Home » Gynecomastia 101 » Male Breast Reduction Surgery » Gynecomastia Surgery Post-weight Loss
Medical Author: Miguel Delgado, M.D.
Dr. Delgado is a highly skilled surgeon specializing in gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Delgado has committed a significant amount of his practice to the care and education of men and boys with gynecomastia. Dr. Delgado’s practice philosophy is to provide the highest quality of patient care to the people who seek out his professional services. Dr. Delgado and his staff are committed to understanding their patients concerns, educating them on their options, and executing the best surgical outcome for each patient. Dr. Delgado is the new owner of Gynecomastia.org since 2010. He has dedicated a significant part of his life and practice to improving the Gynecomastia.org community.
Men can lose weight in a variety of ways, from traditional diet and exercise to weight loss surgery. This type of surgery is called bariatric surgery, and it alters the gastrointestinal tract or reduces the amount of food one can eat. In either event, the result can be a drastic change in one’s lifestyle.
The unfortunate part of this process is the deflated skin that is left hanging from various parts of the body.
Gynecomastia in Overweight or Obese men
An overweight or obese man has a tremendous burden to carry. Significant physical health issues are associated with obesity, but the resulting gynecomastia can have a considerable emotional impact on daily life as well, and concealing the chest with clothing can become challenging. While the abdomen and flanks are also usually large, they do not carry the same stigma.
Weight Gain and its Effect on the Chest
As a man gains weight, the male genetic marker triggers fat accumulation in the chest, abdomen, and flanks. Even if the weight is lost, these areas experience less fat loss. Excessive weight gain increases both fat and breast gland development in the chest. With the increase in fatty tissue comes an increase in estrogen levels as well, triggering additional breast development.
The Relationship Between Estrogen Levels, Weight, and Enlarged Breasts
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia after Weight Loss
After significant weight loss, breast fat should reduce; however, the male breast gland and skin remain. A variety of techniques can reduce the extra skin, but the most common is a double- incision mastectomy with a free nipple graft. The advantage of this procedure is that the chest becomes tight and flat. The disadvantage is that the nipple loses its sensation, but it can be lifted to a perfect location and re-sized. This technique produces excellent results with very high patient satisfaction.
Gynecomastia after weight loss
Two-stage Procedure
The grade of gynecomastia will determine which surgical technique is required. In some cases, a two-stage procedure is an option to minimize incisions and confine the incision to around the areola. This technique is often used in Grade 3 cases. In the second stage, a peri-areola lift is performed four months later. For most cases, however, a more aggressive approach is needed, requiring longer incisions, similar to a mastectomy. Keep in mind, though, that the scars will fade with time.
Skin removal and free nipple graft at 3 weeks post op
FAQ’s
When is the best time to get my surgery?
- A good time to have surgery is when you are comfortable with your weight. Ideally, when you reach a stable weight that you can maintain, that is the best time to have gynecomastia surgery.
- In general, male breast reduction surgery is incredibly safe and most patients have smooth recoveries. However, despite the greatest attention to safety on the part of the patient and the surgeon, complications can occur.
What is gynecomastia surgery recovery?
- Recovery is generally comfortable and straightforward. Pain is minimal, and pain medications are typically only used for a few days. You can drive in a few days and return to professional work in five to seven days. You can begin exercise again in three to four weeks.
What will I look after my gynecomastia surgery?
- You can expect a flat, contoured male chest. You will have longer incisions than with the standard gynecomastia surgery, gland excision, or liposuction. These scars will improve over a year’s time, and some men even camouflage the scars with artistic tattoos.
Is gynecomastia surgery safe?
- Gynecomastia surgery is a very safe procedure. In general, it is a small operation done under general anesthesia. Some cases are even performed under local anesthesia. Recovery is short and comfortable.
References
Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2016; 40: 245–255. Dennis Hurwitz
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The content on Gynecomastia.org is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace the need to meet with a physician who will accurately diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options.
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