Gynecomastia (Breast Reduction–Men)

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia is a condition of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain drugs. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
Gynecomastia surgery reduces breast size, flattening and enhancing the chest contours.
In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases, the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved, and excess skin may be reduced.
Plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia is technically called reduction mammaplasty.

Gynecomastia is characterized by:

• Excess localized fat
• Excess glandular tissue development
• Sometimes, excess breast skin
• Presence unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

Gynecomastia Cost:

Many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for male breast reduction, so be sure to ask.
Gynecomastia surgery costs may include:

• Anesthesia fees.
• Hospital or surgical facility costs.
• Medical tests.
• Post-surgery garments.
• Prescriptions for medication.
• Surgeon’s fee.

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area for gynecomastia surgery, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.

In most cases, correction of gynecomastia is not eligible for insurance coverage. However, each insurance policy varies greatly. Carefully review your policy to determine coverage. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has published a position paper for physicians and insurers defining the recommended criteria for reconstructive cases of gynecomastia. Ask your physician for a copy of this document to submit to your insurer.

FAQS

Frequently asked questions about surgical procedures

What’s not included:

• Lab testing before and after the surgery, as needed
• Electrocardiogram (EKG), depending on age. If you had one elsewhere in the past 6 months and it read “normal”, we can forego this expense.
• Imaging costs. X-rays and MRIs can be obtained anywhere.
• Physical therapy services
• Medications you’ll need (oral or IV antibiotic infusions if an infection arises)
• Wound care
• Bracing supplies
• Additional doctor visits (a pre-operative visit with the surgeon, in person, and any required post-op follow-ups after the suture removal to monitor your progress
• Additional surgical intervention if a complication arises
• Additional imaging or hospital care if a blood clot develops

Gynecomastia Preparation:

In preparing for gynecomastia surgery, you may be asked to:

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Male breast reduction surgery may be performed in an accredited, office-based surgical facility, licensed ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

Gynecomastia Procedure Steps

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.

Step 2 – Surgical Technique

In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions.
The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body by vacuum suction.
There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate in your case will be defined prior to your procedure.

Excision technique

Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision is also necessary if the areola will be reduced or the nipple will be repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference.

Combination of liposuction & excision techniques

Sometimes, gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

What to expect after your surgery

Gynecomastia Recovery

During your gynecomastia surgery recovery period, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions, and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals after surgery.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
The final results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent in many cases. However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs (including steroids), or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results. Please discuss this with your physician before making changes to your prescription medications.
If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or unusual heart beats, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment. Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Gynecomastia Surgery Risks and Safety

Gynecomastia surgery risks include:

• Reactions to tape, suture materials, glues, topical preparations, or injected agents.
• Anesthesia risks.
• Bleeding (hematoma).
• Blood clots.
• Breast asymmetry.
• Breast contour and shape irregularities.
• Changes in nipple or breast sensation may be temporary or permanent.
• Damage to deeper structures – such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs – can occur and may be temporary or permanent.
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications.
• Fatty tissue found in the breast might die (fat necrosis).
• Fluid accumulation (seroma).
• Infection.
• Persistent pain.
• Poor wound healing.
• Possibility of revisional surgery.
• Unfavorable scarring.

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

How are follow-up and initial consultations handled?

In-person and telehealth consultations are possible with the surgeon to whom your case is assigned. The initial visit is included in the surgical package and is valued at $375.
We can also obtain the flights from the volunteer pilot nonprofit if you’d like to come for initial and follow-up visits in person. One follow-up visit is included in the surgical package at a value of $175. Any additional visits are charged at the time of service to your credit or debit card.