as they see their body going through changes
Unfortunately, if boys do not understand what is happening they will probably try to hide their chest with loose fitting shirts, avoid swimming, or any activities that require removing their shirt. Most boys are too embarrassed to confide in their parents.
With the prevalence of bullying in school, boys with gynecomastia are easy targets. Cruel nicknames can cause isolation and self-hatred.
Thankfully, 90% to 95% of young men will find the condition will resolve itself in a few weeks up to 2 years without any treatment. However, when you are young, 2 years can feel like an eternity! Receiving emotional support from parents or other family members can make a big difference.
Hopefully, young men and their parents will find this website. In addition to all the information posted here, there are many forums available (at no charge) where members can ask questions of each other and of gynecomastia specialist.
There are many personal stories posted on this site, one in particular is “A Mother’s Story.” She encourages boys to let their parents know how much they are suffering, and that they may be surprised at how supportive they are.
If any young men are reading this blog but feel it is impossible to talk to their parents, you might try sending an email with a link to the Mother’s story and also to this site. It is surprising how many people are unaware of gynecomastia. It is a tragedy for boys to suffer when help is available. The pictures below are of a 12 year old boy, he did not have any skin excision due to good elasticity.
In some cases of severe gynecomastia or severe depression, surgery may be an option and can be a life-changing event. Parents are urged to seek a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia.
After male breast reduction surgery, if a lump is felt weeks or even months later, the natural reaction is the breast tissue has grown back. Unless the patient has been taking anabolic steroids, Propecia or other substances that may cause breast tissue growth, it is most likely the formation of scar tissue. Scar formation is normal after any type of surgery and generally takes 4 to 12 weeks to form.
If there is puffiness early in the recovery, it could be residual swelling or possibly not enough tissue was removed, but it would not be scar tissue.
When the initial results appear to be excellent, most likely the right amount of tissue and fat were removed. However, if the patient notices a firm lump most likely under the nipple, and it is determined to be scar tissue, revision surgery probably is not necessary. The surgeon can inject cortisone, like Kenalog, that will gradually dissolve the scar tissue. Sometimes more than 1 injection is needed.
Gynecomastia surgeons are very careful not to remove too much tissue, or the result may be a “crater deformity.” In the unfortunate situation where not enough tissue removed, or too much, gynecomastia revision surgery will be needed. The scarring in these cases can be problematic, and require the expertise of a gynecomastia specialist. The scar tissue from the original surgery makes the dissection more challenging, and the scar tissue will impede the contraction of the skin.
Liposuction or lipo is a type of fat removing procedure used in plastic surgery. It is one of the most common operative procedures performed nationwide. There is no evidence that states that liposuction has an effect on weight beyond a certain amount of months. And there is also no evidence which states that this procedure has an effect on obesity-related problems. Liposuction surgery is frequently performed simultaneously with other procedures.
Who is a good candidate for lipo surgery?
The ideal candidate for liposuction surgery is a patient who is at or close to ideal or long-term, stable weight who has a disproportionate amount of fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. Many patients find that there are certain areas of the body that are “preferred storage sites”.
That is to say, these areas are the first places weight gain shows up and the last place for it to leave. This often genetically determined and may even run in families. From about the age of five or six on, the number of distribution of fat cells in the body is determined for life.
Weight loss and weight gain cause these fat cells to get larger or smaller, not increase in number. Therefore, when the fat cells are removed by liposuction from an area, they are not coming back, and the patient’s contour is now more proportionately sculpted. In the future, weight gain and weight loss will be more diffuse and proportioned across the body rather than going to these “preferred storage areas”.
What areas of the body are commonly treated with liposuction surgery?
In women, the most common areas are the inner and outer thighs, knees, abdomen, and hips as well as the upper back, arms and under the neckline. For men, the most common areas are the abdomen, love handles, and often times the chest as part of the treatment for gynecomastia. Multiple areas of liposuction done simultaneously are more the rule than the exception.
Can anyone have this surgery?
The skill and integrity of the surgeon can help you decide whether liposuction surgery is suitable for you. Some patients for loose skin and liposuction surgery may make the appearance of loose skin worsen. Other patients may not have enough fat to make the liposuction surgery worthwhile, and it is up to your surgeon to set realistic expectations with patients beforehand.
Some patients may in fact be more of a candidate for a tummy tuck or thigh lift surgery rather than liposuction surgery. It is also important to recognize that liposuction surgery does not in general help with cellulite.
Do you have to put me asleep for liposuction surgery?
In general, it is safer to simply let the patient go to sleep and not feel or remember anything about the procedure and wake up in the recovery room with everything already completed. This is the advantage of using a board-certified plastic surgeon well versed in all aspects of surgical and anesthetic care.
Who should perform liposuction surgery?
The most important factor is finding a surgeon board certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgery. Ideally, they should be members of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – the premier organization for plastic surgeons.
There are many physicians who are untrained in plastic surgery residency programs who take weekend courses and perform these operations. Patients need to be clear on the qualifications of the surgeon they select. In addition, it is important that the facility where the surgery is performed is state-licensed.
