Gynecomastia
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Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, is performed to give the male breasts a flatter and more masculine appearance in men who suffer from gynecomastia. When performed by a skilled surgeon, gynecomastia can provide natural-looking results. Dr. JoAnne Lopas is a skilled and experienced cosmetic surgeon who has provided our patients with amazing results from their gynecomastia surgery in Virginia Beach.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia refers to male breast enlargement. This may stem from weight gain, aging, drugs including marijuana, steroids and alcohol, heredity or medical factors. Gynecomastia affects approximately 40 to 60 percent of men in one or both breasts and can occur at any age. Breast reduction surgery can address this problem for men who feel self conscious about their appearance. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts and if necessary excess skin. The result is a flatter firmer chest consistent with a masculine body contour.
Techniques for Male Breast Reduction
There are several techniques for correction of gynecomastia depending on the severity of the physical presentation. Every patient is different so a consultation is necessary to determine the best option for you. Technique for pseudo gynecomastia is typically liposuction of the chest. Men who present with this type of gynecomastia have firm, taught skin and a majority of their chest is fatty tissue. Another technique for true gynecomastia requires excision of male breast tissue. Typically this type of tissue cannot be suctioned and must be removed by surgical excision or male breast reduction. Usually this is performed through the lower part of the areolar (between the pigmented part and the skin). When done this usually leaves an inconspicuous scar. For a combined pseudo gynecomastia, fatty tissue and true gynecomastia, the treatment of choice is a combination of surgical excision and liposuction. Finally for a treatment of severe gynecomastia, this may require a breast reduction as done in females. This will remove skin, breast tissue and fatty tissue. The scar will either be an inverted T-incision with a periareola incision or a vertical incision alone. In other words, either a lollipop incision or a small anchor incision.
Gynecomastia Video
Click on the on the videos here for a comprehensive guide to your gynecomastia procedure.
Patients for Life
Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
Prior to any breast reduction surgery, it is important to determine if there is a correctable medical cause for your gynecomastia. If you are an adolescent male who suffers from enlarged breast tissue often the best advice is to wait until you are older prior to seeking any type of surgical treatment. This is because gynecomastia will often disappear in adolescents and will allow you to avoid any type of scar from surgery.
As with any surgery, there is always some type of uncertainty and risk. This may be delayed wound healing, unpredictable scars, asymmetry, infection, hematoma, and loss of breast or nipple sensation. A second procedure may be required to revise your results.
Preparing for Your Gynecomastia Surgery
To prepare you for surgery, you will need to undergo an initial consultation or a history and physical will be performed. A mammogram or breast x-ray may be recommended to determine how much fat and glandular tissue is contained in the breasts. There is a very small possibility of breast cancer in men and therefore this may help to rule this out. You will be given specific instructions including diet, taking certain vitamins and medications and stopping cigarette or other smoking for at least two weeks prior to your procedure and during your recovery. It is important to follow these instructions carefully. Smoking can decrease circulation, impede healing and cause what is known as fat and nipple necrosis.
Recovering from Your Gynecomastia Surgery
The procedure is usually done under general anesthesia in an out patient facility. The procedure usually takes anywhere from one hour to three hours. You will go home on the day of the procedure with someone to look after you. Pain medication, antibiotic and anti nausea medications are usually prescribed. A compression vest is usually worn between four to six weeks. Drains may have been placed at the time of surgery and will be removed within one week. It is important to avoid any heavy exercise for approximately three weeks but walking is encouraged.
The Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery
The exact cost of your gynecomastia surgery in Virginia Beach can vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation at the Cosmetic Surgery Center, our team can let you know what the expected cost of your male breast reduction procedure will be. We do offer financing options through United Medical Credit, CareCredit®, or Alphaeon® Credit.
Is Surgery Right for Me?
Gynecomastia surgery can greatly improve your appearance and boost your self confidence but individual results are unpredictable. Before undergoing any plastic surgery procedure, discuss your expectations candidly. The results of the procedure are significant and if you have realistic expectations you will be very satisfied with your improved physique.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are bothered by the enlarged appearance of your breasts and would like to know if you are a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery, contact the Cosmetic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation with cosmetic surgeon Dr. JoAnne Lopes. Dr. Lopes is dedicated to providing our patients with excellent results from their gynecomastia surgery in Virginia Beach.
