Although playfully referred to as “man boobs,” enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia) is a real and complex issue. In many cases, gynecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance and isn’t, as many presume, a matter of having too much fat in the chest. As such, performing gynecomastia surgery requires a bit more precision than simply liposuction.

Take the case of a New York man who visited a Manhattan plastic surgeon to receive a male breast reduction. He was promised a more masculine chest, but instead, he was left with misshapen nipples, large, jagged scars and almost no feeling in his nipples. The man later filed a $5 million lawsuit against the doctor.

While the details of this man’s surgery aren’t clear, complications likely occurred with the nerve tissue. Because the nipple must be worked around and, in many cases, repositioned, the surgeon has to be extremely careful not to stretch or permanently damage the nerves. While patients typically have some discomfort, including numbness, following their surgery, these side effects will usually disappear after recovery.

As for the scarring, there are a number of different incisions that can be made that leave various scar patterns. The doctor should apprise the patient of the type of procedure that will get them the best results based on their circumstances and anatomy. Occasionally, scars can be hidden within the pigmented area on the areola or within the crease of the breast. Other times, more visible scars are required.

The best way to gauge the expertise of your plastic surgeon is to ask him for references of men for whom he or she has performed gynecomastia surgery. You should also find out what scar pattern will be used and ask to see before and after photos from actual patients.

Gynecomastia surgery is a complex procedure that requires an experienced, well-trained surgeon. Choose your doctor carefully to ensure that you get the masculine chest that you’ve envisioned.

Bookmark It

Hide Sites