Last week, nip/tuck dealt with breast reconstruction; this week, it’s breast reduction. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that in 2006, almost 20,000 breast reduction procedures were performed in the United States. That’s 22% increase since the year 2000. Why would a woman elect breast reduction, you ask? And of the 13,585,134 cosmetic and reconstructive procedures less than 20,000 were breast reduction? There are many reasons a woman might enjoy a more fulfilling life with smaller, firmer breasts – to ease back and neck pain; to eliminate the rash that can form under large, pendulous breasts; and, to put an end to the staring of strangers. But, I wasn’t talking about women; 20,000 men last year elected breast reduction. Like I said, it was the focus of this week’s nip/tuck; an episode I’m going to call…

Gynecomastia.

Cliff Mantegna is a swinger, and I’m not referring to his “woman-like breasts” (or “gynecomastia”). No, he attends parties where like-minded adults have multiple “relations” with strangers (c’mon, my family might read this). Before we go any further, no, Dr. Troy did not have “relations” with Cliff.

Basically, men’s breasts are really no different from women’s breasts – they both are made up of mammary glands; both are capable of producing and secreting milk; and, both are susceptible to breast cancer (please see my review of the episode, “Megan O’Hara“). And, just as I previously listed the many ways that women suffer from overly large breasts, gynecomastia can be an incredible source of stress for men, especially considering that the precise cause is unclear. Thankfully, for both women and men, there’s a plastic surgery procedure that can end the suffering – reduction mammoplasty.

Breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia is typically conducted on an outpatient basis. Prior to surgery, a mammogram might be recommended to check for breast cancer, as well as to reveal whether the enlarged breast is the result of extra fat, glandular tissue or both. During the 2 hour procedure, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The plastic surgeon will then remove glandular tissue, fat, excess skin or all three. Liposuction might be utilized, as well. Regardless, the end result is eventually a firmer, flatter, more “masculine” chest.

Upwards of 50% of men suffer in some way from gynecomastia. If you’re one or if you know of one, please let them know that male breast reduction can help. They don’t have to suffer.

Me? Well, the suffering continues next week with another episode of nip/tuck.

See you next time.

Charlie Sheridan

Medical Editor and Consultant