Gynecomastia is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed on men in America. There are a number of reasons why men can have excess breast tissue, but the two most common reasons are gynecomastia and rapid weight loss, which can leave men with droopy breasts. For decades, Dr. Peter Grossman has been known as the best plastic surgeon offering male breast reduction gynecomastia surgery in Los Angeles, and to patients who come to LA from all over the country. At Grossman Medical, you get the masterful experience of a top plastic surgeon in Los Angeles who sculpts the body with an artist’s eye, and who has advanced medical knowledge using the most modern techniques in correcting the shape and contour of the male form.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which men have an increased amount of breast gland tissue that’s usually caused by an imbalance of the hormone’s testosterone and estrogen. Gynecomastia can impact both breasts, or a single breast, and in many cases this condition makes them uneven. In many cases boys passing through puberty, as well as older men, will develop gynecomastia due to changes in hormone levels, however, there are other causes that also exist. Typically, gynecomastia does not pose serious medical problems (it can be painful for some people), but it can be a source of embarrassment and it’s a very difficult condition to live with that impacts a man’s self- esteem and confidence.
How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
A gynecomastia diagnosis is predicated on a medical doctor giving you an exam and reviewing your symptoms while carefully evaluating the breast tissue. Based on your initial exam, a doctor will likely order some tests to pinpoint a possible cause for gynecomastia in order to screen for a potential breast cancer case, or to rule out other possible conditions. These tests can include mammograms, blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, tissue biopsies, and computerized tomography (CT) scans. After a diagnosis has been established, and all potential serious conditions are off the table, many men seek cosmetic surgeons to get male breast reduction gynecomastia surgery.
How is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?
The approach for your gynecomastia surgery will be determined once you have had a consultation with Dr. Peter Grossman. However, most male breast reduction surgeries involve an incision that encompasses areola, followed by a second incision that follows the path of the natural curve of the crease located beneath the breasts. Then, excess glandular tissue and fat are removed from the breasts. This can include the use of liposuction in conjunction with other methods, or as a solitary approach. In the event the weight of the excess breast tissue causes the areola to stretch and the breasts to sag, Dr. Grossman will reside the areola and reposition it all in the same procedure.
How Long Does Gynecomastia Surgery Take?
Typically, gynecomastia surgery takes one to two hours to perform while the patient is under general anesthesia. When you have your consultation with Dr. Grossman, he will be able to give you a more accurate time it will take to complete your gynecomastia male breast reduction surgery. In some cases, a second procedure may be required to tighten skin and achieve cosmetic goals, or the surgery time may be extended to take care of this all in the same procedure. This will be determined by each patient’s health, body condition, and their medical history.
Why Do Men Get Male Breast Reduction Gynecomastia Surgery?
There are several reasons why men seek male breast reduction gynecomastia surgery. In some cases, medical reasons are the pain motivator: men with gynecomastia can experience ongoing pain in the breast tissue, as well as skin irritations and painful rashes from excess skin rubbing. But most get the procedure because they want to look good with their shirt off, have better confidence in the bedroom, and just gain a greater level of self-esteem and self- confidence. Patients who had gynecomastia surgery have said it’s the best investment they have ever made in themselves because once they recovered they felt reinvented, fulfilled, and able to be the best version of the true self with all the confidence in the world that had previously been lacking.
What Does Recovery Look Like for Gynecomastia Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
When it comes to cosmetic surgeries, male breast reduction gynecomastia surgery has one of the shortest recovery times. For most patients, the average recovery period takes about one week. Your chest will be wrapped in bandages or a special chest compression vest. You will need to refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds and should avoid physical activity for at least one week. In some cases, swelling can remain for a few months, and it can take a few months for scars to fade. Having follow up exams is critical to your recovery, as well as to your comfort so that your pain management can be carefully monitored.
