Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which the male breast tissue becomes overdeveloped or enlarged. [1] As a result, male patients will see sagging tissue forming on one or both breasts. It can happen to men at any stage in life and be caused by various factors, including age, hormonal and weight changes, genetics, and drug use. While the condition is not harmful to one’s health, it can debilitate self-esteem. Having this excess tissue removed with a male breast reduction surgery restores flatter, muscular contours to the chest.
Dr. Daniel Brown and his staff are devoted to transforming lives. They proudly offer this treatment to those ready to regain self-esteem. Call us at (619) 461-1500 to schedule an initial appointment at our La Jolla, Coronado, or Del Mar offices.
About Gynecomastia
Most males have slight traces of adipose and glandular tissue in the chest. However, gynecomastia is caused because of hormone imbalances. Hormones are vital to our growth and development. But, if there is a disparity between testosterone and estrogen levels, men can develop breast tissue. Hormone fluctuations usually happen in three stages of a man’s life. They include:
- Birth: Mothers pass on both testosterone and estrogen hormones after birth. [2] But hormone imbalances are usually resolved about four weeks following birth.
- Adolescence: Up to 60 percent of boys may experience gynecomastia during the early stages of puberty. [2] These hormones stabilize as time progresses.
- Adulthood: The normal aging process causes a reduction in testosterone. Increased levels of estrogen can cause glandular tissue to swell in the breasts, and can appear more pronounced as the skin loses resilience and starts to sag.
Men can also experience hormone imbalances as a result of certain lifestyle choices, including:
- Drug and medication abuse
- Obesity
- Certain illnesses such as cirrhosis and liver disease [1]
How to Treat Gynecomastia
Men can achieve a well-built chest appearance with a reduction procedure. Dr. Brown will first make discreet incisions. Then, depending on the severity of the condition, he will perform liposuction or surgically excise excessive glandular tissue and fat. These two methods allow men to achieve a long-lasting, natural-looking, masculine chest.
Before & After Photos
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Benefits
Gynecomastia removal surgery allows men to overcome emotional and physical barriers. Male patients will achieve positive long-term effects of a flatter, sculpted chest. Apart from this, you can also see:
- A more masculine appearance for the chest, pectorals, and nipples
- Improved confidence and posture
- Ability to enjoy being shirtless or wear tailored shirts
Candidates
Men dismayed by uneven chest contours can benefit from a male breast reduction surgery. It has helped many men regain their masculine identity. And, once the glandular tissue is removed, it is unable to regenerate, so men can look forward to long-lasting results. An initial appointment will help patients understand if this treatment will help them reach their aesthetic goals.
Ideal Candidates Include Men Who Are:
- Healthy males without certain illnesses or underlying health conditions
- Willing to undergo surgery
- At or near an ideal weight
- Non-smokers or willing to take a break until recovered
- Committed to living a healthy life after surgery
- Not involved in anabolic steroid use or other drugs
- Unable to lose breast tissue from lifestyle adjustments
Personal Consultation with Dr. Brown
Daniel Brown, MD, FACS, is a compassionate, attentive board-certified plastic surgeon ready to make a difference in patients’ lives. Patients can count on a collaborative discussion that examines at every solution for achieving their desired aesthetic.
The initial consultation is the first step in visualizing a well-contoured chest. We’ll first discuss your reasons for wanting a reduction procedure and what you hope to gain from it. Then, Dr. Brown will evaluate the chest contours and determine which course of action will serve your needs. Finally, he will explain your unique treatment plan outlining which method will achieve your new chest profile. During the consultation, please feel free to bring up any concerns or questions that you may have.
Schedule your appointment by calling (619) 461-1500 to reach our La Jolla, Coronado, or Del Mar offices.
Preparation
Following a few simple instructions before treatment is vital in providing you with a worry-free experience. The office will direct you to:
- Quit smoking: Nicotine prevents normal blood flow and inhibits your ability to heal.
- Discontinue certain medications: Dr. Brown may tell you to avoid blood thinners, NSAIDs, and supplements until you’re recovered.
- Head to the pharmacy: Pick up the recovery medications Dr. Brown ordered for you.
- Pick a travel buddy: Choose a good friend, significant other, or family member to drive you home after surgery, as the anesthesia will impact your ability to drive.
- Fast as directed: The office will instruct you when to stop eating or drinking before your appointment.
Procedure
Male breast reduction surgery is a highly tailored procedure. Depending on your case, you will be given intravenous (IV) sedation and local anesthesia or general anesthesia. Once it has taken effect, Dr. Brown will follow your treatment plan by performing liposuction, excision, or a combination of both.
Males with pseudogynecomastia, or excess fatty tissue will have a liposuction procedure performed. A small incision will allow Dr. Brown to pass a slender cannula through the area and suction away unwanted fat.
- Power-Assisted Liposuction: PAL Liposuction utilizes powerful vibrations to break down fat cells so they can be easily removed.
- Laser-Assisted Liposuction: Also known as SmartLipo, this version uses laser energy to heat and liquefy fat before removing it from the body. Simultaneously, the thermal energy activates collagen production and facilitates a skin tightening effect.[4]
- Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: Known popularly as VASER Hi-Def Liposuction, this method uses ultrasound waves to break down fat. [3]
Excision
Men with more significant amounts of glandular tissue will have it surgically removed. This is usually performed using the Webster incision, [3] which surrounds the outer diameter of the areolas.
In other cases, incisions can be made discreetly around other contours of the chest in order to remove the necessary amount of ptotic tissue or excess skin. If needed, the nipple areolar complex can be resized and repositioned.
After the necessary amount of tissue has been removed, the incisions are closed, and the chest is wrapped in compression bandages. Some patients may have drains placed in the treated area to collect excess fluids.
Recovery
You will be cleared to go home after a brief observation period. The acute after-effects of discomfort, fatigue, swelling, and discoloration will be the most evident in the first few days. You can attenuate these symptoms by taking the medications we provided, laying on your back when resting, and wearing the compression garment until instructed otherwise. Within 1-2 weeks, you can continue light daily activities; in 4-6 weeks, you should be okay to continue with more physically demanding activities, such as working out. You’ll return to the office for a follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and remove the compression garment and drainage tubes.
Results
Your results of a smoother, leveled chest may be immediately noticable. But, give yourself time to heal. As your symptoms improve, you will begin to see your final results and a well-sculpted chest.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
Dr. Brown offers men and women multiple opportunities to achieve their ideal appearance. At your consultation, he may present you with several options. They include:
- Contour Liposuction: Besides the chest, patients can utilize the above-mentioned liposuction methods to contour areas known to store obstinate body fat, including the abdomen, flanks, and thighs. Traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), SmartLipo, or VASER Liposuction can achieve slimmer, and more flattering body contours.
- Tummy Tuck: This procedure helps patients address excess skin and fat concerns in the midsection. The procedure creates a sculpted, slimmer abdominal profile and repairs weakened or damaged abdominal muscles.
- Facelift: Men looking to diminish facial folds, neckbands, and uneven jawlines may benefit from a facelift treatment. During the procedure, Dr. Brown repositions underlying tissue, removes fat, and carefully redrapes the skin for a younger, rejuvenated appearance.
Cost of Male Breast Reduction in San Diego
The cost of your male breast reduction surgery will depend on the surgical approach recommended by Dr. Brown, and the extent of your condition. Your input, circumstances, and methods of treatment determine your surgical plan and the ultimate cost of your procedure. Once Dr. Brown has thoroughly evaluated your case, he will provide you with an accurate quote. Please inquire about our helpful financing options when you meet with us.
References
- Vandeven, H., & Pensler, J. (2021). Gynecomastia. StatPearls. https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/37489
- Dickson, G. (2012). Gynecomastia. American Family Physician, 85(7), 716–722. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0401/p716.html
- Ratnam, B. V. (2009). A New Classification and Treatment Protocol for Gynecomastia. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 29(1), 26–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2008.11.003
- Schafer, J. B., & Montgomery, J. A. (2010). Laser-Assisted Liposculpture Improves Male Gynecomastia Outcomes with Minimal Scarring. The American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, 27(1), 30-35. doi:10.1177/074880681002700107