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A Guide to Gynecomastia Surgery
The condition of having enlarged male breast tissue, known as gynecomastia, can be embarrassing and anxiety provoking, especially in certain social situations. Many men who suffer from gynecomastia believe that they are alone in dealing with this issue, but it is actually far more common than most people think. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 26,000 men underwent gynecomastia surgery in 2017, though this probably still far understates the total number.
Male breast reduction surgery is effective in removing excess breast tissue and/or fat in order to achieve a more masculine chest with secondary benefits of improving one’s self-esteem and confidence. The procedure can be tailored to the specific needs of each patient.
Excess Fat Tissue
Patients whose gynecomastia mainly consists of excess fat tissue and who have good skin elasticity can be treated with liposuction such as ultrasonic-assisted liposuction. After the fat is removed, the skin will generally contract and contour to the underlying structures of the chest.
Excess Glandular Tissue
For some patients, excess glandular tissue may be the primary cause of their gynecomastia. Usually these include males who either developed glandular enlargement during puberty that did not resolve or bodybuilders who used certain supplements, such as those containing creatine or testosterone. Treatment in these situations involves direct excision of the enlarged breast tissue, which is typically accomplished through an incision along the border of the lower half of the areola.
Combination of Excess Fat Tissue and Enlarged Glandular Tissue
For men whose gynecomastia is a result of both excess fat and enlarged glandular tissue, treatment entails a combination of ultrasonic-assisted liposuction and direct excision of the glandular tissue.
Extremely Enlarged Breasts
If a patient has extremely enlarged breasts and poor skin elasticity, the skin will not be able to shrink back once the fat tissue is removed. In this case, excision of the excess skin, fat, and breast tissue will need to be performed in order to obtain a desirable outcome. The particular technique employed, including incisions used, would depend on a variety of factors.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost?
As with most plastic surgery treatments, the total cost of gynecomastia surgery will include surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, and the usage of the surgical facility. In addition to these expenses, the following factors can also impact the overall price of your procedure:
- The general geographical area in which you live or the surgery is performed
- The credentials, skill, personal preferences, and experience of your plastic surgeon
- The surgical technique employed by your physician (tissue excision, liposuction, or both)
- Any postoperative medication that may not be fully covered by insurance
- The particular surgical facility used for the procedure
Since gynecomastia is considered to be an aesthetic issue in virtually all situations, the male breast reduction procedure is rarely covered by health insurance which means that you will be responsible for the costs. Based on a thorough assessment of your specific needs and goals, we will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of these costs. In order to help make this treatment even more affordable, our office offers various health care financing and payment plan options, including CareCredit®, ALPHAEON CREDIT® Credit, and United Medical Credit.
To find out more about how gynecomastia surgery can help you, call our office at (480) 451-3000 or fill out our online contact form today to schedule a consultation.