Feb 21, 2014

Moobs, man boobs, or gynaecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of the male population.

The condition can be caused by hormonal imbalances during puberty, obesity, steroid use, or slowing testosterone production in old age, and has been linked to certain medications, illegal drug use, smoking, drinking alcohol, and sports. Though the causes are diverse and in many cases unknown, the result is usually the same: a feeling of shame, embarrassment, and isolation.

Simply admitting that there was a problem used to be too big a leap for most male patients. However, in recent years, a man’s right to self-confidence has become less of a taboo subject. More and more men are approaching cosmetic surgeons to get the physique they want, and feeling less and less ashamed of doing so. Now, even the likes of actor and semi-retired WWF wrestler Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson are going under the knife to have excess breast tissue and fat removed, and the male breast reduction procedure is slowly becoming a more accepted part of mainstream culture.

In 2012, 642 British men underwent breast reduction surgery, making it the third most popular form of surgery among UK men. In the USA in that year, nearly 21,000 men opted for the same operation, a statistic which was up 5% on the previous year. If these facts are anything to go by, British and American men alike are not only less afraid of admitting their self esteem issues, but are also increasingly keen to do something about them.

So what does a male breast reduction operation involve? The procedure is usually completed with a combination of cutting away excess breast tissue, and using liposuction to remove excess fat and make the edges of the excision smoother. 

To do this, a small incision is made in the area surrounding the nipple, called the areola, which ensures that the scar remains hidden. The tissue is then removed, the fat sucked out, and on some occasions, excess skin is removed in order to give the chest area a tighter, more pert appearance. This is all done under general anaesthetic.

Male breast reduction is the third most popular form of surgery for UK men, and more and more procedures are being completed every year. If you have any questions about the operation, or wish to arrange a consultation, contact Austingraces today on 08456 020 621.