A breast reduction surgery can be performed on both men and women with excessive breast tissue. A female breast reduction is ideal for women with large, sagging breasts which are uncomfortable and interfere with one’s life style. Large breasts can be painful, unhealthy and cause upper back, neck and shoulder pain. In addition, large breast tissue can cause hand numbness, reduce nipple sensation and restrict certain activities such as exercise.
Some men have deposits of excess breast tissue and fat in their breasts, giving them a feminine look. Studies show that 30 percent to 60 percent of adult men will develop a condition called male gynecomastia, or excessive growth of breast tissue, over the course of their lives. While sometimes related to medicines or a hormonal imbalance, these inciting causes are not often found to be a factor. Most cases are a matter of bad luck! Having excess breast tissue may be embarrassing to men and could also cause pain and discomfort of the chest.
Most breast reduction procedures for men or women may be covered by medical insurance. The procedure is outpatient, typically takes just over two hours to perform male breast reduction and about three hours for female breast reduction. Most patients are ambulatory a few hours after surgery. Depending on the type of job and level of activity at work, one can go back to work as early as three to seven days following surgery. Although breast tissue and fat is removed during the surgery, enough glandular breast tissue may remain to produce milk; the ability to nurse after a breast reduction procedure is unpredictable.
Follow your surgeon’s advice on when to resume your normal activities. Frequent postoperative checkups are beneficial to ensure proper healing. Your surgeon should discuss in full detail the steps required both before and after your surgery to attain the best results. The scars in women will flatten and fade up to two years following the procedure. In men the scars are around the areola and will also fade away.
A breast reduction can make a dramatic change in one’s appearance and self-confidence. Many people find new enjoyment in activities such as sports, exercise or even everyday activities.
For questions or complimentary consultation, please contact Beverly Hills Physicians at 800-788-1416 or visit us on line at www.BeverlyHillsPhysicians.com .