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Cosmetic breast surgery is not limited to just women. Some men experience gynecomastia which causes enlarged breasts. When this excess tissue proves resistant to diet and exercise, many of those individuals seek out a male plastic surgery procedure to have the affected areas reduced in size. This treatment is known as gynecomastia surgery, or commonly referred to as male breast reduction.
Gynecomastia generally appears in more than 20% of males. Often occurring among adults, this condition can also develop in teenagers and younger boys as well. There are no severe health risks that are related to gynecomastia, but many men choose to change the appearance of their chest as they find it unappealing, which can cause them physical and mental discomfort. Dr. Andrew Cohen is an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has completed countless breast reduction procedures and is able to address your concerns with gynecomastia.
Typically caused by a hormonal imbalance, certain medications, obesity, genetics, or anabolic steroids, gynecomastia can lead to the appearance of enlarged breasts on a man’s chest. This is often undesirable to the many men that this condition impacts. There are two types of male breast enlargement: gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. Gynecomastia is typically the enlargement of glands and tissue while pseudogynecomastia is the buildup of fat cells; however both show similar symptoms.
Male breast reduction surgery can often call for the use of liposuction to reduce the overall size of the chest area and flatten the appearance of your chest. The procedure is not limited to just removing excess fat either; extra skin may also be removed during the process. Oftentimes, male breast reduction relies on strategic incisions made at the areola that allow for the removal of excess cells and precise sculpting of the chest. Scarring can be made in discreet locations and hidden within the natural contours of your body, such as around the areola. Typically, sedation or general anesthesia is used to help patients remain comfortable during the two-to-three hour outpatient surgery. Patients will also be sent home with a compression garment that assists with healing during the recovery process. Patients will need to receive two drains following their procedure to help reduce and eliminate any excess fluid retained during the treatment. They are typically removed after three to five days.
Within a few days you should be able return to work and most daily activities following breast male reduction surgery. Individuals who undergo gynecomastia treatment will be instructed to wear a postoperative garment for approximately three to six weeks to aid in the recovery and results of the procedure. There will likely be swelling and soreness immediately following surgery, but these side effects subside over time. Medication is sometimes prescribed for those who want an aid in handling any discomfort or pain after surgery.
The price of gynecomastia surgery will depend and vary on each patient and the extent of the actual work being performed. The amount you can expect to pay for your male breast reduction surgery will be discussed at your initial consultation.
Contact us today if you think you could benefit from male breast reduction surgery. Whether you believe you have gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, Dr. Cohen could offer the solution you have been looking for. Schedule a consultation to find out more about gynecomastia!
For more information on plastic surgery for men available at our practice serving the Encino area, please contact Dr. Andrew Cohen today.
