Gynecomastia
Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) in Dallas, TX
Gynecomastia, which is the overdevelopment of male breasts, affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It can be the result of hormonal imbalance, obesity, certain drugs or heredity, and can affect one or both breasts.
Candidates for breast reduction are men who have large or sagging breasts that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. Breast reduction can be performed on men whose breast development is complete; are in good health, both physically and emotionally; do not smoke, and are not overweight. Ideally, candidates have firm, elastic skin that will reshape itself to fit the contours of their breasts postsurgery.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Male breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and typically takes 1 to 3 hours. Male breast reduction is performed using liposuction or surgery, or a combination of the two.
If the enlarged breasts are caused primarily by excessive fatty tissue, the tissue is typically removed with liposuction, during which a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. The incisions are made around the lower halves of the areolas or in the underarms.
If the enlarged breasts are caused primarily by excess glandular tissue, surgery is required. Incisions are made to allow for tissue to be removed. Repositioning the areolas/nipples and excising excess skin also requires incisions. Sutures are used to close the incisions, which are then bandaged, and the area is typically covered by a compression garment.
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Recovery from Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Following male breast reduction surgery, there is bruising, swelling and discomfort. Discomfort usually dissipates after a few days, and can be lessened with prescribed pain medication. To help reduce swelling, the compression garment is worn for about 2 weeks, and at night for several additional weeks. Swelling and any skin discoloration partially subside after 1 or 2 weeks, at which time stitches are removed.
Patients typically return to work within a week. Light aerobic exercise can be performed after a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Risks of Male Breast Reduction
In addition to the risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, those related to male breast reduction include the following:
- Skin injury
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Discoloration
- Scarring
- Asymmetrical breasts or nipples
The results of gynecomastia surgery are usually permanent, as long as the patient’s weight remains stable. If drugs were the cause of the condition, the patient must permanently stop taking them to maintain results.Patients typically return to work within a week. Light aerobic exercise can be performed after a week, but strenuous activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
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Honesty and integrity are the cornerstones of Dr. Avashia’s process. He feels strongly that he needs to educate patients on what gives them the most value, and he focuses on what should be done instead of simply what could be done. He will only recommend procedures that will help achieve your goals. Dr. Avashia knows that not everyone “needs the knife,” and he will recommend nonsurgical solutions when appropriate in order to give you a more minimally invasive solution to achieve your goals.
Whether you’re looking to reverse the signs of aging or improve the appearance of a specific area of your body, Dr. Avashia can help you achieve your desired goals. Visit Dr. Yash today to learn more.
Gynecomastia FAQs Dallas, TX
Hormonal imbalances, genetics, weight fluctuations, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions often cause gynecomastia. In some cases, puberty-related gynecomastia may resolve without intervention within a couple of years. However, for adults, if gynecomastia persists for more than 12 months, it is unlikely to go away without medical intervention, such as surgery.
If your chest fullness is caused primarily by excess fat rather than glandular tissue, liposuction around the chest may be the best treatment, along with dieting and exercising to maintain the results. However, if you have firm glandular tissue beneath the nipple area, surgery is usually the most effective solution. A consultation with Dr. Avashia can determine if your gynecomastia is due to fat, glandular tissue, or a combination of both, guiding the best treatment approach.
Gynecomastia surgery is designed to restore a firm, contoured chest by removing excess glandular tissue and fat. If necessary, liposuction is also used to sculpt the chest for a smooth, natural look. In severe cases of excess skin, additional skin tightening procedures may be recommended to enhance the results.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort after gynecomastia surgery. As the procedure is performed under general anesthesia, you won’t feel pain during surgery. Post-surgery, mild soreness, swelling, and tightness are common, but they can be easily managed with prescribed pain medication and proper post-operative care.
Gynecomastia surgery is designed to minimize scarring, with small incisions typically made around the areola or under the chest fold. These incisions heal well over time, becoming barely visible. Your surgeon may recommend scar management treatments like silicone sheets or laser therapy to further reduce scar visibility.
While gynecomastia surgery removes excess glandular tissue permanently, significant weight gain may cause fat accumulation in the chest area, potentially affecting your results. Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise helps preserve your masculine chest contour long-term.
For most patients, gynecomastia does not return after surgery, as the excess glandular tissue is permanently removed. However, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, or medication use (such as anabolic steroids) can contribute to chest fullness in the future. Avoiding known triggers and maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps ensure long-lasting results.
You can begin light walking within a few days to promote circulation, but strenuous exercise and weight training should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Once cleared by your surgeon, you can gradually return to chest-focused workouts to enhance muscle definition and maintain results.
In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning it is not covered by insurance. However, if gynecomastia is linked to a medical condition that causes pain or functional impairment, some insurance providers may offer partial coverage. It’s best to consult with your insurance company to explore potential coverage options.