What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?
- Social anxiety when going shirtless (beach, pool, etc.)
- Desire to have a more masculine appearance in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, and upper torso
- Physical discomfort from the excess tissue
Men with true gynecomastia surgery cannot address this concern with diet and exercise alone. Treatment, including surgery, is required to address this concern.
Am I a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Male breast reduction allows men with true gynecomastia (excess breast tissue) and pseudogynecomastia (excess breast fat) to address their excess tissue and fat to achieve a flatter, firmer, and more masculine-looking chest.
- Are in good overall health
- Do not have any previous medical conditions that can impact their healing
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic expectations of your results
Are you a candidate for gynecomastia surgery? Call Dr. Agullo at (915) 590-7900 to set up a consultation.
What Is Discussed During My Male Breast Reduction Consultation?
- Discuss your wishes and expectations for your results
- Evaluate your chest to determine the causes of your enlarged male breasts
- Create a personalized treatment plan that may include liposuction, excision, or both
- Take measurements and photos
- Explain how to prepare for your male breast reduction
How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?
Unlike women, men do not follow a predetermined breast size. The amount of breast tissue and fat removed during gynecomastia surgery will depend on how severe the case is.
To improve the appearance of enlarged male breasts, Dr. Agullo will use one or more of the following gynecomastia surgery techniques:
Liposuction Alone or With Gland Excision
- The most common approach to male breast reduction
- An outpatient procedure
- Vaser ultrasonic liposuction and Renuvion J-Plasma for skin tightening are combined
- When necessary, a small incision beneath the areola and the removal of excess glandular tissue
Circumareolar
- Appropriate for reduction of the areola size and correction of gynecomastia
- Involves an incision around the areola
- Combined with liposuction and gland excision
- Sometimes done in two separate procedures
Breast Reduction
- Appropriate for very advanced cases of gynecomastia
- Involves three incisions: one around the areola, another that extends down to the bottom of the breast, and a third along the natural breast crease
- Excess fatty tissue is removed, and the areolas are repositioned and reshaped
At Agullo Plastic Surgery, tailored care begins with a full consultation to discuss the goals and options available.
How Should I Prepare for My Gynecomastia Surgery?
Planning and preparation are essential for a quicker and smoother recovery. Before your male breast reduction, you should:
- Stop smoking for at least six weeks, as this can increase your risk of complications like blood clots
- Avoid medication and herbal supplements that thin your blood for at least two weeks before your procedure
- Line up a family member or friend to drive you home after your procedure
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the day of your gynecomastia surgery
- Ensure that you have and bring your paperwork and identification
What Are Your Concerns?
What Can I Expect With My Male Breast Reduction Recovery?
You will be taken to the recovery room for observation following your procedure. If surgical drains are inserted during surgery, they will be removed in a few days, at which point bandages and dressings will be changed. Most people return to light activities in one week. You may experience some bruising and swelling, but these side effects will dissipate after three to six weeks. A vest garment is used for the first four weeks. Strenuous activities should be avoided for four weeks, and direct sun exposure should be avoided for about six weeks.
Is Male Breast Reduction Painful?
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under anesthesia, so patients will not experience any discomfort during the procedure. Some men develop discomfort during the healing process due to bruising and swelling. Pain medication and cold compresses can help alleviate this.
Will Gynecomastia Surgery Leave Scars?
Incisions are necessary for male breast reduction; therefore, there will be scars. The length of these incisions will depend on the techniques used. Most gynecomastia surgery incisions are very small and made within the darker pigmentation of the areola for easy concealment. Scar creams and treatments can be used afterward to address this unwanted scarring.
When Will I See My Gynecomastia Surgery Results?
Your male breast reduction results will start to become apparent immediately after your procedure; however, they will be slightly hidden by the swelling. Most men see their full results develop gradually as the swelling subsides.
What Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia has several causes but is most commonly associated with unbalanced hormone levels. This can occur at any time in a man’s life and is common around puberty.
Additional causes for gynecomastia include:
- Certain medication use
- Steroid use
- Drug use
True gynecomastia is the presence of excess glandular tissue in the breast. This often occurs when there is an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. Pseudogynecomastia is when the excess is composed of breast fat. This can often be treated with liposuction alone.
While weight loss can help reduce male breasts if they consist of excess fat, weight loss cannot correct true gynecomastia because it cannot eliminate glandular tissue. Men with excess tissue often require surgical correction.
Patients will be under either general anesthesia or IV conscious sedation for the procedure. IV conscious sedation may lead to faster recovery time and less nausea, but most patients will need to be under general anesthesia.
Gynecomastia risks are most often associated with smokers, drinkers, and individuals with undisclosed medical conditions. To reduce your risk of complications, you must be entirely open with Dr. Agullo about your medical history. Additional risks include amplified swelling, bruising, infections, changes in sensation, and adverse reactions to the anesthesia.
Many men choose to combine their male breast reduction with other surgical or non-surgical body contouring treatments. These may include:
Interested in Male Breast Reduction?
If you want to learn more about gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Agullo, contact his office by calling (915) 590-7900. Dr. Agullo offers male breast reduction for patients in El Paso, Texas, and the greater El Paso area.
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