Female breast reduction surgery has always been a common procedure at Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Dallas, according to founder David Azouz, MD. Now men are joining the ranks, he says, highlighting the influx of gynecomastia surgeries he has performed over the last four decades.
On a national level, enlarged female breasts seem more frequent than gynecomastia. Yet, for the past five to 10 years, Azouz says he’s performed more male gynecomastia surgeries than female breast reduction surgeries at his practice.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 40% of all breast reductions are performed in men. Certain medications like SARMS, testosterone, Adderall, and hair restoration medications have also been associated with a rise in gynecomastia, the society says. The ASPS also reported that male plastic surgery, in general, rose 29% between 2018 and 2020 and changed the scope of many plastic surgery practices.
Plastic surgery had previously been slightly more stigmatizing for men; however, with a decrease in this taboo, more men are gaining confidence after undergoing various procedures, such as male breast reduction, Azouz says.
Moreover, just like its female equivalent—the “Mommy Makeover”—the “Daddy-Do-Over” is gaining popularity, as many men notice a difference in their appearance due to parenting and aging. Of the 289,000 male cosmetic surgeries performed in 2020, the top five procedures were nose reconstruction, eyelid surgery, cheek implant, liposuction, and ear surgery. In the same report, 265,000 out of 820,000 males had Botox treatment.
What’s more, Azouz says the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to the rise in male plastic surgery. Thanks to the so-called Zoom Boom, men became more aware of their eyes, jawline, and skin, finding imperfections that they previously did not notice. Furthermore, outdoor activities and sports have increased since the pandemic. Many men want to reduce excess fat around their abdomen and even breasts, seeking liposuction and removal of their gynecomastia.
Still, Azouz cautions, it’s important to consider that the techniques of cosmetic procedures between both genders can vary. The physiological differences between males and females affect healing and surgical results, with male skin tending to be thicker than female skin, so swelling is more prone in males.
Azouz says he has experience in male and female plastic surgical procedures and creates post-operative care plans specific to individual patients. Furthermore, concealing incision lines in males and females also varies, and Azouz says he considers the difference in the hairline, facial hair, and body hair to make a discrete incision and minimal scar.
Solomon Azouz, MD, who also practices at Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, says going under the knife can have numerous positive impacts for men. “Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most life-changing surgeries I perform, with patients regaining a critical component of their male cosmetic appearance,” he says. “It is incredible to see their faces at the first reveal after the procedure, as they are always amazed at the drastic improvement.”
