In our continuing series highlighting plastic surgery procedures in Singapore, Expat Choice caught up with internationally acclaimed Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marco Faria Correa to discuss Male Breast Reduction also known as Gynecomastia Surgery.
According to Dr Marco, “many men develop low self-confidence and begin to avoid social interaction such as swimming at the beach or pool because of enlarged breast tissue often referred to as man boobs. They are usually embarrassed by having enlarged or puffy male breasts”.
Gynecomastia is the medical term used for enlarged or feminized male breasts, that may affect one or both sides and if developed during puberty it may be because of a hormone imbalance.
When Gynecomastia occurs in later life it can be the result of everything from our lifestyle, eating habits, our agricultural practices, the ageing process even common medications may all play some part in the development of puffy, enlarged male breasts that require surgery to restore a flatter, masculine chest appearance.
Also, weight gain and hormonal fluctuations, which are associated factors in the case of obesity, along with alcohol and other substance use, all contribute to higher rates of man boobs.
Dr Marco explains, “this condition is very common, affecting up to 50 percent of new-born males, 20 percent of teenagers and young male adults, and 1-in-4 men above 50 years of age. Men of any age will find it very helpful to have Gynecomastia surgery”.
What is Male Breast Reduction?
According to Dr Marco, Male Breast Reduction Surgery or Gynecomastia Surgery is on the rise and is fast becoming one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures for men.
Male Breast Reduction is a cosmetic surgery that can improve the appearance, and the shape of the male breast, by removing excess fat and breast tissue, through surgical incisions, and/or a liposuction, or a combination of the two.
The Gynecomastia is characterised and diagnosed by:
- excess fat
- excess glandular tissue development
- excess breast skin
- present in one or both breasts
- breasts appearing more like a woman’s than a typical flat male chest
Sometimes the breast tissue expansion is the result of massive weight gain. Even when the weight is loss, there may still be pockets of excess breast fat and sagging skin along the chest area. Sometimes this requires surgical reduction and sometimes liposuction alone can work to get a flatter looking chest.
What are the advantages of Gynecomastia Surgery?
- increased comfort revealing chest contours when clothed or not
- a safe, effective treatment that creates permanent results
- increased self-confidence and desire to socialize
There are not a lot of negatives associated with Gynecomastia Surgery. In most cases, male patients are happy with the result.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
Good candidates for Male Breast Reduction Surgery include men who desire more attractive chest contours and:
- have enlarged breasts that cannot be treated without surgery
- are over 16 years of age with stabilized symptoms
- have a stable, relatively normal body weight
- are healthy with no life-threatening illnesses
The best male candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery have realistic expectations about the procedure and possible results.
For those men who decide to have Gynecomastia Surgery, the journey will begin with an initial consultation appointment, to discuss and to understand all the questions and concerns about the surgery, such as details of the surgery, and the possible results.
Most gynecomastia patients can return to normal non-strenuous activities, including light-duty work, after 3-5 days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for 4-6 weeks, depending on various patient-specific healing factors, including, nutrition, hydration, and state of health.
Dr Marco states, “we tailor treatments specifically to the male aesthetic, by considering male anatomy and their goals for treatment all while maintaining a masculine appearance, to improve self-body image, self-esteem and self-confidence”.
Gynecomastia Surgery can help to improve self-image and restore the desire to get out and interact with others. Many men also find that they are more sexually confident after Gynecomastia Surgery.
Dr Marco is a well-versed Plastic Surgeon in the various benefits and limitations of the different procedures and methods hence, he will always advise his patients on what is the best option to achieve the outcome that they want.
For more information about each procedure visit http://www.drmarco.com or call Dr Marco Faria Correa’s Clinic on +65 6464 8075, WhatsApp +65 9176 1813 or email [email protected]