Gynecomastia
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Lexington, KY
Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by the enlargement of male breasts. This condition causes many men emotional distress and can lower one’s self-esteem. (1) Men of all ages can present with gynecomastia in one breast (unilaterally) or both breasts (bilaterally).
Often, gynecomastia remains unchanged despite aggressive efforts such as healthy diets and regular exercise regimens. Some men try special supplements or diet pills to reverse this condition but are still unsuccessful in reducing the size of the breast gland.
Male breast reduction, or gynecomastia surgery, is the ideal solution for men who want to get rid of unwanted enlarged breasts. If you’re tired of “man boobs” and want a sculpted, well-defined chest, call Plastic Surgeons of Lexington, serving the areas of Lexington, Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Knoxville, and beyond.
We encourage you to reach out to our team at (859) 276-3883 to schedule a personal consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your desired results.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Gynecomastia is characterized by excess glandular tissue in the breasts, which up to 30% of men may experience over their lifespan. (2) To correct the condition, surgeons reduce the breast size and flatten the chest contours using direct excision of the breast gland and liposuction of the adjacent fat. Sometimes, skin excision is also required at a later date. When a man is displaying a feminine trait such as enlarged breasts, he may not feel very masculine. However, once surgery has corrected his enlarged male breasts and his chest is contoured, he can achieve a more masculine and attractive appearance.
Most men undergo gynecomastia surgery for cosmetic reasons, but some men with excess glandular tissue and fat experience pain and discomfort, especially during physical activities. The excess glandular tissue will be removed to help a man feel more comfortable in his body. Many men with gynecomastia are also embarrassed to reveal their enlarged breasts. It can be intimidating when participating in normal activities that require exposing the chest such as going to the beach or swimming in a pool. After they have their chest contoured and shaped into a more masculine, toned appearance, they can feel more confident about how their body looks. Some men can’t wait to show off their newly restored and better-contoured physique.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
- Elimination of Glandular Tissue
- More Masculine Appearance
- Increased Comfort
- Restored Confidence
- Improved Clothing Options
- Long-Lasting Results
Candidates
Ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery are in good health, have realistic expectations, and would like to correct enlarged male breasts. Schedule your private, one-on-one consultation at Plastic Surgeons of Lexington to learn more by calling (859) 276-3883 or by filling out our convenient online form.
Personal Consultation
During your personal consultation, we will take the time to understand your concerns, medical history, and goals related to treating gynecomastia. We will perform a thorough evaluation of your chest area to assess the degree of tissue enlargement, fatty deposits, and skin laxity. This comprehensive examination will help determine the best approach to address your specific condition effectively.
In addition to discussing your physical concerns, we will consider your psychological well-being, answer any questions or clarifications you may have, and present all available surgical treatment options. This detailed consultation process ensures that you are equipped with the knowledge and understanding to make an informed decision about your care plan.
Preparation
Following your consultation and before your scheduled gynecomastia treatment, our team will provide you with precise instructions to help prepare for your procedure. It is crucial to follow these guidelines meticulously to ensure the best possible outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.
Instructions may include:
- Ceasing the use of certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risks
- Avoiding smoking and nicotine use to promote optimal healing and reduce complications
- Arranging transportation to and from the surgical facility on the day of the procedure
- Filling prescriptions for pain medications and antibiotics, which will be provided beforehand
We will guide you through this preparation process step by step, addressing all questions or concerns that may arise.
Procedure
Gynecomastia surgery is performed using general anesthesia. Liposuction and direct excision of glandular tissue, through an incision around the areola, are the mainstays of treatment. Sometimes, excess skin needs to be excised either at the time of the initial surgery or at a separate operative intervention. Recovery time and scarring will depend on the method employed. The average patient is back to work within one to two weeks following the surgery, and once healed, scars are easily hidden in the natural chest contours or around the areolas.
Liposuction
- Liposuction is used for patients whose gynecomastia involves only excess fat and does not require glandular tissue or skin removal.
- Small, discreet incisions are made on the breasts.
- A fluid is injected to help loosen up the fat for easier removal.
- A thin, hollow tube (cannula) is inserted through the incisions.
- The cannula is hooked up to a vacuum device that is used to gently suction out the fat and create a better chest definition.
Excision
- Excess glandular tissue and fat are surgically removed using excision.
- Typically, an incision is made along the edge of the bottom half of the areola, but often can be removed through liposuction holes.
- Excess glandular tissue is removed.
- Sometimes excess skin needs to be removed by making incisions on the breast. If necessary, the nipples are repositioned to create a more attractive appearance.
Recovery
After gynecomastia treatment, patients will have a specific recovery process to follow for successful healing and optimal results. It is important to rest and allow your body to heal during this time. While the exact recovery timeline will vary depending on the extent of the procedure performed, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Compression garments: You will wear a specialized compression garment or dressing after surgery to support healing, minimize swelling, and aid in tissue retraction. Dr. Sherman will provide detailed instructions on when and how long to wear these garments.
- Swelling and bruising: Some degree of swelling and bruising is normal after gynecomastia treatment. This can persist for several weeks but gradually resolves with time. Cold compresses can help alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling during the initial days.
- Medication and pain management: We will prescribe appropriate pain medication to ensure your comfort during the recovery period. You should take any prescribed medications as directed and follow all post-operative care instructions provided.
- Rest and activity restrictions: It is essential to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities that may strain the surgical site. We will specify any restrictions based on your unique procedure and recovery progress.
- Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled so we can monitor your progress, remove sutures if applicable, and provide any further recommendations or modifications to your recovery plan. These visits are opportunities to address any concerns you may have.
Results
The results of gynecomastia treatments are designed to be long-lasting, providing individuals with a more contoured, proportionate, and masculine chest appearance. Although it may take several months for the final outcome to be fully visible as the body continues to heal, most patients notice a significant improvement in their chest contour early on. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, can contribute to sustaining the results achieved through gynecomastia treatment.
Cost of Gynecomastia Treatment in Lexington
The cost of gynecomastia surgery will differ based on the extent of correction and the location where the surgery is performed. During your personal consultation at Plastic Surgeons of Lexington, we will evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, and provide an accurate cost estimate for your unique treatment plan.
To learn more about the cost considerations associated with treating gynecomastia, we encourage you to contact our office at (859) 276-3883 or schedule a personalized consultation.
FAQ
What causes gynecomastia?
Men of all ages can develop gynecomastia, and many factors can lead to its development. Typically, men with this condition have normal hormone levels. However, at the tissue level, it is theorized that there is an abnormal response to these normal hormone levels. In the United States, another cause of gynecomastia is drug use including anabolic steroids and marijuana.
Can weight loss alone help reduce gynecomastia?
Weight loss can sometimes cause a reduction in the size of the male breasts, particularly when excess fat contributes to the condition (pseudogynecomastia). However, in true gynecomastia cases involving glandular tissue enlargement, weight loss may not completely resolve the issue. Surgical intervention may still be necessary to achieve optimal results and restore a masculine chest contour.
Will there be scars after gynecomastia surgery?
Minimal scarring is an inherent part of any surgical procedure, including gynecomastia treatment. However, surgeons employ advanced techniques and strategic incision placements to minimize visible scarring as much as possible. Scars typically fade over time, becoming less noticeable and more discreet.
Can gynecomastia surgery be combined with other procedures?
The gynecomastia procedure involves the use of liposuction, surgical excision, or both. Men may also choose to have liposuction performed on other areas of the body and to combine it with other body contouring procedures such as tummy tuck surgery. This is also known as a Daddy Do-Over.
References
- Sollie M. Management of gynecomastia—changes in psychological aspects after surgery—a systematic review. Gland Surgery. 2018;7(S1):S70-S76. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/gs.2018.03.09
- Polat S, Cuhaci N, Evranos B, Ersoy R, Cakir B. Gynecomastia: Clinical evaluation and management. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014;18(2):150. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.129104