Gynecomastia (women-like breasts) affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both. For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured. In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour. In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the remaining skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour. The temporary effects of breast reduction include loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.