Gynecomastia (excess breast tissue in males) affects more than 50 percent of teenage boys by age 14. It’s caused by an imbalance of male hormones (testosterone) and female hormones (estrogen).
Even though gynecomastia does not affect overall health, men and boys who experience gynecomastia may develop a negative body image, poor self-esteem and even depression. They may even withdraw from typical activities, like sports or socializing.
If you still experience gynecomastia after puberty is over or your weight is stable as an adult, you should talk to your doctor about your condition. Though it can’t be corrected with diet and exercise, you have surgical options to help you feel more confident about your appearance.
At the University of Miami Health System, we provide personalized breast reduction surgery options for men. We help you choose treatment that fits your needs, health, and condition.
Who is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery if you are a man who has completed puberty and still have enlarged breasts.
What to Expect
Breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be able to go home after your surgery is complete. During the surgery, you’ll be placed under anesthesia to keep you asleep and comfortable.
During the surgery, your doctor will use liposuction to remove excess fat in your breasts. They will make a small incision in your chest, near your armpit. They will then loosen and remove fat using a suction device. Depending on your needs, your surgeon may also remove any extra skin, helping to lift your chest while reducing the size.
Your surgery may take about one to two hours. You will need someone to drive you home and care for you after your procedure. You should avoid lifting heavy objects or raising your arms above your shoulders until healing is complete. Typically, you can return to work within one week of your procedure.
To help your chest heal, you’ll need to wear a compression garment for about 4-6 weeks to hold remaining breast tissue in place. You can return to more intense exercise within 4-6 weeks.
Why Choose UHealth?
The latest, research-backed treatments. As an academic medical center, we leverage the latest research completed by the nationally recognized University of Miami Miller School of Medicine to offer the latest treatments. We offer medical advancements before they’re widely available, provided by leading experts in endocrinology.
Highly-trained specialists to perform your surgery. The University of Miami Health System delivers leading-edge patient care by the region’s best doctors, powered by the groundbreaking research of the University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine.
World-class care in an academic health system. As a research and teaching institution, we treat children and adults with proven, leading-edge procedures based on clinical studies performed. Our doctors, residents, nurses, and therapists work together to create healthy outcomes
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