Mastectomy

What Is a Male Mastectomy—Male Subcutaneous?

Men suffering from the growth of breast tissue typically require a mastectomy (aka, male subcutaneous or male breast reduction surgery).  The cosmetic procedure restores the contours of the male patient’s body.  

During male breast reduction surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia.  The surgeon makes an incision around part of the nipple and removes the enlarged breast tissue.  The skin and nipple remain in place.  At the end of the procedure, the surgeon stitches the incision shut.  One to two drainage tubes may be left in place in the wound to drain away any excessive body fluids.  The doctor finally places a dressing on the wound, which is removed along with the drainage tubes after approximately 3 days.  Patients typically return home on the same day, unless they are treated as an in-patient case, in which case they return home within 1 to 2 days.