Male BREAST REDUCTION

Gynecomastia

 

Gynecomastia is a condition of over developed or enlarged breasts and it is common in men of any age.  Gynecomastia is the result of excess localized fat in the breast region, excess glandular tissue development, or a combination of both. Less commonly, it may occur as the result of hormonal changes, heredity, disease, or the use of certain drugs.  Gynecomastia can be more than a physical problem – it can cause emotional discomfort and impair a man’s self-confidence.  Some men may avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.

 

In general, Gynecomastia can be surgically treated by removing excess fat, glandular tissue and or skin.  The result is a better proportioned, more masculine, and contoured upper body and the freedom and self-confidence to lead an active life.

 

 

A  Good Candidate:

The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours.  Surgery to correct Gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. This type of surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss.

 

Good communication between you and Dr. Brill is essential when planning your surgery. At your initial consultation, you'll be asked to explain in detail why you want the procedure and how you hope to look and feel afterward. It's important to set aside any awkwardness you might feel, and speak candidly about the changes you'd like to see.

 

Dr. Brill will also evaluate your health, conduct a physical exam, take preoperative photographs, and explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you. You'll discuss the type of anesthesia Dr. Brill discusses, where the surgery will be performed, the possible risks and side effects of the procedure, and your desired outcome.  Afterwards, you will visit with our office manager Joy and she will confirm the procedure you desire, show you photos of patient’s results, ask if you have any concerns, discuss the costs involved and schedule your surgery.

 

 

Procedure Details / Expectations:

If your Gynecomastia consists primarily of excessive fatty tissue, Dr. Brill will likely use liposuction to remove the excess fat.  A small incision, less than a half-inch in length, is made around the edge of the areola - the dark skin that surrounds the nipple and in some cases the incision may be placed in the underarm area.  A slim hollow tube called a cannula, which is attached to a vacuum pump, is then inserted into the incision and liposuction is performed.

 

The newest Liposuction technique is called power-assisted Liposculpture (PAL).  It utilizes the sonication of UAL without the complications of burning the skin.  Thus the final results are better. The recovery time, amount of swelling and pain is typically less with this technique than with UAL. Many surgeons do not yet have access to this new technology. Be sure to ask your surgeon about this technique.

 

In extreme cases where large amounts of fat or glandular tissue have been removed, skin may not adjust well to the new smaller breast contour.  In these cases, excess skin may have to be removed to allow the removing skin to firmly re-adjust to the new breast contour.  Occasionally, a small drain is inserted through a separate incision to draw off excess fluids.  Once closed, the incisions are usually covered with a dressing. The chest will be wrapped to keep the skin firmly in place.

 

 

Recovery:

Whether you've had excision with a scalpel or liposuction, you will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Brill.  You should arrange to have someone drive you home after surgery and to help you out for a day or two, it will be needed.

 

You'll be swollen and bruised for a while - in fact, you may wonder if there's been any improvement at all.  To help reduce swelling, you'll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for a week or two, and for a few weeks longer at night.  The worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

 

In the meantime, it is important to begin getting back to normal. You'll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough - which could be as early as a day or two after surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about 1 to 2 weeks following the procedure.

 

 

Cost / Insurance:

 

These procedures are considered cosmetic and therefore not covered by insurance.

Approximate Cost Range: $4,200-$5,000 for Gynecomastia surgery.

 

This price is only an average as fees vary according to patient needs.  At your consultation, you will be given exact fees, which include but are not limited to surgery, operating room, anesthesia related fees, and your follow up visits.

 

** This is only an Average.  Fees vary according to patient needs **

 

 

Risks / Complications:

Every surgical procedure including Gynecomastia Surgery involves a certain amount of risk and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with them.  In addition, every procedure has limitations. An individual's choice to undergo a surgical procedure is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit.  Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, you should discuss each of them with Dr. Brill to make sure you understand all possible consequences of Gynecomastia surgery.

 

Procedure FAQ’s:

How much time is required for the correction of Gynecomastia?

The surgery requires approximately 1-4 hours.  As with all surgeries, the amount of time needed varies from patient to patient.

 

Is it an inpatient or outpatient procedure?

Your procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at the Surgery Center of North Florida, our fully accredited surgical center.  After a short recovery you will be able to go home the same day.

 

Where does the surgery take place?

Procedures are done at the Surgery Center of North Florida, our fully accredited surgery center.

 

What are some common side effects?

Common side effects from correction of Gynecomastia include temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort.

 

What is the recovery time?

Most patients are able to return to work or school in 3 to 10 days

 

How long do the results last?

The results from the correction of Gynecomastia are permanent.  However, the appearance of the chest can change from weight fluctuations, aging, certain medications or drugs, and other medical problems.

 

 

Notes: If needed

If you're considering surgery to correct Gynecomastia, this information will give you a basic understanding of the procedure - when it can help, how it's performed, and what results you can expect.  It can't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on your individual needs.  Please ask Dr. Brill if there is anything about the procedure you would like to know.

 

 

Learn more about Gynecomastia or other available procedures for men by contacting our Gainesville office by email or calling us at:

 

                352-331-7987 or 1-800-428-4819

 

The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to the procedures listed above and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result.  The best method of determining your options is to have a personal consultation with Dr. Brill to answer specific questions related to your situation. Our Web Policies