Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in men, is more common than many people realize, and it can have a significant impact on confidence, comfort, and quality of life. Whether caused by hormonal changes, medications, or factors with no identifiable cause, the condition is treatable. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer personalized surgical solutions to help men achieve a flatter, more masculine chest contour and get back to feeling like themselves.
- What is Gynecomastia?
- Gynecomastia Causes
- Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia
- Gynecomastia Surgery Candidates
- Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation
- Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery
- Location of Your Gynecomastia Surgery
- Anesthesia for Gynecomastia Surgery
- Male Breast Reduction Procedure
- Gynecomastia Surgery Complications
- Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
- Gynecomastia Surgery Results
- Complementary Procedures
- Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
What Is Gynecomastia?
Beginning in puberty and persisting throughout life, many men are affected with a large, disproportionate chest. However, most of the time this excess breast development will spontaneously resolve, giving a normal shape and size. For those men that continue to have significant breast development, male breast reduction surgery (gynecomastia surgery) is a great option to correct this problem.
Gynecomastia can affect a man’s self-esteem and change the way he works, wears clothes, and lives. Our surgeons offer several procedures to recontour the chest and pectoral area, including liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue or an excisional breast reduction to remove skin, fatty tissue, and breast tissue. Regardless of the approach, the goal is to get you back to feeling more like yourself again.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be caused by many different factors. The good news is that gynecomastia is benign and not cancerous. Certain over-the-counter and prescription medicines (Tagamet, Spironolactone) and specific illegal drugs (marijuana, anabolic steroids) have been linked to causing gynecomastia. Hormonal imbalances and overproduction of certain body chemicals may also lead to breast development in men. However, the overwhelming majority of cases have no specific cause that can be found.
Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia: What’s the Difference?
Not all cases of chest enlargement in men are the same. Pseudogynecomastia refers to enlargement caused primarily by excess fat deposits rather than glandular breast tissue, and is commonly associated with weight gain. In some cases, it may improve with diet and exercise alone.
True gynecomastia involves the growth of actual glandular tissue beneath the nipple and areola — firm, rubbery tissue that cannot be reduced through lifestyle changes alone. Many men have a combination of both excess fat and glandular tissue, which is why a thorough in-person examination is essential. During your consultation, your surgeon will carefully evaluate your chest to determine the right approach for your specific situation.
Am I a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Any male that has large and disproportionate breasts compared to their body may be a good candidate for this breast surgery. Your surgeon will assess how long you have had gynecomastia, any recent weight changes, and your physical appearance.
Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery. A complete fee schedule of all charges related to the procedure will be given at the time of your initial consultation.
What Can I Expect at My Consultation?
During your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will evaluate your chest, including the skin and underlying structures (muscle, bone, and fatty tissue quality), and discuss your goals for surgery and whether you are a candidate for a male breast reduction.
Your surgeon will check for medical conditions that could possibly cause large breasts and may send you for laboratory or further medical studies to rule out any underlying cause that requires treatment. They will also assess any medical problems that may affect your surgery, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood clotting problems, or the tendency to form excessive scars. Be sure to tell your surgeon if you smoke or are taking any drugs or medications, especially aspirin or other drugs that affect clotting.
Your surgeon will explain their technique, the anesthesia that will be used, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the risks and costs involved. Do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about results.
How Do I Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Following these instructions can help your surgery go more smoothly and ensure an uncomplicated recovery. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your discharge from the hospital and to help you out during that night.
Where Will My Gynecomastia Surgery Be Performed?
Our surgeons perform gynecomastia surgery at St. Francis Hospital or St. Mary’s Hospital on an outpatient basis. Occasionally, for large breast reductions, patients may be required to stay overnight in the hospital for monitoring. Your surgeon will let you know beforehand whether an overnight stay is recommended. After being discharged home, you will be seen within a few days after surgery to take the dressings down and see your new look.
What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Gynecomastia Surgery?
All gynecomastia surgery at Richmond Aesthetic Surgery is performed under general anesthesia for safety and comfort. A board-certified anesthesia doctor will oversee your surgery, ensuring your procedure is performed in an accredited facility with the highest level of safety standards.
What Does the Male Breast Reduction Procedure Involve?
The surgical technique chosen varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon will perform a complete exam of your chest to determine which procedure is optimal, considering factors such as the size and shape of the breasts, the quality and amount of excess skin, the position and size of the nipple and areola, the quality and amount of excess fatty tissue, the presence of glandular breast tissue, and the size of the ribs and breast bone.
For those with no excess skin and only a small amount of fatty or glandular tissue beneath the nipple, minimally invasive liposuction can be used. One or two small cannula sites, typically hidden around the areola or in the breast fold, are the only incisions required.
For patients who have a larger amount of breast tissue, more excess skin, or sagging of the nipple and areola, an excisional procedure may be necessary. Options include:
- Periareolar Approach: A small incision around half of the areola to remove subareolar tissue. This incision heals into the natural border of the areola and is often barely visible.
- Periareolar Reduction: For patients with a small amount of excess skin, liposuction is performed first, followed by removal of a ring of skin around the areola to reduce its size and remove the excess.
- Full Reduction: For those with a significant amount of excess skin, a more extensive “keyhole” or “double incision” surgery is used. The incision follows the border of the pectoralis muscle and the nipple and areola are repositioned. While this leaves a scar on both sides of the chest, it is designed to follow the natural muscle border for camouflage.
What Are Complications Associated with Gynecomastia Surgery?
When gynecomastia surgery is performed by a qualified and trained plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Rare risks include hematoma, infection, fluid buildup (seroma), contour irregularities, scarring, nerve injury, and reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will instruct you on how to reduce your risks before surgery and will provide a full set of post-operative instructions as well.
What Is the Recovery Like?
There is some mild discomfort after surgery, which is lessened with prescribed pain medication. Some slight numbness of the skin is normal and usually disappears within a few weeks. After surgery it is important to limit strenuous activity and heavy lifting until cleared by your surgeon, though light walks are encouraged. If liposuction was performed, you will need to wear a chest compression garment. You may shower two days after surgery and gently clean your incisions with soap and water.
Downtime varies depending on the technique used. One of the greatest benefits of liposuction for gynecomastia is the minimal recovery time; most patients feel nearly back to normal within five to seven days. If a more extensive surgery is required, it may take 10 or more days to feel completely normal again. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities.
What Results Can I Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery
After your gynecomastia surgery, you should immediately be able to see your results and appreciate the improved contour of your chest. Because our surgeons tailor each procedure to your specific body, every surgery is individualized to give you the best outcome possible. Final results continue to refine as swelling resolves over the following weeks.
Complementary Procedures to Gynecomastia Surgery
Many patients choose to combine gynecomastia surgery with other body contouring procedures for more comprehensive results. Common combinations include:
- Liposuction: For patients with excess fat in the flanks, abdomen, or elsewhere on the torso, liposuction can be performed simultaneously to further enhance overall proportion and contour.
- Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Patients with excess abdominal skin or significant weight loss may benefit from combining gynecomastia surgery with a tummy tuck for a more complete transformation.
- Body Contouring: For patients seeking a full upper-body overhaul, gynecomastia surgery can be coordinated with a broader contouring plan, addressing multiple areas in a single surgical session and reducing overall recovery time.
Your surgeon will discuss whether combining procedures is appropriate for your goals and health during your consultation.
How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Cost?
The cost of gynecomastia surgery in Richmond varies depending on the surgical technique required, the complexity of your case, and whether any procedures are performed in combination. A complete, itemized fee schedule, including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility costs, and post-operative care, will be provided at your consultation. Financing options are available to help make your procedure accessible with low monthly payment plans.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation
If you’re ready to learn more about gynecomastia surgery or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery today.