Severe Cases of Gynecomastia

Severe gynecomastia is a condition that may occur at any age. In severe cases, male breasts can be as large as a C or D cup when compared to women. Often men with such large breasts are embarrassed, depressed and may be living with limited social exposure. Men with extremely large breasts tend to avoid places and situations where they have to expose their chest, including intimacy with a partner. Additionally, men in this condition may resort to such drastic measures as binding their chests or even wearing a bra. Large male breasts are perceived by some as an indication of a lack of masculinity.

Especially in cases of obesity, this kind of severe gynecomastia may manifest with excess skin that requires the need for skin excisions that will leave scars after the male breast reduction procedure is performed. Through years of experience, Dr. Blau has developed a technique that can minimize the scar in some large male breast reduction patients by minimizing the length of the vertical and horizontal inframammary incisions. 

Many men with severe gynecomastia have Male Breast Ptosis (also known as drooping breasts) where the areola lies below the lower edge of the pectoral chest muscles.  This loose skin and lax tissues are results from aging, loss of muscle mass, and weight loss. When there is excess skin, breast liposuction combined with excision of the gland may not be sufficient. Breast skin excision may be necessary, a procedure called "Mastopexy." 

In some cases, adolescents with severe cases of gynecomastia could have the excision performed early in life. In these cases, when a patient is under the age of 18, Dr. Blau requires the consent of the parents, a psychologist and a pediatrician. Men often have a very difficult time talking about their breasts to anyone, but it is the first step toward relief. Realizing that they are not alone is a powerful antidote for the shame while also a beginning toward healing.

Any type of gynecomastia can leave emotional scars, but severe gynecomastia can be particularly devastating. Many of these men feel emasculated. Feelings of self-loathing and isolation interweave through all aspects of the individual's life, clouding happiness and self-worth. Once the physical encumbrance is lifted, in some cases, these psychological scars will still need to be addressed. An affected man will need to come to terms with his body, accept it, and heal the wounds from the past.  

As with all cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. As with any surgery, there are some risks which your doctor will discuss with you.

The following severe gynecomastia before-and-after photos will give you a sense of the results Dr. Blau has achieved in severe male breast reduction surgery. However, each patient is unique and previous results are not a guarantee for individual outcomes.