Gynecomastia

Many men experience a hormonal imbalance of testosterone and estrogen which can result in enlarged male breasts. This condition is known as “gynecomastia.” It is very common to begin in the teenage developmental years, and may persist into the late teens and adulthood. Certain antibiotics, street drugs, steroids, and health conditions can contribute to gynecomastia. Although there are few medical complications associated with gynecomastia, enlarged male breasts can affect one’s self-image and confidence. Male gynecomastia surgery can be performed to reverse the signs of gynecomastia and to give the chest a more masculine appearance.

Best Candidates for Surgery

If the large size of your breasts affects your self-image and quality of life, you may be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery. Florida plastic surgeons Dr. Samson can help you decide if gynecomastia surgery is right for you. Ideal patients are physically healthy, do not smoke, maintain a relatively normal weight, have realistic expectations for the procedure, and have exhausted other gynecomastia treatment options. To see what results you can expect from gynecomastia surgery in Daytona Beach, view Dr. Samson’s gynecomastia surgery before and after pictures.

Techniques or Options

You will choose between intravenous sedation or general anesthesia to manage pain during gynecomastia surgery. When the excess breast tissue is primarily fat, gynecomastia correction surgery will require several small incisions, and liposuction will be performed. When glandular tissue or excess skin must be removed, excision may be necessary. Sometimes a combination of liposuction and excision will be used to reduce the size of the breast.

The Surgery

If liposuction is used, several small incisions will be made and a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) will be inserted. Vacuum suction will remove excess fat as your surgeon moves the cannula back and forth in a controlled motion.

For excision surgery, an incision will be made around the areola and around the area of skin to be removed, much like female breast reduction surgery. Excess tissue and skin will be cut away. If desired, the size of the areola can be reduced at this time. The nipple is repositioned and the incisions are closed with sutures.

Recovery

Gynecomastia surgery recovery time varies depending on the type of treatment you received. You should arrange to have someone care for you for the first 24 hours after surgery, as some of your routine tasks will be difficult to perform. Your surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your bandages, dressings, and surgical drains. You may be instructed to wear a compression garment, which will reduce swelling and help your body adjust to its new shape. Typically, a gynecomastia surgery patient will be able to return to work after about seven days. Swelling and bruising should subside within a couple of months.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved with male breast reduction surgery. They include the following:

Costs

The cost of male breast reduction surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure. Other fees may apply to cover the anesthesia, the surgical facility, and any medical tests and prescriptions you may need. Dr. Samson can give you an accurate cost estimate for your specific needs during a one-on-one consultation.

Commonly Combined Procedures

To achieve a more complete aesthetic appearance, many men consider undergoing other procedures in conjunction with gynecomastia surgery including liposuction or tummy tuck surgery.

If you are interested in these or other procedures in Daytona Beach, Florida, contact our office at 386-756-9400 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.