The beautiful weather, gorgeous landscapes, and easily accessible beaches make San Diego an ideal place to live, work, and play. When you aren’t confident in your physical appearance, the same things that make this area appealing can make it very uncomfortable. For men who are self-conscious about the size of their breasts, spending time bare-chested on the beach or in the pool can be more anxiety-ridden than enjoyable.
While women most often have cosmetic surgery, the number of procedures performed on men has increased by over 120% since 1997, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). More men now understand that treating problem areas is an accepted option for reaching physical goals. And gynecomastia treatment, or male breast reduction, was in the top five procedures performed on men in 2011, says the ASAPS.
The ASAPS also reports that up to 40% of all men are affected by gynecomastia—enlarged breasts—to some degree. Whether caused by excess fatty tissue or genetics, today both liposuction and breast reduction surgery are viable treatments for men hoping for an improved appearance on the beach.
Liposuction is a straightforward procedure that can be used if the enlarged breasts are due to excess fat deposits. A small incision (1/2 inch or less) is made under the breast or at the areola. Excess fat is then suctioned out from under the skin. No male chest is perfectly symmetrical, and this procedure can also correct asymmetrical male breast tissue. The best candidates for liposuction are in good health and near their ideal weight. For men who work out and eat well but still have larger breasts than they’d like, liposuction may be the answer. Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, using general anesthesia for patient safety and comfort.
Male breast reduction surgery is slightly more involved and is performed if excess skin and/or glandular tissue must be removed. Like liposuction, this procedure is performed in an operating room and general anesthesia is used. The incisions are small and are placed in inconspicuous areas (along the edge of the areola or in the underarm area).
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could walk down the beach, go for a run, or hop in the pool without hesitating to take off your shirt? Male breast reduction can help create a sculpted body you can be proud of. Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation today. We can help you plan your next trip to the beach with confidence!
