Gynecomastia
Procedure Process
& Ideal Candidates
All men have a small amount of breast tissue lying underneath their nipples. For the majority of men, this tissue remains small throughout their lives. For some men, however, this tissue can enlarge, producing a female breast appearance. The most common cause is due to hormonal stimulation at the time of puberty. Other causes may include obesity, some medications, and marijuana use. The degree of gynecomastia varies greatly but is always a source of anxiety and embarrassment to the patient. There are a few ways to treat gynecomastia depending upon how much tissue is present, the position of the nipple and if there is excess fatty tissue in combination with the enlarged breast tissue.
What To Consider
Condition
Candidates
Recovery
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Antimarino will walk you through a series of questions to determine your concerns, goals and expectations. Dr. Antimarino will discuss with you any medical conditions you may have or treatments you are going through, what medications you may be taking, and any previous surgeries. Be prepared to discuss outcomes of gynecomastia or male breast tissue reduction and have the doctor take photos of your chest for a more accurate evaluation.
Pre-Op Care
Depending upon a patient’s age and medical condition there may be preoperative laboratory testing required. This will need to be completed within 2-4 weeks of surgery and is typically covered by the patient’s insurance. Patients are asked to maintain their usual activity level and body weight from the time of consultation to their surgical date. Patients are required to stop smoking, vaping, and the use of nicotine patches, gum, and marijuana one month prior to surgery and a minimum of one-month post-surgery. Patients are also required to stop using weight loss medications 2 weeks prior to their surgery. Surgery may be canceled if guidelines are not followed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue in males. It can occur due to hormonal changes, certain medications, obesity, or other factors.
Who is a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
Good candidates for gynecomastia surgery are males who have persistent breast enlargement that does not respond to diet and exercise. They should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.
What happens during gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, typically involves liposuction to remove excess fat and/or surgical excision to remove glandular tissue. The specific technique depends on the extent of tissue enlargement and the patient’s anatomy.
Is gynecomastia surgery painful?
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. Some discomfort, swelling, and bruising are common after surgery, but these symptoms can be managed with pain medications prescribed by your surgeon.
What are the risks and potential complications of gynecomastia surgery?
Risks of gynecomastia surgery include bleeding, infection, asymmetry, changes in skin sensation, and scarring. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you during the consultation and provide guidance on how to minimize them.
How long is the recovery period after gynecomastia surgery?
Recovery time varies from person to person but generally involves wearing a compression garment over the chest to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. Most patients can return to work or school within a week or two, although strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks.
When will I see the final results of gynecomastia surgery?
While some improvement may be visible immediately after surgery, final results typically become noticeable as swelling subsides over the following weeks to months. The chest contours will continue to improve, and scars will fade over time.
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Surgery & Post-Op Care
If the chest is mostly fatty tissue and only a small amount of breast tissue, then ultrasonic liposuction may be considered. The chest wall can be contoured through two small incisions on each side. This is done under sedation in an outpatient setting.
The downtime for this procedure is minimal. Most men can return to work within a week and resume exercise in 2 weeks. A compression garment is worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery.
If there is a larger amount of breast tissue present, then a combination of liposuction is used with an incision at the edge of the areola (dark tissue around the nipple). This incision allows for direct removal of breast tissue resistant to liposuction. The downtime for this procedure is also minimal. The patient may return to work within the week and may resume exercise in 3 weeks. A compression garment is worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery.
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