Gynecomastia makes many men feel self-conscious about their appearance. Too many feel the need to hide with t-shirts on at the beach or big sweatshirts and sweaters to cover their enlarged chest area.
If you are seeking to remove excess breast tissue and fat from your chest area, gynecomastia surgery can help. Take a look at some of our gynecomastia surgery before and after photos to see the immense improvements that can be made with this procedure. Then, once you’re ready, you can call our office to schedule a consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg.
In the meantime, here are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive before and after gynecomastia surgery.
FAQs: Gynecomastia Before and After Surgery
Can you get rid of man boobs?
Yes. Male breast reduction surgery is the go-to procedure for patients who want to know how to get rid of man boobs (enlarged male breasts).
The procedure steps depend on the patient and their particular ailments. Liposuction can be used to reduce excess breast fat, for example. But if the excess tissue is glandular, we may need to make a slightly larger incision in order to completely excise it.
What causes gynecomastia?
There are actually quite a few different gynecomastia causes. For example, certain medications, certain drugs, and certain medical conditions can cause the condition, as can severe cases of hormonal imbalance (unbalanced hormone levels).
With that said, it isn’t as important to know what causes gynecomastia as you might think. In most cases, no matter what is causing your excess breast tissue, we can perform surgery to improve your situation.
How do I know if I have gynecomastia or just chest fat?
The gynecomastia vs fat question can be determined by performing the gynecomastia skin test. Stand, without a shirt on, in front of a mirror, and pinch the area surrounding your nipples. You may have extra skin and soft tissue, which usually means you have excess breast fat.
However, if you feel a hard nub or disc beneath your nipples, this may indicate excess breast tissue, in which case, you may require larger incisions for removal.
How can gynecomastia be treated?
Gynecomastia treatment typically requires surgery. Fat removal can be done with liposuction. Excess skin excision and breast tissue removal typically requires larger incisions.
What is gynecomastia recovery like?
Recovery from gynecomastia is typically smooth and relatively short. Most patients only need to take a few days off from work, or sometimes, a week. Bruising, swelling, and some light discomfort are to be expected.
You should be able to return to most of your normal activities within one to two weeks. Exercise can typically be resumed after one month.
When will I see my gynecomastia results?
Gynecomastia results should be somewhat visible right away. After around four weeks, you should be on your way to significant improvements with little to no residual bruising or pain. Swelling may persist, however, and it could be up to six months before you see your complete results.
What if I end up with a botched gynecomastia surgery?
If you’ve seen bad gynecomastia surgery before and after photos, you know that, unfortunately, poor outcomes can occur. Fortunately, this is rare.
However, if it does occur, you should contact your original surgeon to learn about your options. Sometimes, you can undergo a quick revision and maintain a great outcome.
If you are far out from surgery and/or do not want to return to your original surgeon, many board-certified plastic surgeons offer revision gynecomastia surgery for patients who did not like the outcome of their initial procedure or who had complications.
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?
It’s completely understandable to want to know how much gynecomastia surgery costs before booking your procedure. However, gynecomastia surgery cost can vary so much that it’s not actually possible to provide a succinct cost estimate before we see you for your consultation.
At your consultation appointment, we’ll go over your medical history, goals for surgery, and other important considerations that will influence cost. At that time, we will be able to provide you with a price quote.
Does insurance pay for gynecomastia?
Patients often want to know: Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, it usually is not. Breast tissue, fat, and skin excision for men — even if caused by a natural hormonal imbalance or medical condition — is usually still considered a cosmetic surgery, even by plastic surgeons. Therefore, health insurance companies will usually not cover it.
Of course, on rare occasions, it may be covered. So, if you think you may be eligible, you are naturally free to contact your health insurance provider and inquire about the coverage offered with your plan.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
You shouldn’t have to feel embarrassed and uncomfortable about having enlarged breasts. Gynecomastia removal can be as easy as a routine surgery with a board-certified plastic surgeon. In many cases, local anesthesia and IV sedation are all that is necessary for a male breast reduction (however, sometimes, general anesthesia is recommended).
If you’ve been concerned about your physical appearance and comfort due to excess skin, fat, and breast tissue on your chest, a gynecomastia procedure may be for you.
To find out if you are a good candidate to have breast tissue removed, please contact our plastic surgery office today and schedule a consultation appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Steinberg.
