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Gynecomastia Surgery

(Male Breast Reduction)

What is Gynecomastia?

Fact: 40-60% of men are affected by enlarged breasts, or “gynecomastia,” which is the medical term for this condition, originating from Greek. Although it’s rarely talked about, it’s actually quite common among men. Gynecomastia may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. But, there is a solution. Male breast reduction performed by our talented plastic surgeon, Dr. Joseph DiBello, can restore a more masculine appearance to the chest.

What Are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia causes the appearance of enlarged breasts in adult and adolescent men. In addition to overdeveloped glandular tissue, excess fat may also be present. In some cases, the breasts may be so large that some degree of ptosis (sagging) can occur. Some gynecomastia patients may also occasionally experience mild breast tenderness, although substantial pain is extremely rare.

How is the Male Breast Reduction Procedure Performed?

Male breast reduction 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. Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours. The typical procedure involves a combination of power-assisted tumescent liposuction as well as tissue excision (cutting through a small incision hidden in the areola).

Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them frankly with Dr. DiBello. The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are very good that you’ll be quite satisfied with your new look.

View our male breast reduction 3D animation to better understand what to expect with this procedure.

What is Recovery from Male Breast Reduction Like?

Gynecomastia surgery requires general anesthesia, but is typically performed on an outpatient basis. Following male breast reduction, a compression garment will need to be worn to help facilitate proper healing. Drains are rarely required, but are only in place for a few days, when needed. Most light duty activities, such as a desk job or school can usually be resumed as soon as a few days after surgery, although it is best to avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or other strenuous activity for several weeks. As you heal, there may be some mild to moderate soreness, but medications prescribed by Dr. DiBello should alleviate any potential discomfort.

How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost?

On average, male breast reduction at DiBello Plastic Surgery costs approximately $8,800 but the exact price will be determined by your individual treatment plan. Patients experiencing pseudogynecomastia (only excess fat is present) typically require less extensive treatment, which can reduce the overall cost.

The price listed above includes a variety of factors that can impact the overall cost, such as compression garments, prescribed medication, Dr. DiBello’s fee, anesthesia, pre-admission testing, hospital facility fees, and more. Most information available online for gynecomastia treatment cost does not take these variables into consideration—in most cases, only the surgeon’s fee will be displayed.

To get a more accurate price estimate for your individual case, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello.

What is the Difference Between True Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia?

Both true gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia involve the enlargement of the chest, but each condition is due to different causes. True gynecomastia deals with excess fullness in the chest mainly due to the overdevelopment of breast tissue, whereas pseudogynecomastia involves extra fat built up. True gynecomastia can sometimes involve excess fat as well, which can be addressed, if needed. Both conditions can be treated through gynecomastia surgery performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. DiBello.

Will I Have Scars From Gynecomastia Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there will be the risk of scarring from gynecomastia surgery. When performed by a board-certified surgeon like Dr. DiBello, scarring can be limited by using innovative techniques. Dr. DiBello is able to make incisions in discreet areas around the chest area that are generally indistinguishable and can easily be concealed. Oftentimes, liposuction is used in conjunction with gynecomastia, which will also call for the use of small incisions. Because these incisions are very small, the scarring should be hardly noticeable once fully healed. If addressing true gynecomastia with the need for reducing glandular breast tissue, incisions are typically made around the areola. Any scarring in this area will often blend with the darker complexion of that area as it heals.

Can I Eliminate Gynecomastia Through Exercise?

While men are able to increase muscle and decrease fat build up in their chest through traditional exercise and dieting, these efforts will likely not prove to be a cure-all solution for enlarged male breasts. Due to the sheer amount of excess tissue or fat, depending on if a patient has gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, exercise and dieting alone will usually not be enough. In fact, exercise and diet will never be able to address true gynecomastia, as it involves an enlargement of glandular breast tissue. Gynecomastia surgery can significantly reduce any unwanted volume in your chest area.

Contact Us

If you believe you may be suffering from gynecomastia and may benefit from male breast reduction, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello.

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