If you have excessive male breast tissue, you are not alone. This is a common condition called gynecomastia, and it affects approximately 40-60% of American men.

Gynecomastia is a condition of over development or enlargement of the breast tissue in men or boys. Men at all ages can experience gynecomastia, excess growth of glandular tissue in the male breast.

Dr. Carlos Illich Navarro, from Mommy Makeover Tijuana, can perform male breast reduction to restore a more appropriate breast size. For men with gynecomastia, this can be a life-changing procedure that will boost your confidence in many social situations.

Gynecomastia is often caused by changes in levels of the female hormone (estrogen) and the male hormone (testosterone). But it can be caused by other things as well.

Gynecomastia can be a side effect of certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy, prostate cancer medicines, ulcer or cardiovascular medicines. Illegal drugs, such as anabolic steroids, heroin, or marijuana can also cause gynecomastia.

Although there are many causes of Gynecomastia it can be treated with a one-time surgical procedure. The male breast reduction procedure is a commonly practiced surgery involving removing glandular breast tissue to effectively break down and reduce excess tissue from the breast area.

Some diseases and medical conditions may also cause gynecomastia. These include:

• Liver diseases
• Kidney disease
• Lung cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Tumors of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland
• Thyroid disorders
• Injury or trauma
• Obesity

Male Breast Reduction Candidates

There are multiple reasons you may be considering a male breast reduction. If your reasons match the following, you may be a candidate for male breast reduction surgery.

• If you are reluctant to remove your shirt in public, to swim, to participate in sports or to exercise at a gym.
• If you want to improve your overall body proportions.
• If you experience psychological discomfort associated with male breasts.

Gynecomastia Procedure

Your gynecomastia surgery will be performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Depending on your unique situation, Dr. Navarro may recommend one of the following male breast reduction techniques:

• • Liposuction – If you have good skin tone and your condition mainly consists of excess fat, Dr. Navarro can perform liposuction to remove the excess fat cells and restore a more masculine breast appearance.
  • Excision – If excess skin or thick glandular tissue is present, Dr. Navarro may cut the tissue away. Excision is most commonly performed through the nipple or under the breast.
  • Combined approach – If you experience excess fat and thick glandular tissue, Dr. Navarro can address both of these issues by using a technique that combines the liposuction and excision methods.

Gynecomastia Recovery

Recovery time varies per individual. Usually, if stitches are necessary they will be dissolved in about three week’s time, and while there may still be some swelling or bruising one can usually return to his normal lifestyle within two or three weeks.

It is common to experience some mild bruising and swelling after male breast reduction surgery. Dr. Navarro will give you an elastic pressure garment to wear that will help reduce this swelling. In most cases, swelling should subside after about two weeks.

You may also experience some mild discomfort for a few days. This will subside as you begin to heal, and it can be managed with prescription pain medication.

Dr. Navarro recommends that you begin walking around as soon as you feel up to it in order to facilitate blood flow and reduce the risk of clotting. You can generally resume most normal activities, including returning to work, after your first week of recovery.