Gynecomastia

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. 

The cost of your gynecomastia surgery in the Bay Area will depend on several factors, including the extent of your condition, the amount of time your procedure will take, what methods will be employed, and more. For this reason, you must meet with Dr. Gray for a one-on-one consultation. We offer plastic surgery financing options for those interested.  

Unlike many plastic surgeries that are done for aesthetic purposes, Gynecomastia occasionally may be covered by your health insurance if it being done for medical purposes. The primary factor in determining if gynecomastia is covered by insurance is whether it is deemed ‘medically necessary’ by your doctor and your insurance provider.

Some reasons why your insurance include might cover it: 

• if the condition is causing moderate to severe chest pain that creates a functional or physical impairment
• if the gynecomastia persists after you have stopped taking prescription medication, recreational drugs, or substances that are known to cause gynecomastia, and 
• Gynecomastia must be present for two years. You also must have a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of the condition, including liver enzymes, serum creatinine, and thyroid studies. 

To find out more about if your insurance will cover gynecomastia surgery, speak with your insurance provider.

Working out and living an active lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to maintain your gynecomastia results after surgery. Dr. Gray encourages all of his male breast reduction patients to exercise regularly once they are sufficiently healed. You should be able to resume exercising after about one month. When you do return to the gym, you will need to limit the intensity of your workout to cardio exercises and other activities that won’t interfere with your healing process. It’s crucial that you refrain from arm or chest workouts until you are fully healed, which generally takes about six to eight weeks.

It’s normal for swelling to increase after surgery, usually peaking around 5-6 days after gynecomastia surgery. After that, the swelling will subside—rapidly at first and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it can go down even more at three to six months.

Gynecomastia surgery is a permanent procedure due to its ability to remove excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat. However, certain factors can lead to the appearance of gynecomastia returning after surgery. For example, significant weight gain, the use of certain medications, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions could cause the development of new breast tissue or fat in the chest area.

To maintain the results of gynecomastia surgery, adopting healthy habits and being mindful of potential triggers is essential. A stable weight is key, so focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise, including strength training and cardio, to prevent fat accumulation in the chest. Keeping hormone levels in check with the help of your doctor can also reduce the risk of recurrence. It’s important to avoid substances like anabolic steroids, recreational drugs, and excessive alcohol, as these can contribute to the development of gynecomastia.

Additionally, follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions, such as wearing your compression garments for the recommended time and attending all follow-up appointments with Dr. Gray, to support your recovery and long-term results. You should also learn which medications might cause hormonal changes and consult your doctor if you have concerns. These proactive steps can help you enjoy lasting benefits from your procedure.

Yes, significant weight loss or gain can affect the results of your gynecomastia surgery. If you gain weight after the procedure, fat can accumulate in your chest area, potentially diminishing the appearance of your results. On the other hand, substantial weight loss might lead to loose skin in the chest, depending on factors like skin elasticity and how much weight you lose.

To maintain your results, it’s a good idea to aim for a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. These habits will support your surgical outcomes and also benefit your overall health. If you’re considering any major changes in weight, discussing them with Dr. Gray or your primary healthcare professional to help you plan effectively.

The ideal age for gynecomastia surgery largely depends on the individual and their physical development. Generally, it’s recommended to wait until puberty has concluded, which is typically around 17 to 18 years of age. This is because gynecomastia that develops during adolescence often resolves on its own as hormone levels stabilize.

For adults, the decision to undergo surgery is based on personal factors, including how much the condition affects you physically or emotionally. As long as you’re in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results, there’s no upper age limit for the procedure. A consultation with a qualified surgeon is the best way to determine if the timing is right for you.