How Does Breast Reduction Differ Between Men and Women?

4 Min Read

Excess, unwanted breast tissue develops in both women and men. 

While increases in breast volume can occur at any time in response to weight fluctuations and lifestyle changes, a substantial increase is commonly due to changes in hormones. 

Many women and men experience significant breast development in their teenage years when they are sadly still at the mercy of overly critical teenagers. 

Large breasts seem to invite unwanted and unneeded comments, which can cause lifelong self-esteem issues. 

The same criticism can be directed at men who are suffering from an overly large male chest (gynecomastia) since breasts are typically considered a feminine trait. This unwanted attention drives many women and men to consider the reduction of the breasts. 

For women, this is breast reduction, where the excess breast tissue is removed, and a breast lift is performed to raise the breast and the nipples to a youthful and perky elevation. 

For men, this is gynecomastia surgery, where excess breast fat, tissue, and skin are removed.

What Are the Similarities Between Male and Female Breast Reduction?

Motivation

Both male and female breast reduction is commonly performed to increase comfort, enhance aesthetics, and restore confidence.

The Desire for Greater Variety of Clothing

Excess breast tissue significantly limits clothing options. 

Form-fitting clothing often accentuates and highlights the breasts, and clothing has to be professionally altered to fit both the chest and waist when breasts are overly large. 

Breast reduction for women and gynecomastia surgery for men creates or restores a balanced frame, allowing a wider variety of off-the-rack clothing.

Being able to wear a variety of clothing styles without worrying about the appearance of your breasts provides many reduction patients with the comfort they are looking for.

What Are the Differences Between Male and Female Breast Reduction?

Incisions

The placement and size of incisions are important to both gynecomastia surgery and breast reduction procedures.

That being said, incision placement and size is often a more considerable concern among men because of the resulting scars. 

Women can conceal scars beneath bras and swimsuits, while men cannot. 

One of the main reasons men undergo gynecomastia surgery is to enhance the appearance of their chest without a shirt. 

Whether they are at the beach, gym, or in an intimate setting, large or unsightly scars interfere with this desire.

Dr. Halpern attempts to make all incisions as inconspicuous as possible. The ideal incision is one that is made around the areola so that the resulting scar can be hidden within the dark skin.

In certain gynecomastia or breast reduction cases, alternative and more invasive incisions techniques are applied.

Fat Removal

When men undergo gynecomastia surgery, fat in the breast is removed to create a smooth and flat chest appearance. 

Female candidates wish for their breasts to be proportionate to the rest of their body, not entirely removed. 

Breast reduction and breast lift surgery do more than just reduce the size of a woman’s breast. They also shape and contour the breast.

Gynecomastia surgery often uses liposuction (either alone or in combination with tissue excision) to remove excess fat. 

Breast reduction commonly requires the surgical removal of excess glandular tissue.   

Gynecomastia due to excess fat can occasionally be treated through UltraShape®, a non-surgical option where pulsed ultrasonic waves destroy excess breast fat. 

This option can be beneficial for men with mild to moderate gynecomastia; however, it is not useful for large-busted women.

The Finesse Technique

Dr. Halpern utilizes his Finesse Technique℠ in plastic surgery procedures whenever possible. 

The Finesse Technique℠ uses “mini-scar” incisions that are less noticeable and cause less bleeding during the surgery. 

Less bleeding means less post-operative bruising, swelling, and pain, and a more comfortable recovery period.

The Finesse Technique℠ can be applied to both gynecomastia surgery and breast reduction surgery for qualifying patients. Significant excess tissue may require more invasive and longer incisions.

You can see if you qualify for the Finesse Technique℠ during your consultation with Dr. Halpern. 

Interested In Learning More?

For more information about the Finesse Technique℠, gynecomastia surgery, or breast reduction surgery, contact Dr. Halpern by calling (813) 872-2696.

You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our Tampa, FL, office.