Gynecomastia in Male Breast Reduction Surgery in Pittsburgh, PA

Cosmetic breast surgery is not only reserved for women. Many men will opt to have breast reduction surgery, or chest reshaping, for the treatment of gynecomastia. This is a condition that affects men, creating the look of having larger breasts. Researchers believe that this additional tissue in the breast wall is caused by a hormonal imbalance when estrogen levels become out of proportion to the testosterone levels. Patients with gynecomastia may be embarrassed when chests are exposed. A male breast reduction surgery can correct gynecomastia, and Pittsburgh plastic surgeon, Dr. James Fernau, can reshape the chest to a more masculine appearance.

Before surgery is recommended, the surgeon will perform a variety of tests and possibly prescribe medications to see if any improvement occurs. If the breast enlargement persists, surgery is an option. Mild cases of gynecomastia are corrected with liposuction. Small incisions are made surrounding the areola where suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted to extract fat and breast tissues. When the enlargement is severe, a longer incision is done to excise breast tissues and loose skin. Skin tightening may also be incorporated and the nipples repositioned so that they are proportional to the new chest shape.

Male breast reduction surgery uses general anesthesia and is performed in an accredited surgical facility. The operation lasts up to an hour. It is normal to have bruising and swelling around the chest area for the first couple of weeks. A compression garment must be worn for about 2 weeks to help with reshaping and healing. Most patients are able to return to their normal routine after a few days but must avoid any strenuous physical activities, especially ones that will put pressure on the chest. Results are generally satisfactory with patients regaining their confidence in situations where their chests are bared.

The surgical fee for male breast reduction surgery can average between $6500 - $9000 depending on the complexity of the surgical case. If liposuction is all that is required, the fee will be on the lower end. Cases, where skin tightening and nipple re-positioning are required, will cost more. Dr. Fernau's treatment for male gynecomastia is completed with precision feathering into the surrounding tissues to obtain optimal results.  According to www.realself.com the average cost is $5,525.

This condition must not be confused with a false gynecomastia, also known as pseudogynecomastia, in which the enlargement is caused by fat deposits instead of breast tissue development. The plastic surgeon will be able to determine this by physical examinations or lab tests during the initial consultation. If it is a case of excessive fat tissues on the chest, the approach in treatment is the same when removing  excess fat tissues in any part of the body. Proper diet and exercises are initially recommended before considering any surgical treatment. However, if the issue persists, a liposuction – sometimes even combined with a lift – may be performed to reshape the chest.

Gynecomastia, unfortunately, hides the normal chest muscles that lie underneath the layers of overdeveloped breast tissue. For those who have severe gynecomastia, it is even possible that the overgrowth of breast tissue has developed into internal scarring. With a breast reduction surgery, all excess fat and breast tissues will be removed and the pectoralis muscles will be spared so that they can become more visible. With proper diet and exercise after the surgery, men will be able to tone and strengthen their chest muscle to regain the chest’s natural form.

Liposuction is the primary approach in extracting fat or any soft tissues. Because it uses a small cannula to vacuum the fat out, it is a less invasive approach compared to excising the tissue, which requires longer incisions. There are liposuction options that are even less invasive. These options will be provided with more details prior to the surgical plan so the patient can consider all factors and ultimately decide which technique is preferred.

If the breast reduction technique uses liposuction, the incisions will be minimal and will be placed around or near the areola. The plastic surgeon will make every effort when it comes to making the incisions and suturing to minimize the effects of scarring.