Scarring, excessive bleeding, fluid loss or excessive fluid, and a bad reaction to anesthesia are the most common side effects of gynecomastia liposuction. Some patients also report that their nipples become numb, discolored, or extra sensitive to touch. Bruising, possible swelling, and uneven breasts or nipples represent additional side effects of breast reduction surgery. Itchiness and dry skin are also possible, but most side effects from reduction surgery are considered rare.
Generally, most side effects of gynecomastia liposuction disappear within a few weeks of surgery, especially the bruising and swelling. The feelings of numbness or hypersensitivity usually go away within a year. In some men, a second surgery may be needed to realign the nipples, along with further treatment to reduce the amount of scarring in the breast area.
Gynecomastia is the medical name for unusually large breasts in men. It comes from the Greek word “gyne,” meaning woman, and “mastos,” which refers to breast tissue. Abnormally large breasts develop in men who have too many female hormones and not enough testosterone. The condition is common in puberty when hormones are in flux. Gynecomastia usually goes away in adolescent boys once the male and female hormones become stable.
This type of male cosmetic surgery involves removing glandular and fatty tissue underneath the nipple, which sometimes appears as a lump. Gnynecomastia liposuction is similar to other kinds of liposuction where a laser is used to suction out excess fat. After fat cells are removed, they never return. The surgeon makes a tiny incision at the nipple, and the procedure normally takes about two hours.
Other factors can also cause unusually large breasts in men, including obesity, alcoholism, and various diseases. Lung cancer, tuberculosis, and testicular cancer are linked to the development of fatty or granular breasts that can be treated with gynecomastia liposuction. Side effects from many medications also cause the condition. A trained surgeon will investigate the cause of female-appearing breasts in men before recommending reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia by itself is not harmful to a man’s health but may affect his self-esteem and alter his behavior. Some men with the condition opt for liposuction to reduce embarrassment when swimming or appearing in front of others without a shirt. Often referred to as “man boobs,” enlarged male breasts can affect quality of life, but most insurance companies consider it cosmetic surgery and do not cover the cost of gynecomastia liposuction.