What is male chest reduction surgery?

Male chest reduction is a procedure to remove tissue from the chest area. Depending on the type and cause of a patient’s enlarged chest area, treatment may involve surgery or liposuction or both.

Why consider male chest reduction surgery?

Although it is rarely talked about, gynaecomastia – the medical term meaning male breast or chest enlargement – is very common. Gynaecomastia causes chest, nipple and areola enlargement and can cause men to feel self-conscious. In most cases, there is no known cause, but it may be linked to hormonal conditions, medicines, some diseases and weight issues.

Mr Olivier Amar will consider the patient’s medical history and personal situation carefully when planning treatment. It may be necessary to refer patients to a specialist to ascertain any underlying medical conditions before considering surgery.

It’s common for male patients to tell me that they feel too uncomfortable to go to the beach or wear fitted clothing because they are self-conscious about their chest area. Achieving a flatter chest can help increase men’s self-esteem and confidence.

Mr Olivier Amar

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What happens during male chest reduction surgery?

The breast area is made up of two main components, glandular tissue (firm and dense) and fatty tissue (soft). An ultrasound may be required to discover the proportions of fat and tissue in the individual patient. There may be an excess of both.

If the enlargement is predominantly caused by too much fat, liposuction is the usual treatment. This involves sucking out the tissue through a small tube inserted via a 3-4mm incision under the arm.

If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of chest enlargement, it may need to be removed surgically, leaving a small scar, usually around the nipple.  In some cases, liposuction and surgery may both be required.

What form of anaesthetic will be used?

Male chest reduction  is usually performed under total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), a technique of anaesthesia which uses a combination of agents given exclusively via the intravenous route without the use of gas anaesthesia. This means you will sleep comfortably throughout the procedure and wake immediately afterwards with a significantly reduced likelihood of feeling groggy or nauseous. The anaesthesia will be explained to you by your anaesthetist during the preoperative consultation. Having surgery with TIVA allows you to go home the same day to rest and recuperate in comfort.

How long does the surgery take?

The length of the procedure varies depending on whether liposuction is needed and can take between 1.5-2 hours.

How do I achieve the best result and ultimately my desired physique?

A combination of wearing your compression garment, maintaining a healthy weight and level of exercise, following your aftercare instructions and attending your post-operative appointments is key to achieving the best result. It is vital that you follow all the aftercare instructions issued to help aid the scarring process.

Can any other procedures be done at the same time?

Pre and post radiofrequency skin tightening treatments by Renuvion can be discussed for a firmer, more toned result and to support healing.

Liposuction can be performed at the same time to help remove stubborn fat and leave you with a slimmer and firmer silhouette. If you opt for liposuction, Mr Olivier Amar can utilise the fat removed from your body to naturally augment other areas of the body, such as face by fat transfer.

WILL I HAVE OBVIOUS SCARS FOLLOWING male chest reduction surgery?

Any scars are minimal. They can be hidden in the navel or natural creases of the body and are difficult to see in most patients. Mr Olivier Amar is dedicated to the management, prevention and improvement of scars.

WILL IT BE POSSIBLE FOR ME TO STAY IN HOSPITAL FOLLOWING MY PROCEDURE?

Having surgery with TIVA allows you to go home the same day to rest and recuperate in comfort. Mr Olivier Amar’s practice is happy to arrange the procedure at a hospital with an overnight stay facility if you wish or assist with a nurse to stay with you overnight, as well as helping you find local accommodation after your surgery if necessary.

How can I compliment my overall result? 

Mr Olivier Amar Renuvion skin tightening surgery

Renuvion treatment

When fat removal is a priority and skin laxity is a concern, the combination of Renuvion J Plasma and liposuction gives great results.

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Mr Olivier Amar Aerolase Neo laser clinic

Aerolase Neo laser treatment

Aerolase Neo laser treatment can be performed 4-6 weeks after surgery to support healing, to help flatten scars and reduce redness and thickness.

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What can I expect after male chest reduction surgery?

Following surgery, the chest will be swollen and bruised. You may need to wear a tight-fitting pressure vest for one or two weeks afterwards to control any swelling and to help your skin shrink to fit your new contour.

You will be asked to come in for a post-operative nurse appointment one week after your surgery. At this point your incision sites will be reviewed, and your preliminary healing will be assessed. You will come back at six week after surgery to be reviewed by Mr Olivier Amar.

How long do I have to wait to return to normally activities following the surgery?

Depending on your type of daily activity, you will usually be able to resume your normal activities after seven to ten days and return to gentle exercise after two to three weeks. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least 3-weeks. Mr Olivier Amar will discuss this with you in further detail at your consultation.