Gynecomastia Pasadena (Male Breast Reduction)

How is male breast reduction performed?

The traditional approach uses large disfiguring incisions on the chest wall to flatten the overall chest contour. Although improvements in contour are possible with this technique, the presence of large scars can lead to psychological and emotional stress. 

Dr. Panossian’s technique involves a limited-incision style whereby he reduces the enlarged breast through a single remote incision. Through this small incision, he injects a solution of diluted epinephrine into the deep and superficial layers of the breast. This solution is identical to what we use in standard liposuction. This allows decreased swelling and bleeding during the liposuction portion of the surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Panossian uses either Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) or Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) in cases of dense breast tissues. We use this technique to remove fat widely over the chest wall. Through the same incision, the surgeon divides the connections between the glandular breast tissue and any overlying nipple as well as skin. This tissue is then grasped and extracted to complete the process. Dr. Panossian repeats the process on the opposite breast. Then, the patient will wear a compression garment or firm wrap at the end of the surgery.

What is the recovery?

Male breast reduction is usually an outpatient procedure. Discomfort may last for several days following surgery and is well-controlled usually with oral pain medications. Bruising may be present and can last for 2 or more weeks. Swelling may persist for several weeks. The elastic compression garment will need to be worn for six weeks to ensure proper healing. Mild swelling may persist for several months after the surgery.

We encourage patients to walk on the same day as their male breast reduction surgery. We also recommend having someone pick you up and help you at home for the first 24 hours. People usually return to work 1 to 2 weeks following surgery. Stitches placed are usually dissolvable. Gentle exercise may begin in 2 weeks, but you should still avoid aggressive activities, heavy lifting, and sports for 6 weeks. Limit your sun exposure for 6 to 12 months. Otherwise, the scar can be covered with tape or with liberal application of sunblock. Dr. Panossian will go over his unique scar management protocol to achieve the best possible results.

What are the risks and complications?

As with most plastic surgery procedures, complications are infrequent and are usually minor. Risks of bleeding, infection, and general anesthesia complications can occur with virtually all surgeries. In addition, there is a risk of fluid accumulation underneath the chest skin. This fluid accumulation can be blood or a type of normal lymphatic fluid, called a seroma. Often, we can solve these fluid accumulations sucking them out with a needle in the office on one or more occasions. However, in the case of large or recurrent accumulations, an additional surgery may be required to decompress it. 

Other problems of gynecomastia surgery can include noticeable scars or subtle pigmentation changes in the breast area. Loss of breast skin sensation or numbness can occur. Asymmetry may be present with respect to differences in the nipple and areola or with the overall reduction volume. Much of the asymmetry may resolve with further healing and subsidence of swelling. However, significant asymmetry may require a second surgery to remove additional tissue.

Dr. Panossian’s staff is available at all times to discuss pre- and postoperative instructions and to address any potential problems following surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Male Breast Reduction