Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia Causes
Gynecomastia refers to enlarged breasts in men. While large male breasts can be inherited, gynecomastia often results from a hormonal imbalance caused by an endocrine disorder or medications like testosterone replacement therapy and anabolic steroids, weight loss, or weight gain.

Good Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery
You may be a candidate for gyno surgery if you have enlarged, swollen, or overdeveloped breasts that cause embarrassment or discomfort, and prevent you from participating in activities or affect your psychological well-being. Candidates for gyno surgery have conditions that can’t be corrected through medications or by stopping certain medications. You must also be healthy and not have any illness or condition that could increase your risk of surgical complications. Importantly, your body weight should be at a healthy level to maximize your results and prevent issues with healing after surgery.

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
Gynecomastia surgery may be covered by your insurance in certain severe cases with extra skin and breast tissue. However, insurance does not cover surgery performed for purely cosmetic reasons and if your gynecomastia is less severe it may not be a covered benefit. After a comprehensive consultation with our plastic surgery, you can meet with our financial counselor. They will give you an estimated cost to help you determine if this is the right approach for you.

You May Have Scars
Your surgeon will use the natural contours of your breasts to minimize scarring as much as possible. Gynecomastia surgery may be performed through tiny incisions if done with liposuction alone but may require larger incisions depending on the severity of your gynecomastia. Your surgeon will discuss the best approach to your case during your consultation.

Gyno Surgery Risks
Gynecomastia surgery carries the same risks as any other standard surgery. These include the risk of bleeding and infection and risks associated with general anesthesia. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you if surgery is recommended.

The Risk that Gynecomastia Will Return
The risk of gynecomastia returning is relatively low if we identify what caused gynecomastia and steps are taken to avoid them following the procedure. The effects of the surgery are permanent, but it is possible for breasts to re-enlarge following excess weight loss or weight gain, hormonal imbalances, and the use of certain drugs (including anabolic steroids).

An initial visit with your plastic surgeon may take place via telehealth or in person. We will discuss your reasons for pursuing gyno surgery and your goals. To determine if you are a candidate for male breast reduction surgery, your surgeon will review your family history, general health status, lifestyle habits such as smoking, previous operations, any medications you may be taking, and conditions that can put you at risk for surgery.

During an additional in-person visit, your breasts will be measured and assessed for size and shape, and photographs may be taken for your medical record. Before treatment is recommended, you will also undergo one or more of the following tests.

• Blood tests may be necessary to evaluate your hormone levels. Pre-surgical testing also requires several blood tests to assess your liver and kidney function and to determine if you have an infection, a blood disorder, or anemia, that may have gone previously undetected.
• A mammogram may be performed to detect any underlying breast abnormalities. Gynecomastia can increase your risk for male breast cancer. Additional imaging, including ultrasound and MRI, may also be requested.