American Society of Plastic Surgeons. CSPS 1951. The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc.

Procedures

Male breast reduction

Cosmetic surgical procedures

Benefits

  • Removes excess skin, fat, or glandular tissue to correct projecting or drooping breasts
  • Enhances the volume of the pectoral major muscles to give a stronger, more masculine look

Techniques

  • Excess breast volume caused by fat only may be corrected with very small scars using liposuction.  This may also tighten the skin a little.
  • Excess breast glandular tissue is usually removed with a scar around the lower nipple.
  • Moderate or large excesses of skin are corrected by removing the excess skin.  This often leaves long scars.  Sometimes, excess folds in the armpits or mid-back (usually, in advanced age or after large weight losses) are removed by extending the scars to the back.
  • Flat pectoralis muscles are enhanced with exercise (heavy weight lifting) and sometimes with insertion of semi-firm (the consistency of “gummy bears”) implants placed below the muscles.

    Limitations

  • If visible scars are to be avoided, it is sometimes best to leave some fat to prevent excessive sagging of the skin
  • Pectoral implants provide only a moderate amount of muscle enhancement.  Regular weight-lifting with heavy weights is necessary for optimal muscle bulk.
  • It is sometimes possible to feel or to see pec implants that are too large
  • Weight gain may cause some increase in breast volume
  • Removes folds of skin and fat

  • Improves body proportions

  • Improves mobility, hygiene, ease in finding flattering clothing, and comfort

  • May improve sexual relations

  • Reduces facial jowls and cheek hollowness; eliminates neck wattle

  • For women, improves the shape, position and size of breasts; for men, reverses droopiness of breasts and enhances pectoral definition

  • Eliminates abdominal folds, improves the shape of the belly button, and tightens stomach muscles

  • Improves the shape, size and position of the buttocks

  • Eliminates folds of the inner arms, mid-back, lower back, armpits, inner and posterior thighs, and upper and inner knees

Past Procedures