Gynecomastia is the overgrowth or enlargement of breast tissue in the male population. This arises from an over-development of the mammary glands and connective tissue within the breast. It can arise as a congenital defect but can also be induced by other hormonal abnormalities, obesity or certain medications. It can range from a minimally noticeable change, to where a male can develop female shaped breasts. This can be certainly embarrassing for the affected individual but there are surgical options.
If you decide to have surgery, the type of treatment depends on discussion with the surgeon, personal preference and the cost of the surgery. Liposuction is the simplest and quickest option, and is also the least invasive. A small cut is made on the breast and a small needle is inserted to vacuum out the fatty tissue using suction. In other cases of gynecomastia, the whole breast can be removed in a mastectomy procedure. This is reserved for those with significant breast enlargement and involves major surgery. Recently, there has been new development in minimally invasive reduction options, such as the pull-through technique. This uses the combination of a small cut near the border of the nipple and liposuction to remove excessive breast tissue.
Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
Gynecomastia surgery cost is always a consideration when making a decision, and will depend on regional factors, surgical and anesthesia fees. The average cost is around $3,000 but can range all the way up to $12,000 depending on where it is performed. Also, as this is considered cosmetic surgery, many insurance providers do not cover the cost of gynecomastia surgery in their plan.
Suitable Candidates
Most people who can tolerate a general anesthesia can undergo gynecomastia surgery. Poor surgical candidates include those with multiple medical conditions such as heart or respiratory problems. Obese people have a higher change of re-developing the problem after surgery and smoking and alcohol use also delays the healing process.
Risks Involved?
Surgical risks include scarring from the incision, hypoesthesia (reduced sensation in areola), breast depression and possible recurrence of breast tissue growth. A small amount of bleeding can also occur after the procedure but should settle with time. Infection can occur around the site of the incision and is treated with antibiotics. There is also a small risk when you undergo general anesthesia.
During the Procedure
The candidate will meet with the surgeon and the anesthetist prior to the procedure and all the information will be explained. The procedure is done under general anesthesia – you will be put asleep throughout. In liposuction, only a small needle is inserted into the skin and fatty tissue sucked out. In other resection techniques, markings are made on the skin and allow the surgeon to plan the incisions in advance. The breast is then cut open with a scalpel into different flaps and tissue is removed surgically. At the end, the flaps are then pulled back and the skin reattached with sutures.
Recovery
Liposuction is the simplest option and can often be performed as a day case procedure. Other types of surgical resection or pull through technique may require a hospital stay. The length of stay depends on the extent of the surgery and how much tissue is removed. You may be given a special garment to support your chest while it heals.
Significant Complications
Scarring may develop around the incision area and may need further surgical correction. Depending on the skill of the surgeon, there may be residual deformity of the breast contour or asymmetry between the two breasts. This may require further liposuction to smooth out the irregular areas.
The final results of gynecomastia surgery are usually permanent in most cases, but it can revert. If you are too overweight, you will be required to get on a diet and exercise plan before becoming a suitable candidate. This is good as you may find out that simply correcting your diet will help bring your hormones back into balance resulting in the reduction or loss of man breasts. The costs and risks are also points to be considered. In the end, make sure to consult with your physician about all of the options available to you.
If you decide to have surgery, the type of treatment depends on discussion with the surgeon, personal preference and the cost of the surgery. Liposuction is the simplest and quickest option, and is also the least invasive. A small cut is made on the breast and a small needle is inserted to vacuum out the fatty tissue using suction. In other cases of gynecomastia, the whole breast can be removed in a mastectomy procedure. This is reserved for those with significant breast enlargement and involves major surgery. Recently, there has been new development in minimally invasive reduction options, such as the pull-through technique. This uses the combination of a small cut near the border of the nipple and liposuction to remove excessive breast tissue.
Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
Gynecomastia surgery cost is always a consideration when making a decision, and will depend on regional factors, surgical and anesthesia fees. The average cost is around $3,000 but can range all the way up to $12,000 depending on where it is performed. Also, as this is considered cosmetic surgery, many insurance providers do not cover the cost of gynecomastia surgery in their plan.
Suitable Candidates
Most people who can tolerate a general anesthesia can undergo gynecomastia surgery. Poor surgical candidates include those with multiple medical conditions such as heart or respiratory problems. Obese people have a higher change of re-developing the problem after surgery and smoking and alcohol use also delays the healing process.
Risks Involved?
Surgical risks include scarring from the incision, hypoesthesia (reduced sensation in areola), breast depression and possible recurrence of breast tissue growth. A small amount of bleeding can also occur after the procedure but should settle with time. Infection can occur around the site of the incision and is treated with antibiotics. There is also a small risk when you undergo general anesthesia.
During the Procedure
The candidate will meet with the surgeon and the anesthetist prior to the procedure and all the information will be explained. The procedure is done under general anesthesia – you will be put asleep throughout. In liposuction, only a small needle is inserted into the skin and fatty tissue sucked out. In other resection techniques, markings are made on the skin and allow the surgeon to plan the incisions in advance. The breast is then cut open with a scalpel into different flaps and tissue is removed surgically. At the end, the flaps are then pulled back and the skin reattached with sutures.
Recovery
Liposuction is the simplest option and can often be performed as a day case procedure. Other types of surgical resection or pull through technique may require a hospital stay. The length of stay depends on the extent of the surgery and how much tissue is removed. You may be given a special garment to support your chest while it heals.
Significant Complications
Scarring may develop around the incision area and may need further surgical correction. Depending on the skill of the surgeon, there may be residual deformity of the breast contour or asymmetry between the two breasts. This may require further liposuction to smooth out the irregular areas.
The final results of gynecomastia surgery are usually permanent in most cases, but it can revert. If you are too overweight, you will be required to get on a diet and exercise plan before becoming a suitable candidate. This is good as you may find out that simply correcting your diet will help bring your hormones back into balance resulting in the reduction or loss of man breasts. The costs and risks are also points to be considered. In the end, make sure to consult with your physician about all of the options available to you.