What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia, or enlargement of the male breast, is common and usually affects both sides of the chest. Most cases have been present, unchanged, for many years. The condition may begin in childhood or adolescence, or be related to drug use such as anabolic steroids or cannabis.
Male breast enlargement shows up in different ways:
| What is enlarged | What it looks like | How it is treated |
|---|---|---|
| Gland tissue | Firm tissue directly behind the nipple, with an enlarged areola. This is present in all cases of gynecomastia. | Surgical removal of the gland through an incision around the lower half of the areola. |
| Fat | Extra fullness over the chest muscle and around the central gland. Very common. | Liposuction, performed at the same time as the gland removal. |
How Gynecomastia Surgery Works
Surgery reduces chest fullness and restores a masculine contour, with better muscle definition and a smaller areola. Dr. Kirwan removes the gland through a discreet incision around the lower half of the areola and treats any excess fat with liposuction at the same time.
Liposuction alone does not remove firm gland tissue or excess skin. In Dr. Kirwan's experience, about 99% of patients need the gland behind the areola removed in addition to liposuction.
In the office, under local anesthesia
Surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, with or without light (conscious) sedation, in our office-based, Quad A–accredited surgical facility. Every procedure is performed personally by Dr. Kirwan, who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Internal stitches help prevent fluid from collecting, so drains are usually not needed, and all stitches are absorbable.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Fat, gland tissue and loose skin each call for a different approach, so Dr. Kirwan examines your chest to determine what is causing the fullness. Certain medicines, hormonal conditions and other causes of breast enlargement may need to be evaluated before surgery.
Important: a new lump on one side, nipple discharge, or any other new or changing finding needs medical evaluation first. It should not be treated as a cosmetic concern alone.
Your Consultation
You'll discuss when the enlargement began, any weight changes, medications and supplements you use, and the chest contour you would like. You will receive a written cost estimate and written and digital pre- and post-operative instructions.
Risks
Possible risks include bleeding or a collection of blood (hematoma), infection, fluid collection, contour irregularities or dents, asymmetry, scarring, altered nipple sensation, injury to the nipple or skin, and complications related to anesthesia. Dr. Kirwan will review your individual risks with you.
Recovery
- Dr. Kirwan usually sees you the day after surgery.
- Stitches are absorbable, so there are none to remove.
- A compression garment is required: wear it 23 hours a day for three weeks, then during the day for another three weeks.
Your exercise and activity plan is tailored to you. Recovery after gland removal differs from recovery after liposuction alone, and Dr. Kirwan will give you specific instructions.
Alternatives
Choosing no treatment is always an option. Where a medicine or other identifiable cause is contributing, that may be addressed first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia may begin in childhood or adolescence, or be related to drug use such as anabolic steroids or cannabis. Most cases have been present, unchanged, for many years.
Will liposuction alone fix gynecomastia?
Usually not. Liposuction does not remove firm gland tissue. In Dr. Kirwan's experience, about 99% of patients need the gland behind the areola removed in addition to liposuction.
Is gynecomastia surgery done under general anesthesia?
Usually not. Surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia, with or without light sedation, in our office-based, Quad A–accredited surgical facility.
Will I need drains?
Drains are usually not needed. Internal stitches help prevent fluid from collecting, and all stitches are absorbable.
How long do I wear a compression garment?
Wear the garment 23 hours a day for three weeks, then during the day for another three weeks.
Schedule Your Consultation
To find out whether gynecomastia surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Laurence Kirwan, Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, at Kirwan Plastic Surgery in Norwalk, serving patients throughout Fairfield County.
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