Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. The skin is stretched by enlarged breast tissue and can affect one or both male breasts. Sometimes there is asymmetry in gynecomastia with one breast being larger than the other, making them even. It is often seen in newborns, and boys going through puberty. It is also seen an older man who developed gynecomastia as a result of normal changes in the hormone levels.
Gynecomastia is usually not a serious problem, but can be tough to cope with psychologically.
Some males with gynecomastia experience pain in their breasts when exercising and can feel in very self-conscious. Young males can feel embarrassed and sometimes avoid situations such as sports or swimming where they feel vulnerable to unfair criticism by those around them. Everybody has heard of the term “man boobs”. Sometimes gynecomastia may go away on its own but if it persists and causes medical problems or pain or psychological issues surgery can be very helpful. The good news is that there is a surgical solution that can help restore a flatter and more acceptable-looking chest.
How common is Gynecomastia or enlarged breasts and then?
Gynecomastia in newborns is estimated to be between 60 and 90%. In puberty between the ages of 10 and 16 years, 50-60% of adolescence have gynecomastia, however some sources say it may closer to 10%. In males ages 50-85 years of age, recurrence is reported for up to 70% of males.
How is the surgery performed?
Male breast reduction surgery is usually performed as an outpatient surgical procedure and takes approximately 1-1/2-2 hours to complete. In some cases where the problem is only excess fat, liposuction on its own can be curative. This is accomplished through small incisions around the nipples. The fat is then suctioned out with liposuction cannulas.
If the breasts are larger and have excess skin or heavy glandular tissue then excess skin is excised and through small incisions around the areola of the nipple on each side, excess glandular breast tissue is removed by direct surgical excision. Scarring is usually minimal.
Healing time?
There will be mild to moderate swelling and bruising for the first 3 days in most cases. Patient’s go home with sterile gauze dressings and a compression garment to keep the skin tissue snug against the patient’s chest wall to aid in the healing process . Patients are asked to avoid any heavy lifting or exercise for several weeks after surgery. However, light day-to-day activities resume after approximately 3 days after the surgical procedure.
Costs of the surgery?
The price range for male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia is between $5000 and $7000. This includes all surgical Fleet’s facility fees and anesthesia costs.
Risks of surgery
Although no guarantee or specific result to be guaranteed, no reduction surgery for gynecomastia is usually safe and complications from major events are unusual. Some minor complications can affect the outcome but these are usually correctable. Dr. Koumanis will discuss the risks alternatives and benefits from the procedure during her consultation in his office. It is important to note that surgery for gynecomastia requires skilled to perform well and an artistic by to know what is the most appropriate approach for the patient. Dr. Koumanis strides for minimal scarring and a good result for all his patients. This surgery requires the surgeon to remove just enough excess tissue behind and surrounding the areas of the nipple improving the contour yet not removing too much tissue so that the chest looks like it has a indentation in it. Dr. Koumanis has perform many of these surgeries along with other breast surgeries for man and women unlike and is considered and expert in this field. You are in good hands with Dr. Koumanis.
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