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The surgery
If excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of the breast enlargement,
it will be excised, or cut out, with a scalpel. The excision may be performed
alone or in conjunction with liposuction. In a typical procedure, an incision
is made in an inconspicuous location--either on the edge of the areola or
in the under arm area. Working through the incision, the surgeon cuts away
the excess glandular tissue, fat and skin from around the areola and from
the sides and bottom of the breast. Major reductions that involve the removal
of a significant amount of tissue and skin may require larger incisions
that result in more conspicuous scars. If liposuction is used to remove
excess fat, the cannula is usually inserted through the existing incisions.
Glandular tissue must be cut out,
usually through a small incision
near the edge of the areola.
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If your gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, your
surgeon will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat. A small incision,
less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola--the
dark skin that surrounds the nipple. Or, the incision may be placed in the
underarm area. A slim hollow tube called a cannula which is attached to
a vacuum pump, is then inserted into the incision. Using strong, deliberate
strokes, the surgeon moves the cannula through the layers beneath the skin,
breaking up the fat and suctioning it out. Patients may feel a vibration
or some friction during the procedure, but generally no pain.
In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been
removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In
these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the removing skin
to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.
Sometimes, a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw
off excess fluids. Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a
dressing. The chest may be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.
Fatty tissue can be removed by
liposuction. A small, hollow tube
is inserted through a tiny incision,
leaving a nearly imperceptible scar.
Continue reading about gynecomastia
Back to top of gynecomastia section
Gynecomastia Patient Information 
Highlights: About Surgery for Gynecomastia
Preparing for Surgery
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-Operative Care
Activity Restrictions
Recovery Time
Resuming Normal Activities
Pre-operative Instructions
Post-operative Instructions
FAQs on Recovery From Plastic Surgery
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