Gynecomastia
Correction of Enlarged Male Breasts

Price Range: $4000 - $6400
This includes physician fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees and routine followup for one year.

Gynecomastia is a medical term describing enlarged male breast tissue. It affects approximately 40% of young men between the ages of 11-14, decreasing to 15% by the age of 16. In young men, breast enlargement is usually the result of hormonal changes during puberty. Gynecomastia, when occurring in older men, may be the result of hormonal changes, or medications; however, most often no cause is found. Breast enlargement may be seen in one or both breasts, and involves an increase in breast tissue immediately beneath the nipple-areolar area.

An evaluation by a physician will begin with a thorough history and physical exam to uncover any identifiable causes for the breast enlargement. If the male is uncomfortable or self-conscious about the breast enlargement, breast reduction surgery can help.

The operation is most often performed using intravenous sedation and local anesthetic. It is performed as an outpatient procedure allowing the patient to go home within a few hours. The operation is usually performed through an inconspicuous incision made around the lower ½ of the areola, which is the dark colored skin around the nipple; or through an incision under the arm. Through this incision, the plastic surgeon removes the excess fat and breast tissue, leaving a flatter, more contoured chest wall.

Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat, and aid with contouring, and may be the only method used if the tissue to be removed is primarily fat, rather than breast glandular tissue.

Depending upon the amount of tissue removed, a drain may or may not be left in place. The drain is usually removed in 1-3 days following the operation.

Possible complications of the surgery for gynecomastia include bleeding, infection and injury to the skin. Some people experience decreased sensation around the nipple - areola, and this may take up to a year to resolve. Following the operation you will probably be asked to wear an elastic pressure garment for 1-2 weeks, and most plastic surgeons will recommend minimal physical activity for about three week. This will decrease the risk of any injury to the chest wall.

Most patients are able to return to work within 2-4 days depending upon the type of work. Swelling will be present for approximately 4 weeks, but it may be 4-6 months until the final results will be obtained.