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What are the Side Effects of Gynecomastia Liposuction?

Marlene Garcia
Marlene Garcia

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.

Bruising may be a side effect of gynecomastia liposuction in males.
Bruising may be a side effect of gynecomastia liposuction in males.

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.

Unusually large breasts in men is known as gynecomastia.
Unusually large breasts in men is known as gynecomastia.

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.

Some medications may cause an increased level of estrogen in men.
Some medications may cause an increased level of estrogen in men.

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.

Most side effects of gynecomastia liposuction disappear within a few weeks of surgery.
Most side effects of gynecomastia liposuction disappear within a few weeks of 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.

Discussion Comments

literally45

@fBoyle-- Side effects depend on the type of liposuction being used for gynecomastia treatment. For example, ultrasonic liposuction may cause skin burns as a side effect.

ZipLine

@fBoyle-- I had liposuction done for gynecomastia. If I said that I did not experience side effects, I would be lying. I don't think it's possible to have a procedure such as this without the risk of some side effects. I had swelling and bruising after my liposuction but they both resolved with time. So although liposuction comes with side effects, I think that they are mostly minor and temporary.

Make sure that your doctor is very experienced with liposuction and has carried out the procedure many times for male breast reduction. I believe that working with an experienced doctor reduces the risks of side effects.

fBoyle

Is it true that skin becomes irregular and tissues become hard after liposuction?

I'm considering gynecomastia liposuction surgery but I'm worried about the side effects. I certainly don't want my appearance to be worse than it is now.

Has anyone here gotten liposuction for gynecomastia? Did you experience negative side effects?

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    • Bruising may be a side effect of gynecomastia liposuction in males.
      By: Irena Misevic
      Bruising may be a side effect of gynecomastia liposuction in males.
    • Unusually large breasts in men is known as gynecomastia.
      By: semmickphoto
      Unusually large breasts in men is known as gynecomastia.
    • Some medications may cause an increased level of estrogen in men.
      By: sframe
      Some medications may cause an increased level of estrogen in men.
    • Most side effects of gynecomastia liposuction disappear within a few weeks of surgery.
      By: astoria
      Most side effects of gynecomastia liposuction disappear within a few weeks of surgery.
    • A bad reaction to anesthesia is a possible side effect of gynecomastia liposuction.
      By: Tyler Olson
      A bad reaction to anesthesia is a possible side effect of gynecomastia liposuction.
    • A trained surgeon will need to investigate the cause of gynecomastia before recommending reduction surgery.
      By: Nejron Photo
      A trained surgeon will need to investigate the cause of gynecomastia before recommending reduction surgery.
    • Alcoholism may ultimately contribute to gynecomastia.
      By: KoMa
      Alcoholism may ultimately contribute to gynecomastia.
    • Surgery may be used to reduce breast size.
      By: Felix Mizioznikov
      Surgery may be used to reduce breast size.