Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) in Costa Rica

From the greek words for “womanlike” breasts, gynecomastia is a condition affecting an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. Because men have such small amounts of breast tissue, most of us rarely give a man’s breasts a thought -unless there is something wrong, as in the case of gynecomastia or male breast enlargement.

Breasts, female or male, are primarily composed of fat and glandular tissue, the development of which is governed by hormones. Excessive breast development can be psychologically debilitating at any age, but especially in the teen years, when body image is so important to one’s identity. Gynecomastia may be the reason behind difficulty at school and antisocial behavior, and isolation.

When gynecomastia persists in adulthood, the psychological scars are no less significant. There is a reluctance to participate in any activity in which the chest would be exposed and clothing is used to disguise the condition.

Male Breast Reduction – The Procedure

There are two basic approaches to gynecomastia correction, both of which are done as outpatient procedures with local anesthesia and sedation. Which method is used depends upon the ratio of fat to glandular tissue.

When the breast is composed primarily of fat (the vast majority of cases) liposuction is the procedure of choice. The technique used is similar to the one described for liposuction in general, and the liposuction is carried out inserting a canula through a small incision at the bottom of the areola. This technique gives excellent results on this specific deformity.

In the infrequent instances where the breast is composed largely of glandular tissue, direct excision is combined with the liposuction technique. Dense glandular tissue is not aspirated as easily as fat through a suction canula and needs to be removed using a 2-3 inch incision, which is located usually under the areola. A compression garment is applied after the procedure is finished.

Male Breast Reduction – Postoperatory

After this surgery you might feel a little bruised and sore as if you would have over exercised that part of the body. Some swelling is expected, which commonly peaks at three to four days and disappears within four to six weeks.

You may return to work the next day although some patients wait two to three days of rest to return to their work. It is important to begin normal activity as soon as possible. Also you will be recommended a medical massage therapy starting on the next day after the operation. The support garment should be worn for two to three weeks to diminish the possibility of swelling, unevenness or waviness. Your results will be likely visible almost immediately after surgery, but the full effect may not be fully evident for four to six weeks after most of the swelling has subsided. Patients are usually very please with the results of the procedure with a more comfortable shape of the body and an enhanced self-esteem.