Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is a corrective treatment for enlarged or overly developed breasts in men. Gynecomastia is an abnormal increase in the size of breast tissue in males. It is a typical breast lesion contributing to more than 65 percent of male breast disorders. Gynecomastia has several underlying causes. However, it is often due to an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen hormones. Gynecomastia surgery helps improve breast contours, flatten sagging breasts, and reduce breast size in men. Gynecomastia surgery can improve your perception of body image and confidence. Many people decide to have this procedure to enhance their appearance, either when they dress up or without clothes.

What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Types of Gynecomastia Surgery
Why Gynecomastia Surgery?
What are Concerns for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Steps to getting your procedure
Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery
Why Yes Doctor for Gynecomastia Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
Doctors that perform Gynecomastia Surgery procedures
Yes Doctor’s Plastic Surgery Procedure Gynecomastia Surgery

What is Gynecomastia Surgery?

An enlargement of breast tissue in males, known as gynecomastia, is the most customary chest disorder in males. At least 30% of males will experience it during their life. Acknowledging the worries, apprehension of malignancy, and psychosocial issues it may cause, early diagnosis is essential, and people often seek medical attention. When medical techniques are not helpful, particularly in cases that have been present for a long time or if the gynecomastia hinders with the patient's day-to-day activities, or if there is a possibility of cancer, then surgery is explored.

Surgical treatment of excess breasts in men includes the removal of glandular tissue coupled with liposuction, if needed, preferably with an individualized approach. The surgical treatment of gynecomastia is performed for two reasons: 

  1. reconstruction of the male chest contour

  2. histological clarification of potentially harmful breast lesions

Causes of gynecomastia are classified as either physiological or pathological, although no specific cause can be found in many cases. In true gynecomastia, the increase in the breast size is due to glandular breast tissue; in pseudo gynecomastia, the breast enlargement is due to fat accumulation; mixed gynecomastia is due to both glandular and fat tissues. 

The common indication for surgery includes the patient's age, consistency, grade, and the presence of unilateral or bilateral breast development. Usually, before surgical intervention, the gynecomastia patient should undergo a complete history, physical exam, and relevant laboratory tests to determine the underlying caus

Procedure steps

Anesthesia

General anesthesia, or intravenous sedation is administered to comfort you during the procedure. However, your surgeon may recommend the best option for you.

Excess tissue/fat removal

Liposuction and excision are two different surgical techniques used to treat gynecomastia.

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing excess fat through suction. This technique best suits men with primarily fatty tissue in their breasts and good skin elasticity. Liposuction can result in a faster recovery and less scarring compared to excision.

Excision technique, on the other hand, involves removing both glandular tissue and excess skin through incisions. This technique is best for men with significant glandular tissue or loose skin in their breasts. Excision can result in a more thorough reduction of breast size and a more defined chest contour. However, it typically requires a longer recovery and leaves more noticeable scarring than liposuction.

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with a combination of both techniques.

Recovery

At the end of your gynecomastia surgery, you will have bandages or wrappings on the incisions. To decrease swelling and support the new chest shape, an elastic dressing or support outfit can be beneficial. Additionally, a slim, temporary tube may be inserted underneath the skin to avoid too much fluid from collecting. Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to take care of the surgical site, and the drains, and what topical applications or oral drugs to use to help the healing process and minimize the possibility of infection. They will also inform you of any potential issues with the surgical site or with your overall health, as well as when to come back for a follow-up visit.

Types of Gynecomastia Surgery

  • Which Gynecomastia Surgery is Right for You?

    Gynecomastia is a condition with enlarged breast tissues in men. During puberty, hormonal upsurge can cause an abnormal expansion in breast tissues in men. Sometimes, breast tissues retract after puberty, but in many cases, they remain as they are. The problem mostly occurs bilaterally and is accompanied by lumps in breasts with or without fat in the breasts. When medical therapy is ineffectual, particularly in longstanding gynecomastia, when the gynecomastia interrupts the patient's day-to-day activities, or when there is trepidation of breast malignancy, surgical intervention is considered necessary.

    Gynecomastia is usually performed through liposuction, excision surgery, or a combination. The right type of gynecomastia surgery for you will depend on several factors, including the cause of your condition, the amount and distribution of breast tissue, and the amount of excess skin in the area. It is best to consult a plastic surgeon with experience in treating gynecomastia.

  • Liposuction

    Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat gynecomastia. Liposuction involves removing excess fat through suction. It is best suited for men with primarily fatty tissue and good skin elasticity in their breasts.

    During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will make small incisions in the chest area and insert a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. The cannula is then used to suction out excess fat, resulting in a reduction of breast size. Liposuction can be performed using local or general anesthesia.

    Liposuction for gynecomastia can result in a faster recovery and less scarring than other surgical techniques, such as excision. However, it is worth noting that liposuction may not be effective for all cases of gynecomastia, especially for those with a significant amount of glandular tissue or loose skin in their breasts.

  • Excision

    Surgical excision is a procedure that can be used to treat gynecomastia. Excision involves removing both glandular tissue and excess skin through incisions. It is best suited for men with significant glandular tissue or loose skin in their breasts.

    During the procedure, the plastic surgeon will make incisions in the chest area and remove both glandular tissue and excess skin. The incisions will then be closed with sutures, allowing the skin to heal. Excision for gynecomastia can be performed using general anesthesia, which puts the patient in a sleep-like state, or local anesthesia with sedation, which numbs the treatment area and relaxes the patient.

    Surgical excision can result in a more thorough reduction of breast size and a more defined chest contour than other surgical or non-surgical techniques. However, it typically requires a more extended recovery period and leaves more noticeable scarring than liposuction.

Why Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the male breast that affects a significant percentage of the male population. Multiple surgical and non-surgical approaches have been described for the treatment of gynecomastia. However, surgery should be considered the last resort in patients with considerable discomfort, psychological stress, cosmetic problems, long-standing gynecomastia, and suspected malignancy.

By undergoing gynecomastia surgery, you can feel more comfortable in your own skin, wear clothes that fit better, and participate in physical activities without feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your chest. Additionally, if you have been experiencing physical discomfort or pain due to the enlargement of your breasts, surgery can provide relief from these symptoms. Gynecomastia surgery can help you stay fit by improving your overall body image, making you feel more confident in your appearance, and increasing your motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Summarized below are the main reasons why gynecomastia is performed:

  • Remove excess tissue and fat from breasts
  • Improve self image
  • Reduce pain and discomfort
  • Other methods failed

What are Concerns for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, gynecomastia surgery also carries potential risks and concerns. After gynecomastia surgery, patients may experience common concerns, including pain and discomfort, swelling and bruising, and changes in nipple sensitivity. It is also customary to experience tightness and itchiness in the chest area and some temporary numbness. Patients may also experience some asymmetry in their chest, which may resolve over time or require additional surgical intervention. Following the surgeon's pre-operative and post-operative instructions is essential to minimize these side effects and promote a smooth and successful recovery. Despite these concerns, most patients are delighted with the results of their gynecomastia surgery and feel a significant improvement in their self-esteem and body image. Commonly complained concerns arising from gynecomastia surgery are

  • Scarring

    Scarring is a common concern after excisional gynecomastia surgery, as the procedure involves making incisions in the chest area to remove both glandular tissue and excess skin. The visibility of scars will depend on several factors, including the location and size of the incisions, the patient's skin type and healing process, and the proper care and protection of the incisions during the healing process. In general, excisional gynecomastia surgery results in more noticeable scarring than liposuction for gynecomastia, a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat through small incisions. However, most plastic surgeons take measures to minimize scarring, such as using surgical techniques that promote hidden incisions or suture techniques that minimize scarring. Avoiding activities that may cause excessive stress to the incisions and applying any prescribed topical ointments or dressings can lessen the visible scarring.

  • Pain and Discomfort

    It is typical for individuals to feel some level of agony and uneasiness after gynecomastia surgery, although the degree of these signs can differ from person to person. In the initial few days after the surgery, aching is to be expected. Also, patients may have tightness and irritation in the chest area, which is a usual aspect of the recovery period. Any distress and sensitivity should reduce within one or two weeks. It is probable that you will be able to return to your job in around two weeks.

  • Complications

    Operating on gynecomastia is usually secure, and most of the time, individuals experience a smooth and problem-free healing process. Nevertheless, despite the patient and doctor's best efforts to ensure safety, some issues can still arise. Common problems include bruising, blood loss, fluid accumulation, unevenness of the contour lines, loss of skin around the nipples, numb nipples, nipples turning inwards, saggy skin around the breasts, and disparities in size. To get the best results, it is essential to pay close attention to the surgical method and the care given before, during, and after the procedure.

Steps to getting your procedure

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Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery

According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of gynecomastia surgery is $4,239. However, it is a portion of the actual cost. The actual cost is subject to many other factors, such as anesthesia provider's fee, laboratory tests (if any), pre-operative and post-operative medications, geographical location of the doctor's clinic or hospital, surgical room charges, dressings and bandages, and most importantly, the years of experience of your board-certified plastic surgeon. Moreover, the average cost is also varied by choice of procedure. The price for liposuction gynecomastia surgery differs from that for excisional gynecomastia surgery.

Why Yes Doctor for Gynecomastia Surgery

Yes Doctor helps individuals interested in undergoing gynecomastia surgery by providing them with financing options to pay for the procedure. 

We offer a variety of payment plans, including loans with interest as low as 0%, monthly payment options, and extended repayment terms, which can make the procedure more accessible and affordable for individuals who might otherwise be unable to pay for the surgery upfront.

By getting financing through the Yes Doctor, individuals can take advantage of the benefits of gynecomastia surgery without worrying about the financial burden of paying for the procedure all at once. It can highly benefit individuals who do not have health insurance coverage for gynecomastia surgery or who have limited health insurance benefits.

In addition to helping patients, our financing plans also benefit surgeons in getting hassle-free lumpsum payments well before the procedure. It allows surgeons to focus on dedicated patient care while boosting their clientele.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether or not gynecomastia surgery is worth getting is a personal decision and depends on various factors, including the individual's specific concerns and goals, overall health and medical history, and financial situation. For individuals who are self-conscious about the appearance of their chest and who have tried other methods to address their concerns without success, gynecomastia surgery can be a way to improve their self-esteem and quality of life. The results of gynecomastia surgery are typically permanent. In some cases, weight gain or hormonal changes can cause the condition to recur. Excisional gynecomastia surgery results in some visible scarring that can be reduced with topical creams or scar treatments.
Leaving gynecomastia untreated can have many medical, physical, and/or psychological consequences. Medically, untreated gynecomastia may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as hormonal imbalances or liver or kidney disease, which may require medical evaluation and treatment. Physically, the excess breast tissue in the chest may continue to grow, causing the chest to become larger and more noticeable. It can lead to discomfort and chafing, especially in individuals who engage in physical activity or wear tight clothing. In some cases, the excess breast tissue may also cause the chest to become tender or painful. Psychologically, untreated gynecomastia can significantly impact an individual's self-esteem and quality of life. It can lead to self-consciousness, embarrassment, and shame, especially in situations such as swimming, changing clothes in public, or engaging in intimate relationships.
Gynecomastia sometimes starts developing between ages 10 and 12 and most commonly occurs between ages 13 and 14. The condition persists beyond the age of 17 in up to 20 percent of individuals. The age group 27-92 years is the primary category that experiences gynecomastia up to a certain extent. Men under 18 should look for alternative options to curb breast swelling and enlargement. Plastic surgeons recommend waiting until 25 years of age for gynecomastia surgery. As an explanation, they claim that breast growth stabilizes by this age. However, the appropriate age may also vary depending on the underlying health issue caused by gynecomastia and the extent of the problem.
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, removes excess breast tissue and can help reduce the breasts' size in men. However, it is possible for the condition to recur, primarily if the underlying cause of the gynecomastia is not addressed. For example, if the gynecomastia was caused by hormonal imbalances or the use of certain medications; in that case, future breast enlargement may occur if these factors are not addressed and managed correctly.