Male Breast Reduction in Philadelphia

Correction of Gynecomastia

More and more men are considering plastic surgery as a viable way to improve their appearance. In 1999, close to 11,000 males underwent surgery in America for gynecomastia, which is the medical term for benign enlargement of the male breast tissue. Some estimates reveal 20-40 percent of men are affected by this condition. For those males feeling self conscious about their appearance due to this condition, breast reduction surgery can help.

Who is a Candidate for Surgery?

The best candidates are healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. When the condition is present in teenagers, it is usually advisable to observe the condition for at least a year as it commonly resolves spontaneously.

Obese men are not good candidate and should attempt diet and exercise. Marijuana and anabolic steroid usage must cease completely prior to the surgery.

Gynecomastia surgery requires that the patient be in good health. A complete check up with your doctor is recommended before surgery. When enlargement is significant, a mammogram may be advisable to identify possible tumors.

Generally, patient should stop smoking completely for 2 weeks prior to surgery, as smoking can interfere with healing.

Surgery and Recovery

Surgery for gynecomastia is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with general anesthesia.

When the excess tissue is minimal, liposuction is preferred; when skin must be removed, excisional treatment is necessary. Occasionally, combined techniques are utilized.

Liposuction for gynecomastia is similar to other liposuction. Through several quarter inch incisions placed inconspicuously, (tumescent) fluid is injected to facilitate tissue removal. A thin metal rod (Cannula) attached to a vacuum is then inserted to accomplish tissue removal and sculpting of the new breast. When the breast tissue is very dense, a grinding cannula may be needed to effectively remove breast tissue.

Depending on the extent of surgery, pain can vary from minimal to moderate, and will last from several days to 2 weeks. Usually, patients are swollen and bruised after the surgery and the breast will have diminished sensation. This will resolve within a few weeks.

To speed recovery and to enhance proper contour, a compression garment is usually worn for several seeks after the surgery. Normally, this would not be noticed under one's clothing.

Walking can be resumed in a few days, and exercise is usually safe within 2-3 weeks.

Male breast reduction is not a simple procedure, but in the hands of an experienced, Board Certified plastic surgeon it is normally safe. As with any surgery, there can be compilations such as a negative reaction to anesthesia, bleeding and infection following the operation, changers in nipple or breast sensation and scarring. Like all body contouring surgery, it is possible that either too much or too little tissue can be removed. In these cases, revisional surgery may be necessary.

The total cost of male breast reductions surgery ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on the extent of the surgery required and the region of the country. Most commonly, this is a cosmetic procedure and all of the costs are borne by the patient.