Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, is often a temporary condition of puberty.  At times, however, the condition can persist beyond the teen years, sometimes affecting males during adulthood.  No amount of dieting or exercise can reduce the size of the breasts.  Many factors such as medications, hormonal excess, steroids, and marijuana use can also contribute to gynecomastia; these factors should be addressed prior to surgery.

How is gynecomastia treated?

The treatment of gynecomastia involves removal of excess breast tissue.  Traditionally, the breast is reduced using a combination of liposuction and removal of the tissue through an incision around the areola.  In the past, those with enlarged breasts had to undergo a surgical procedure leaving visible and often unsightly scars and depressions.

A new scarless technique, pioneered by Dr. Becker, allows the breast tissue to be removed through two or three tiny incisions, using a special dissecting cannula. The cannula breaks down the tissue, which is then "sucked" out in a manner similar to liposuction.  These incisions are often so small that no sutures are required.  In the majority of cases, the procedure is done under local anesthesia with twilight sedation. Surgery time is less than one hour; and patients often resume normal activity in 24 hours.

Recovery

After surgery, a special garment is worn around the chest for the first two weeks.  Routine activities are usually resumed within one week of surgery.