Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, or the development of enlarged breasts in males, can be a major source of self-consciousness in men and teenagers alike. This condition is often caused by a hormonal imbalance, and can affect one or both breasts. Gynecomastia is not a serious condition, and can easily be corrected with gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction.

Am I a good candidate for Male Breast Reduction surgery?

Candidates for gynecomastia surgery include males whose excess breast tissue cannot be corrected through alternative treatments, and whose breasts are done growing. It is important that patients are healthy, non-smokers who have realistic expectations of the surgery. Men who consume great amounts of alcohol or marijuana may not be ideal candidates for this procedure, due to these drugs being thought to contribute to gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia – Patient 152
A male student in his late teens who developed female appearing breast tissue in the 3rd-4th grade. He has no history of marijuana or anabolic steroid use, so his case is typically “idiopathic” or of unknown cause. He has tried lifting weights to build up his chest muscles but without improvement. He has not had any significant weight change. He is bothered in fitted shirts and of course with his shirt off. “Shirts vs Skins” in gym class must have been a torment. He is shown just before and again, 5 months after bilateral gynecomastia correction with External Ultrasound assisted/power assisted liposuction combined with direct excision of breast tissue through an incision along the lower areola. 355 cc of lipoaspirate were take from his right side along with the direct excision of 40 gms of breast tissue, and 375 cc of lipoaspirate take from his left side together with 37 gms of breast tissue. A close look will show that the scars are still slightly read but they are not noticeable from a conversational distance and will continue to fade over the next 18 months. He is thrilled to have a normal chest.
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Gynecomastia – Patient 151
A man in his early 20’s who was troubled by a feminine appearance of his breasts in a bathing suit and in some fitted shirts. He first noted this at the time of puberty but had some additional growth of his breasts and breast tenderness taking over the counter anabolic steroid like supplements. He is shown before and again, 6 weeks after bilateral chest liposuction with a combination of mechanically assisted liposuction combined with a direct excision of a little under an ounce of actual breast tissue from beneath each nipple area. We have just removed his protective tapes prior to the after photos, and the small incisions at the edge of his areola and in the upper chest are at their reddest and most noticeable at this 6 week mark. They will now continue to fade and improve over the next 18-24 months. He is already thrilled with his improvement and natural appearance after surgery, and is already talking about going to the beach. He will typically also have a little swelling that will diminish and improve over the next 4-6 months.
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Gynecomastia – Patient 150
A professional man in his early 50’s who has been troubled by the feminine appearance of his chest. He has difficulty wearing fitted shirts and sweaters without this being visible and troubling for him. He is shown before and again, 5 weeks after “SAFE” liposuction. After the wetting solution is placed in the operating room, external ultrasound was applied to his chest. Then power assisted separation of the fat with a basket cannula was performed. Then liposuction was performed with cross tunneling from an incision at the areola and an incision in the upper chest. Then fat equalization was performed to smooth the area after aspiration. He is thrilled with his early result. The small red scars, one on each side of his upper chest, are at their most visible at 6 weeks. They will continue to fade and soften over the next 2 years.
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Gynecomastia/Massive Weight Loss – Patient 164
A man in his 60’s who has gynecomastia and significant weight loss. The only way to tighten loose skin is to remove skin, leaving a visible scar on the chest in exchange for a normal contour in clothing. Our patient is shown before and again, 4 years after bilateral gynecomastia excision with free nipple grafting. He is pleased by his contour in fitted shirts and bicycle jerseys, but, as we see with most gynecomastia patients who need skin excision, he does not feel comfortable taking his shirt off at the beach.
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Gynecomastia – Patient 149
A challenging case of a 19 year old man with severe gynecomastia since puberty. Typically with a severe case like this, the recommendation would be for mastectomy/gynecomastia excision with free nipple grafting but this would leave visible scars on the chest that would make it difficult for most patients to feel comfortable with their shirt off, such as at the beach. He has excellent skin elasticity because of his young age and because he has never had significant weight loss. So we decided to try our traditional technique with excision of his breast tissue through a periareolar incision combined with liposuction. He is shown just before and again, nearly 2 years after his procedure. He is thrilled with his new contour and feels comfortable with his shirt off at the beach.
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How is gynecomastia surgery performed?

Male breast reduction surgery in Boston and Worcester, Massachusetts is performed under general anesthesia while using a selection of techniques. The first technique is the liposuction technique, where a cannula or thin hollow tube is inserted through small incisions. Dr. Hall moves the cannula back and forth, removing excess fatty tissue through vacuum suction. The second technique is the excision technique, in which an incision is made to remove excess tissue and skin, resulting in a breast reduction. Both the liposuction technique and excision technique can be combined to perform this procedure as well. The technique that is most appropriate in your specific case will be defined during your consultation with Dr. Hall.

What should I expect during recovery?

After surgery, dressings will be applied to any incisions, and a support garment may be worn to aid in support and reduce swelling. A small tube may also be placed to drain any excess fluid or blood that collects. Dr. Hall will give you specific instructions for breast surgery recovery, and it is imperative that you follow them for a rapid and safe recovery.

“Dr. Hall and all of his staff are very welcoming and supportive. In addition, I am extremely pleased with the results of my procedure. I have already referred a friend to Dr. Hall!”

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