Abnormally large breasts in men is a medical term called gynecomastia, which is derived from the two Greek words gyne that means "woman" and mastos that means "breast." The remedy is male breast reduction, which removes fat and tissue from the glands within the breasts, and in drastic cases removes excess skin, creating a flatter, firmer, and better contoured chest.

This condition, though hardly ever discussed, is pretty common because it affects about 40 to 60 percent of men. This is relatively common in young boys, and the majority of the time symptoms diminish in just a few months. It could only affect one breast or both of them. Unusually large breasts in men can cause the man to feel self-conscious about their appearance.

There are many potential causes:

&bull Chronic liver disease

&bull Side effects of many medications

&bull Castration

&bull Puberty

&bull Tumors

&bull Genetic disorders

&bull Steroid abuse

&bull Obesity

&bull Klinefelter Syndrome

&bull Aging

&bull Gilbert's Syndrome

Which men are candidates for male breast reduction?

Male breast reduction surgery to correct gynecomastia is performed preferably on emotionally stable, healthy men at any age. The best men for this surgery have elastic, firm skin that can be reshaped to the body's new contours.

Surgery is sometimes discouraged for obese men or for men who are overweight and have not tried exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals that drink excessive alcohol or smoke marijuana are typically considered unqualified candidates for surgery. The use of these drugs, and anabolic steroids, could cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients first are directed to halt the use of these drugs to determine if the breast fullness diminishes prior to surgery being considered as an option.

What risks and complications can occur?

Risks include infection, adverse reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, skin injury, and excessive fluid loss or accumulation. The procedure may also result in scars that are noticeable, slightly mismatched breasts or nipples or permanent pigment changes in the breast area. If asymmetry is significant, another procedure could be performed to abstract additional tissue.

The minor and temporary effects of male breast reduction involve loss of breast sensation or numbness, and could last up to one year.

Preparing Male breast reduction for Surgery

The initial consultation with your healthcare practitioner is vitally important. Your surgeon will need an entire medical history, so check your records ahead of time and get ready to provide this information.

First, your doctor will examine your breasts and check for symptoms of the gynecomastia, like impaired liver function, use of anabolic steroids or estrogen-containing medications. If a medical problem is though to be a problem, you'll be referred to the right specialist.

What is the surgical recovery like?

If you've had excision, you will most likely feel some discomfort for about a few days after surgery. Though, discomfort can be controlled with medicine. In any case, you will want to arrange to have someone drive you home.

You'll be bruised and swollen and for a while--in fact, you may not be able to tell if there's been any improvement at all. To reduce swelling, you'll probably be need to wear an elastic pressure garment all the time for a week or two, and during the few weeks longer at night. After the first couple weeks, it is important to get back to your normal routine.

Take your time finding someone you can trust, and feel comfortable with, to perform this procedure for you. Make sure it's a highly qualified health professional with expertise in the specialty you are interested in.