In general, gynecomastia (enlarged male breast) cosmetic surgery is a safe procedure. However, patients should be aware of the possible risks associated with 
male breast reduction surgery.
Some common risks include the possibility of infection, adverse response to anesthesia, and uneven nipple height. But the potential advantages of male breast reduction surgery will typically outweigh the risks associated with the procedure.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman provides gynecomastia surgery to patients in Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and surrounding locations.
Discuss the Risks with the Surgeon
During the pre-operative consultation process, the surgeon will inform the patient of the possible risks and complications associated with gynecomastia surgery. The primary goal of a dedicated surgeon is to enable the patient to make a well-informed choice.
Choosing to undergo gynecomastia surgery is a private and personal decision. The patient must assess the advantages of the surgery relative to the risks and complications associated with the procedure, and understand whether this risk-reward tradeoff is acceptable to them. The patient will need to sign consent forms stating that they understand the risks and possible complications inherent in gynecomastia surgery fully.
Potential Risks
The risks associated with male breast reduction plastic surgery are as follows:
- Poor response to materials used in the surgery such as tape, glues, topical preparations, suture materials, or injected agents
- Risks associated with anesthesia
- Hematoma (bleeding)
- Blood clots
- Asymmetrical breasts
- Irregular breast contour and shape
- Altered sensation in nipples or breasts which may be temporary or permanent
- Injury to deeper structures including blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and lungs may occur, and the consequences may be temporary or permanent
- Cardiac, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary complications
- Breast fatty tissue may die (fat necrosis)
- Poor wound healing
- Seroma (fluid accumulation)
- Persistent pain
- Requirement for revision surgery
- Unfavorable scarring
- Infection
The surgeon will inform the patient in detail about these risks before seeking their consent for the surgery. It is important for the patient to seek clarity on all questions and concerns from their cosmetic surgeon before the surgery.
Asymmetrical Breasts
Asymmetrical breasts are a risk arising from male breast reduction surgery. But in the hands of an experienced and well-qualified plastic surgeon, this risk is greatly minimized. However, if the breasts are asymmetrical following gynecomastia surgery, the patient will require revision surgery to correct the condition.
Patients should understand that natural breasts are not completely symmetrical. Minor variations in shape and size are normal, and these do not warrant revision surgery.
Uneven Nipple Height
Gynecomastia surgery alters the breast shape and size as well as leads to the moving of some skin. This leads to the risk of uneven nipple height post-reduction. For some patients, the surgeon may detach the areola and nipple and reattach it on a different location on the breast.
Altered Sensation
A change or loss in sensation in the breast after male breast reduction surgery may occur especially if the areola has been detached and grafted at another location. This change in sensation is usually temporary, but it may be permanent in some exceptional cases.
Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bram Kaufman receives patients from Beachwood, Pepper Pike, Cleveland, OH, and nearby areas for male breast reduction surgery.
To learn more about cosmetic treatment and procedures or to schedule a consultation by Cleveland Ohio area plastic surgeon, Dr. Bram Kaufman, please contact us at 1-216-778-2245 or click here.