Home/Male Plastic Surgery/Gynecomastia Surgery
(Male Breast Reduction)
Fact: although the condition is rarely talked about, 40-60% of men are affected by enlarged breasts. “Gynecomastia,” the medical term for this phenomenon, is derived from the Greek “gyne and masto” (literally “feminine breasts”)* and can affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. Thankfully, however, there is a possible solution: male breast reduction surgery.
This procedure aims to remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and (sometimes) skin from the breasts, resulting in a flatter, firmer, and better contoured physique. When performed by our talented Philadelphia plastic surgeon, male breast reduction surgery can restore a more masculine appearance to the chest and help the patient feel more confident.
Gynecomastia causes the appearance of enlarged breasts in adult and adolescent men. In addition to overdeveloped glandular tissue, excess fat may also be present. In some cases, the breasts may be so large that some degree of ptosis (sagging) can occur. Some gynecomastia patients may also occasionally experience mild breast tenderness, although substantial pain is extremely rare.
Both true gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia involve the enlargement of the chest, but each condition is due to different causes. True gynecomastia deals with excess fullness in the chest mainly due to the overdevelopment of breast tissue, whereas pseudogynecomastia is characterized by a buildup of extra fat. True gynecomastia can sometimes involve excess fat as well.
While men are able to increase muscle and decrease fat build up in their chest through traditional exercise and dieting, these efforts will likely not prove to be a cure-all solution for enlarged male breasts. Due to the sheer amount of excess tissue or fat, depending on if a patient has gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, exercise and dieting alone are usually not enough. In fact, exercise and diet will never be able to address true gynecomastia, as it involves an enlargement of glandular breast tissue.
With this in mind, male breast reduction surgery can significantly reduce any unwanted volume in your chest area. If you believe you are suffering from either condition, we encourage you to reach out to Dr. DiBello.
Combining your male breast reduction with other male plastic surgery procedures can enhance your overall body contour. While liposuction is usually used to reduce fat and sculpt the chest, you may wish to have liposuction performed on other areas of the body (e.g. the abdomen) during the same surgery. Alternatively, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) can create a more sculpted and aesthetically pleasing physique. No matter your unique cosmetic goals, Dr. DiBello can help determine the best combination of procedures to meet your individual needs and ensure optimal results.
In general, gynecomastia surgery can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that can reshape to the body’s new contours. If your expectations are realistic, chances are very good that you will be quite satisfied with your new look.
Gynecomastia surgery requires general anesthesia, but is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The typical procedure involves a combination of power-assisted tumescent liposuction as well as tissue excision (cutting through a small incision hidden in the areola). As noted above, additional body contouring strategies can often be incorporated into the surgery for more comprehensive effects.
View our male breast reduction 3D animation to better understand what to expect with this procedure.
Following male breast reduction, a compression garment is typically worn to help facilitate proper healing. Drains are rarely required, but are only in place for a few days, when needed. Most light duty activities, such as a desk job or school, can usually be resumed as soon as a few days after surgery, although it is best to avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or other strenuous activity for several weeks. As you heal, there may be some mild to moderate soreness, but medications prescribed by Dr. DiBello should alleviate any potential discomfort.
As with any surgical procedure, there will be the risk of scarring from gynecomastia surgery. When performed by a board-certified surgeon like Dr. DiBello, scarring can be limited by using innovative techniques. Dr. DiBello is able to make incisions in discreet areas around the chest area that are generally indistinguishable and can easily be concealed. Oftentimes, liposuction is used in conjunction with gynecomastia, which will also call for the use of small incisions. Because these incisions are very small, the scarring should be hardly noticeable once fully healed. If addressing true gynecomastia with the need for reducing glandular breast tissue, incisions are typically made around the areola. Any scarring in this area will often blend with the darker complexion of that area as it heals.
The results of male breast reduction surgery are generally permanent if not very long-lasting. With this in mind, factors such as significant weight gain, hormonal changes, or the use of certain medications can potentially cause the condition to recur. As such, maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve the surgical results.* Dr. DiBello will provide personalized advice on how to maximize the longevity of your outcome.
On average, male breast reduction at DiBello Plastic Surgery costs approximately $8,800; however, the exact price will be determined by your individual treatment plan. Patients experiencing pseudogynecomastia (only excess fat is present) typically require less extensive treatment, which can reduce the overall cost.
The price listed above includes a variety of factors that can impact the overall cost, such as compression garments, prescribed medication, Dr. DiBello’s fee, anesthesia, pre-admission testing, hospital facility fees, and more. Most information available online for gynecomastia treatment cost does not take these variables into consideration—in most cases, only the surgeon’s fee will be displayed.
To get a more accurate price estimate for your individual case, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello.
While gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, the outcome of the procedure will depend heavily on the competence and experience of the provider you choose. For this reason, we advise you to find a physician who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). This distinction is awarded only to surgeons who have undergone a minimum of six years of training and successfully passed a comprehensive examination. Additionally, board-certified plastic surgeons must participate in ongoing education to keep up with the latest advancements in the field.
Our board-certified plastic surgeon is renowned for his expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. As a Diplomat of the ABPS, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of several distinguished organizations, Dr. DiBello is celebrated for his meticulous surgical skill and gentle bedside manner. He prides himself on his ability to communicate with patients and will be glad to work with you to form a personalized gynecomastia treatment plan.
If you believe you may be suffering from gynecomastia and may benefit from male breast reduction, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. DiBello.
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