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Vincent C. Hung, MD, MOHS Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, at least 50 percent of men deal with gynecomastia sometime in their life. Occasionally, weight loss can help reduce the amount of fat in the chest area, but even lean men can notice male breasts due to the excess glandular tissue. Gynecomastia affects both teenagers and adults.

Gynecomastia surgery removes the excess fat and glandular tissue from the breasts. For men suffering from overdeveloped male breasts, this procedure reduces and exposes a flatter and firmer chest.

What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery flattens the chest and restores a firmer, more masculine-looking chest.

The procedure may be a permanent solution for men suffering from gynecomastia. Results can be maintained with a healthy lifestyle.

Males who have enlarged breasts may suffer from a lack of self-confidence. Gynecomastia surgery can make them feel comfortable in their skin.

Benefits of Mohs Surgery

Procedure Steps for Gynecomastia Surgery

Before performing the procedure, your doctor will administer local or general anesthesia. This outpatient surgery takes about an hour. Medical insurance may cover this procedure.

Liposuction Technique

Liposuction is used to address excess fat. The method inserts a cannula (a thin hollow tube) through small incisions to loosen and remove the fat from the chest area.

Excision Technique

The excision technique surgically removes glandular tissue, excess fat, and sagging skin. This technique can reduce the areola or nipple to maintain a natural look. The incisions vary depending on surgical preferences.

Combination

Occasionally, liposuction and excision techniques will be used at the same time. The techniques applied will depend on the needs of the patient.

Concerns

Recovery

You might be provided with dressing or bandages to cover your incisions and minimize swelling. A thin tube may be placed under the skin to drain any fluids. Typically, you can return to normal activities within three to seven days and more intense activities after two or three weeks. Most swelling and bruising should disappear within three to six months.

Results

Your gynecomastia results can be seen immediately after the surgery, although you may still see some bruising, swelling, and scaring. These will eventually fade with time. Your results may be permanent if you maintain a stable weight.

Scars

The extent of scarring varies depending on what techniques are used. Most scars will fade within three to six months.

Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost for gynecomastia surgery is $3,978.

Most insurance companies do not cover elective procedures—like gynecomastia surgery; however, you can check with your provider.

ARE YOU READY FOR YOUR Gynecomastia Surgery?

Get in contact with us below to schedule your Gynecomastia Surgery today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know if my gynecomastia is due to glandular tissue or excess fat (pseudogynecomastia)?

    Gynecomastia can develop because of excessive tissue, excessive fat, or a combination of both. If the condition is due to excess tissue (traditional gynecomastia), the breast will often feel tender, swollen, and somewhat painful. It has been described as a rubbery lump. Gynecomastia can develop due to numerous conditions, including hormone imbalances. If your enlarged chest developed after you began taking steroids, certain medications, or particular drugs, traditional gynecomastia (with excess tissue) might be to blame. This type of excess requires surgical excision.

    If you developed larger breasts in combination with other weight gains, pseudogynecomastia might be to blame. This can often be treated with liposuction.

    The only way to accurately determine the type of gynecomastia you have is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hung for testing.

  • Is gynecomastia surgery right for me?

    Gynecomastia surgery is performed on men who suffer from excess fat or tissue in the breast area. Candidates for this procedure are in good health and have realistic expectations. Medication cannot improve this condition.

  • Can my gynecomastia be treated without surgery?

    Many men are eager to get rid of their gynecomastia but are not sure if surgery is for them. This uncertainty is understandable; however, avoiding surgery is not always a realistic possibility. Some types of gynecomastia, such as gynecomastia that develops during puberty, may resolve on their own. Additionally, some pseudogynecomastia can be treated with exercising and weight loss.

    Unfortunately, if you have excess breast tissue, there is no way to eliminate this tissue without surgery.

  • How can I prepare for gynecomastia surgery?

    If you are tired of the presence of your male breasts and have determined that your gynecomastia will not resolve on its own, male breast reduction is ideal. Men preparing for this surgery should refrain from smoking, excessive drinking, marijuana use, and anabolic steroid use.

    If you are taking any medications, please check with your primary physician to see if the medication may be the cause of your gynecomastia. Also, if that medication is a blood thinner, you will need to stop taking it temporarily as blood thinners can increase complication possibility during surgery. Please consult with your physician before stopping any medication.

  • Can gynecomastia return after surgery?

    The results of your gynecomastia surgery may be permanent if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. Significant weight gain, steroid use, or certain medical conditions can reverse the results of the surgery and cause gynecomastia to return.

  • Are there any risks associated with gynecomastia surgery?

    Risks and complications are rare when with gynecomastia surgery, but they are possible. These risks include:

    • Infections
    • Fluid accumulation
    • Bleeding
    • Rippling of the skin skin
    • Asymmetry
    • Pigment changes
    • Unfavorable scarring