Gynecomastia is a troubling condition that may affect a man at any age. It is characterized by enlarged, female-like breasts, and can be a difficult condition to correct using lifestyle modifications alone. Getting treatment for gynecomastia can be a life-changing decision. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Stephen Miller has a unique, patient-centered approach to care that ensures men dealing with gynecomastia feel comfortable and supported in their choice to seek medical treatment.
INTENDED RESULT OF A MALE BREAST REDUCTION
Male breast reduction is sought by men for many personal reasons. Ultimately, the doctor performs a precise procedure to reshape the breasts to look more masculine. In so doing, surgery can enable a man to feel like himself again and to feel confident in the appearance of this body. Some men go to great lengths to hide the feminine appearance of their chest. Some spend frustrating hours in the gym trying to tone and tighten the chest muscles. Male breast reduction can reveal the muscle tone that exists by removing the overlying fatty and glandular tissue that obscures the masculine form.
GYNECOMASTIA REDUCTION PROCEDURE DESCRIPTION
Dr. Miller performs a thorough consultation and examination for each patient to identify the factors that may be contributing to excessive breast tissue growth. It is important for patients to be transparent about all medications, supplements, and recreational drugs they are taking, as some may be factors influencing male breast enlargement. After the consultation and necessary lab work and imaging, if applicable, the doctor can discuss the ideal approach to breast reduction.
Some gynecomastia patients may obtain correction via liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed using a powerful local anesthetic. Liposuction removes excess fatty tissue via a small, hollow tube. The results are immediate even with mild to moderate post-operative swelling.
Gynecomastia is not limited to fatty tissue alone. Treatment may require the excision of the glandular tissue that sits beneath a fatty breast mound. This procedure may be performed through small incisions and may be combined with liposuction to achieve the best results.
PATIENT TESTIMONIAL
"Absolutely love Dr. Miller and the staff! Everybody is so amazing and makes you feel extremely comfortable through the entire process. I just had a breast augmentation done by him and everything leading up to the surgery was such an easy and great experience and he did such an amazing job. I will be recommending him to anyone and everyone!" - Arianna L.
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Will I Have Scars After Male Breast Reduction?
In short, yes, you will have some degree of scarring after undergoing gynecomastia surgery. The question is more of "how much scarring can I expect?" than whether or not you'll have scars. You will, but they may be barely noticeable. During male breast reduction, Dr. Miller utilizes the most conservative incisions in the most discreet locations possible. If your gynecomastia surgery is limited to liposuction to remove fatty tissue, you may have one scar near each breast that is only a few centimeters long. If your gynecomastia surgery involves glandular excision or skin tightening to restore better contours, you may have incisions only around the areola or longer incisions beneath the breasts. During your consultation, you can expect to discuss what you can expect in terms of your incision pattern and the resulting scars.
Now, knowing that you'll have scarring from male breast reduction, you can explore how you can ensure that your skin heals as successfully as possible. One way to support post-operative incision healing is to follow your care instructions exactly as they are written. Clean the area daily as recommended. It is also necessary to avoid sun exposure directly on your surgical scars. Apply SPF 30 sunscreen to the chest anytime you plan to be outdoors without a shirt on. If you sweat or swim, you'll need to reapply sunscreen to ensure that your scars don't become discolored as a result of exposure to ultraviolet light. Once your skin is healed after surgery, you may talk to Dr. Miller about formal scar treatment, such as a topical scar cream or professional treatments that may improve skin tone and texture by stimulating more collagen production.
When Can I Work Out after Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
When approached mindfully, exercise can be very healing for the body and mind, especially after surgery. The trick is knowing when to begin and how to progress with as much intention as possible. As you prepare for your male breast reduction procedure, you can begin easing into the notion that you cannot exercise at all for about one week. During that time, your surgical recovery is the primary focus. You cannot engage in any activities that elevate your heart rate. Doing so could exacerbate your swelling and bruising and also increase your risk of post-op complications. You can and should walk every day, just don't get out of breath in any activity that you do.
You may begin to very gradually increase your physical activity starting about two weeks after male breast reduction. Still, you cannot engage in upper body exercise just yet. This will have to wait until at least four to six weeks post-op. Until that time, it's necessary for you to take your time increasing the intensity of walking and lower body exercise. Running and other high-impact aerobics may be off-limits for as long as upper body strength training, at least six weeks. Finally, know that your muscle-strength after surgery may not be what it was before your procedure. There is no rush to get back to your norm. The postoperative goal is merely to ensure that your body heals optimally so you can enjoy the most rewarding, longest-lasting results.
LENGTH OF MALE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE
Male breast reduction can take from one to three hours depending on the complexity of the procedure. Both liposuction and excisional male breast reduction are performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is released to a loved one when they have regained a moderate degree of alertness after receiving general anesthesia. Post-operative care instructions are provided to ensure optimal healing.
GYNECOMASTIA REDUCTION RECOVERY & AFTERCARE:
Patients can expect some degree of bruising, swelling and tenderness after their breast reduction procedure. A compression garment may be applied in the operating room. The continual wear of the compression garment helps to reduce swelling more quickly. Post-operative discomfort may be managed with prescription medication for a few days. However, we expect patients to transition to an over-the-counter medication sometime within the first week of recovery. It is necessary to limit activity for a few days to allow the body to utilize its resources for tissue healing. Strenuous activities may resume beginning two to three weeks after surgery, but most patients can return to work and light activities after one week. It is important to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to avoid complications like infection or prolonged swelling.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES
Liposuction may be used in conjunction with surgery to remove excess fat around the breast and enhance the overall contour of the new breasts. Dr. Miller discusses how each procedure works and why he recommends a combination for applicable cases.
GYNECOMASTIA:
- $5500.00+ Starting Cost
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What are the risks of Male Breasts?
Gynecomastia is not a medically concerning problem. It does not indicate that a man has breast cancer or is at risk of developing breast cancer. The primary concern related to male breast enlargement is the emotional impact of having a female-like chest. Men who have enlarged breasts may feel frustrated and embarrassed. They may waste precious time trying unproven, or worse, unsafe, methods of reducing their breast size. Gynecomastia can have devastating effects on a man’s sense of self and sense of confidence. It is a condition that plastic surgeons understand much better now than they ever have, while also having the tools and techniques to achieve outstanding results.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
Pre-surgical care may differ slightly for each patient. Generally, surgeons advise patients to quit smoking and to avoid tobacco use for at least a few weeks before surgery. Alcohol consumption should remain limited during the week before surgery. To enable the body to heal optimally after surgery, patients are encouraged to eat whole, healthy foods and lean protein and to avoid processed and fast food as they prepare for surgery. Some patients may need to alter or stop using certain prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements to reduce surgical risks. This must be done under a doctor’s care. Patients should not stop taking prescription medication without first consulting with the prescribing physician.
What can I expect from my results?
Patients will likely notice an immediate improvement in chest contours after their reduction procedure. However, it can take up to a year for the tissue and skin to completely settle into a new form. The ongoing improvement in contouring can feel very gratifying and often serves as a motivating factor to continue to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Provided that the patient does not gain a significant amount of weight, the results of gynecomastia surgery should be permanent.
Contact us Today!
Learn about surgical options for male breast reduction by calling 702-369-1001 today. Your initial consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Stephen M. Miller M.D. is free. Dr. Miller serves patients throughout the Las Vegas area, including Henderson, Summerlin and nearby communities in Nevada.