Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlarged breast tissue in males. There are many different causes for gynecomastia, but it typically doesn’t pose a threat to physical health. However, gynecomastia can cause discomfort, and it can negatively affect confidence and body image.
Nearly 70% of men are affected by gynecomastia. Some men experience gynecomastia after significant weight fluctuations, and some experience gynecomastia due to certain prescription drugs or even steroid use. For some men, gynecomastia resolves itself quickly after puberty; however, some men require surgical intervention to address the issue. Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, aims to reduce the excess fat and glandular tissues from a man’s chest, restoring a more masculine chest contour and improving confidence.
At Florida Plastic Surgery and Medspa, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kristopher Hamwi offers some of the most effective treatments for gynecomastia. To determine if gynecomastia surgery will address your needs, continue reading or schedule your consultation today!
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Worth the Risk?
With more and more men feeling comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures, the number of cases of men being treated for gynecomastia is rapidly increasing. The reasons men are electing to have male breast reduction can be quite varied.
- Removing one’s shirt in a locker room or at the pool or beach shouldn’t cause anxiety. Many men turn to plastic surgery to alleviate self-consciousness, anxiety, and embarrassment about not having a masculine-looking chest.
- Society pressures are increasing as gym-culture and physical fitness are becoming more popular. Gynecomastia rarely responds to exercises that sculpt the chest muscles, so many men have become more aware of their own issues with gynecomastia.
- Participating in athletics is often difficult for men with oversized breasts due to discomfort and pain. Excess breast tissue or nipples can experience chafing or uncomfortable pinching due to these activities.
No matter the reason, gynecomastia can help men who are bothered by their oversized breasts to feel more confident about their bodies and comfortable in their own skin.
Is It Better to Lose Weight Before Gynecomastia Surgery?
While losing weight and exercising are important for their overall health benefits and aesthetic concerns, gynecomastia rarely responds to weight loss and body sculpting exercises. However, it’s best to complete your weight loss journey before any type of body contouring procedure, including gynecomastia surgery. It’s important to be at a stable, ideal weight that you can maintain for at least six months before surgery.
Can Gynecomastia Come Back After Surgery?
Following gynecomastia surgery, you will need to sustain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, including an exercise regimen to help maintain your weight, to ensure your results last.
To sustain your results, your surgeon may also suggest:
- Eating more fruits and vegetables and lean proteins
- Avoiding processed foods and artificial sugars
- Reducing alcohol and tobacco use
- Increasing cardiovascular and weightlifting exercises
- Avoiding steroids and hormonal supplements or other prescription medications
How Do I Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?
To prepare for your gynecomastia surgery, there are a few aspects you should consider. 1. Choose the right surgeon. The first step in any successful plastic surgery is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon. For a successful gynecomastia surgery, choose a surgeon who has performed numerous male breast reduction surgeries and has an in-depth knowledge of gynecomastia and its underlying causes. Your surgeon should be able to provide before and after photos of gynecomastia cases.
Also, choosing a doctor who makes you feel comfortable can help ensure your optimal results.
- Ensure you’re getting the right procedure. Gynecomastia can have many causes, and not all treatments are equal. Some men only require liposuction to remove excess fatty tissues; however, some men require a surgical excision to remove glandular tissue or excess skin.
During your consultation, your surgeon should perform a physical exam or other blood tests to determine the causes of your gynecomastia to ensure you’ll receive the correct procedure.
What Can I Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common following gynecomastia surgery. However, these issues typically resolve within one to two weeks. As the swelling resolves, your skin will become smoother, and the scars will begin to fade. It may take a few months for you to see your true results.
During your gynecomastia surgery recovery, you will need to avoid strenuous exercises, especially those requiring the chest muscles.
Following gynecomastia surgery, it is important to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for about four weeks. This position is important as sleeping on your side or stomach may put too much pressure on your new chest contours and incisions, impacting your results.
How Long Does It Take for Gynecomastia Surgery to Fully Heal?
Typically, most patients plan on taking at least three to five days off work or other responsibilities for the initial recovery. You’ll spend most of this time resting.
Your body will continue to heal for the next four to six weeks following your gynecomastia surgery. During this time, your surgeon will direct you to wear compression garments to help minimize swelling and support the new chest contour.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation with Dr. Hamwi Today!
Double board-certified Dr. Kristopher Hamwi is one of the top rated plastic surgeons in the country, and he uses his vast training and experience to help you navigate your treatment options for the best gynecomastia surgery in Sarasota.
Restore your masculine chest profile by partnering with Sarasota’s best gynecomastia surgery expert. Contact us today or call (941) 263-2618 to learn more!
