Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Treatment)

How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia?

This condition is more common than many people realize. If you have developed excess volume in the chest area, you may have gynecomastia. The tissue can be a combination of fat and breast (glandular) tissue, or it may be one or the other. In most cases, patients who live a healthy, active lifestyle and who still have visible breasts likely have gynecomastia to some degree. Stretched or puffy nipples in men can also be an indication of gynecomastia, particularly if the nipples are particularly sensitive or tender. While the condition usually develops during puberty, it often resolves naturally as patients reach adulthood. Most gynecomastia patients still struggle with overdeveloped breasts even after progressing past the age of puberty.

The best way to determine if you have gynecomastia is to schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Goldberg. He can evaluate your needs and order the appropriate tests to identify the cause of your concerns. We understand that this can be a sensitive issue, and our compassionate and discreet staff will make every effort to enhance your comfort.

Types of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia sits on a sort of spectrum. The source of patients’ enlarged breasts may be solely glandular tissue, glandular tissue along with fatty tissue, or only fatty tissue. Part of developing a personalized treatment plan is identifying which types of tissue are present so that the ideal technique can be utilized:

• True Gynecomastia: A condition in which glandular tissue, potentially along with excess fatty tissue, develops in men.
• Pseudogynecomastia: A related condition in which excess fatty tissue alone is present in the breasts (no glandular tissue). In this case, liposuction or other fat removal techniques may be enough to flatten the chest without excision. However, surgical excision can still be necessary to adequately resolve your concerns even if you only exhibit pseudogynecomastia — particularly if you have enlarged or puffy nipples you would like to reduce.

When Should I Consider Treatment For Gynecomastia?

If you feel self-conscious about the size or appearance of your chest due to gynecomastia, this treatment may be able to help you improve your confidence and allow you to feel more comfortable on a day-to-day basis. Many patients suffer from low self-esteem that makes life difficult, and certain activities may be avoided if they require a man with gynecomastia to go without a shirt. For treatment, it’s important for you to be in good overall shape and to have reasonable expectations for the outcome.

Boys and men who struggle with the development of breast tissue may present as candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The breast itself comprises both fat and glandular tissue, and may be tender. It is also important that the individual be a non-smoker (for at least two weeks prior to surgery), of stable weight, and in good health. Dr. Goldberg will walk you through your customized procedure to help you understand what can be accomplished.

What is Male Breast Reduction?

Male breast reduction is an elective surgical procedure performed to flatten the chest and provide a more masculine look. This is done by extracting fat, removing excess breast tissue, and addressing loose skin on the chest. Surgery can also help resize or recontour the nipples if necessary. The procedure may include liposuction, nipple revision, surgical excision, or some combination of all three techniques. Whether a patient’s gynecomastia is caused by glandular tissue or isolated fat, the treatment plan for male breast reduction is personalized according to each person’s unique needs. This procedure is the only treatment for gynecomastia capable of contouring the chest with long-lasting and natural-looking results. Our before-and-after photos of male breast reduction results can illustrate the types of outcomes you can expect following the procedure. If you believe this enhancement aligns with your overall goals, this may be an indication that you can benefit from male breast reduction.

How Is Male Breast Reduction Performed?

In order to assess your condition thoroughly, Dr. Goldberg will likely recommend that you receive a medical examination prior to surgery, including an MRI or mammogram. The procedure itself takes approximately two hours, and is conducted under general anesthesia for large tissue removal; local for minor removal.

If the MRI or mammogram shows that the breast is composed mainly of glandular tissue, Dr. Goldberg will probably select surgical excision to conduct your breast reduction. During surgery he will make an incision under the arm or at the areola. The glandular tissue and fat will then be removed with a scalpel.
If testing reveals that the breast is composed of both fat and glandular tissue, a combined approach may be necessary. In liposuction, the plastic surgeon inserts a cannula, or thin tube, into the incision to dislodge the fat deposits. The fat is then removed by way of a vacuum device. Sometimes only liposuction is needed, in which case, a small incision is made under the arm or at the areola.

What Is Recovery From Male Breast Reduction Like?

Patients should be able to return home the same day as the surgery. Some discomfort, as well as swelling and bruising, are common after the procedure, and we will provide medication to ease your symptoms. You may be able return to work as quickly as one week following breast reduction surgery. Strenuous exercise should be avoided, however, for approximately three weeks, although walking and light activity are encouraged. Once you have recovered, it is important to remember that regular exercise and a healthy diet are necessary to ensure lasting results. You should have a good idea of the final results after a couple of months.

How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost?

The price of gynecomastia treatment at our practice can range from $5,000 to $11,000, which is an estimate inclusive of the typical fees associated with cosmetic surgery. Factors unique to your treatment plan may alter this estimate to some degree, and the best way to determine the cost of your procedure is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goldberg, who will develop a customized plan and review the parameters at your initial meeting. Most patients choose to have male breast reduction surgery as a cosmetic treatment, and we work with reputable lenders that offer plastic surgery financing, should you wish to consider a payment plan. We can provide more information at your visit.

Are There Any Non-Surgical Male Breast Reduction Treatments?

Non-surgical treatments as well as diet and exercise are insufficient to reduce excess breast (glandular) tissue; however, these methods may be useful at minimizing excess fatty tissue. If your condition is primarily the latter, we can recommend some non-invasive options that may provide some relief or can help to extend the benefits of your surgical results. In many cases, though, surgery will be the most effective treatment for unwanted fat and breast tissue in this area.

Is Male Breast Reduction Safe?

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon who frequently treats gynecomastia, male breast reduction can be a very safe and effective procedure. Not only does male breast reduction have an excellent safety record, but it’s also considered one of the most rewarding cosmetic surgeries available. Many men who undergo gynecomastia treatment feel the procedure is life-changing and truly allows patients to reclaim a positive, confident self-image. However, all surgical procedures have a chance of adverse reactions, including infection, unfavorable scarring, loss of sensation, bruising, and asymmetrical breast tissue, among other potential complications. An experienced and well-trained plastic surgeon can minimize the risk of complications during male breast reduction, helping ensure the highest standards of safety throughout the surgical process.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon to Correct Gynecomastia

Selecting a gynecomastia surgeon who you can trust to achieve your goals is essential to the overall success of the procedure. While there are many male breast reduction providers to choose from, it’s in your best interest to enlist a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery to correct your gynecomastia. A few tips to help you narrow down your options include:

• Researching a doctor’s experience and educational background: Not all plastic surgeons are created equal. If you want to ensure the highest quality of results after your procedure, choosing an experienced aesthetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is paramount.
• Exploring a plastic surgeon’s before-and-after photos: These photos can give you an idea of a plastic surgeon’s quality of work and help you determine whether he/she is the right doctor for your needs.
• Reading online reviews from previous gynecomastia patients: A plastic surgeon’s reviews give you insight into the level of patient care provided by a practice, as well as what you can expect when you arrive at your appointment.
• Scheduling a consultation to build a rapport: You won’t know how you feel about a prospective plastic surgeon until you book an appointment with them. An initial consultation is your opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the male breast reduction procedure, or a doctor’s experience correcting gynecomastia.

Ultimately, your plastic surgeon should not pressure you into treatment and carefully answer all of your questions about surgery. After your initial consultation, you should feel confident trusting him/her with your health, appearance, and aesthetic goals.