Ask Dr. Man- Male Breasts

Dear Dr. Man, I’m a 52 year old man- in relatively good shape. As I get older, I’m finding that I my chest is starting to look more like that of a woman’s. My wife says it doesn’t look that bad, but it really bothers me. I’ve gotten to the point where I’m embarrassed to take my shirt off in public at the pool. I’ve been told there is surgery available to correct this. Can you tell me more about it? Signed, David in Boca Raton

Dear David, It sounds like you have a common condition called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "women-like breasts." This condition can become more prevalent as men age. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. In fact, we’ve seen an increase over the years in men coming into our office for this problem.

Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. For men like you who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and/or glandular tissue from the breasts and, in extreme cases, removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

The best candidates for this surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. In some cases, breast reduction may be performed through less invasive procedures, such as the newer suction lipectomy technique, which we will discuss in next week’s column.

When you meet with your board certified plastic surgeon for the first time, he or she will need a complete medical history and physical exam. First, your surgeon will examine your breasts and check for causes of the gynecomastia. If a medical problem is the suspected cause, you'll be referred to an appropriate specialist. In extreme cases, your plastic surgeon may also recommend a mammogram, or breast x-ray. This will not only rule out the very small possibility of breast cancer, but will reveal the breast's composition. Once your surgeon knows how much fat and glandular tissue is contained within the breasts, he or she can choose a surgical approach to best suit your needs.

Surgery for gynecomastia is most often performed as an outpatient procedure; however, in some cases, or those where other medical conditions present cause for concern, an overnight hospital stay may be recommended. The surgery itself usually takes about an hour and a half to complete, while other procedures may take longer.

Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence. The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you'll be very satisfied with your new look. Good luck!

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.