Male breasts breast reduction in men possible

Many men do, but only a few talk about it: In plastic-aesthetic surgery at the University Hospital in Bonn, the breast reduction surgery in men increase rapidly. Reasons for this are a new awareness of their own appearance in the male population, but also factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, alcohol and drug use. According to a recent study by the Association of German Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (VDÄPC), breast reduction in men in Germany is now the most common aesthetic-surgical procedure.

(Image: Gelpi / fotolia.com)

The data were determined by a member survey of the VDÄPC and the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) - and they speak a clear language: Of the total aesthetic-surgical interventions on men were about 20 percent breast reduction. In the year before, the breast reduction was not even represented in the top 5 - the liposuction occupied until then the first place.

Aesthetic and health consequences: In extreme cases, even breast cancer
Physicians distinguish between a true female breast formation in adult men, gynecomastia, and pseudogynaecomastia. The latter arises in connection with obesity due to the storage of fat in the chest. Only last year, the Federal Statistical Office in Wiesbaden had reported that around 62 percent of the male population in Germany is suffering from obesity - and rising.

In turn, the true female breast formation is distinguished into a physiological gynaecomastia (consequence of a hormonal imbalance) and a pathologic gynecomastia, which can arise among other things by heredity, chronic illnesses, medicaments or drug consumption.

"Environmental factors, nutrition, job stress - all this seems to increase these problems. In addition to the aesthetic consequences, of course, there are also health restrictions - in rare cases, it can even lead to breast cancer, "explains Priv. Dr. Doz. Klaus J. Walgenbach, Head of Plastic-Aesthetic Surgery at the University Hospital Bonn.

Added to this is an increasing awareness of one's own appearance. Thus, the number of plastic-aesthetic interventions among German men has risen steadily in recent years. "It's not just women who have an attractive appearance. Even men attach more and more importance to their appearance, because they realize that it is often associated with private and professional success. Especially a female breast formation is a burden for many men. Therefore, breast reduction in men is increasingly no longer taboo, "says Walgenbach.

In case of surgery, it is essential to consult a specialist in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
The correction of the breast occurs through a small incision at the edge of the areola, through which glandular tissue and body fat are removed. In order to achieve optimal contouring, liposuction is additionally performed throughout the entire breast area.

The procedure takes place under general anesthesia and lasts one to two hours. "The procedure is safe, complications are extremely rare," explains Walgenbach. "The prerequisite is, of course, that a trained, experienced specialist in plastic-aesthetic surgery makes the surgery. It is important to note that many so-called beauty physicians can not show exactly this specialist, but are trained in completely different areas, which in my view means an increased safety risk for patients. "

In the six weeks following the operation, the patient must wear a compression bandage to tighten the skin and thus positively influence the result. The pain after surgery usually last only a few days and are comparable to a strong sore muscles. Patients should be careful not to overstress the upper part of the body during the first few days and not to exercise for three to four weeks. The swelling of the breast lasts for three to a maximum of six months and the scars usually fade after six to eighteen months. (Pm)