Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of breast tissue in men. (1) The term comes from the Greek words “gyne,” meaning woman, and “mastos,” meaning breast. This condition can occur due to hormonal imbalances, specifically involving testosterone and estrogen levels in the body. Other factors like diet, lifestyle, genetics, stress, and more can all contribute to this issue to varying degrees. (1)
This condition is fairly common among men. Many men who suffer from gynecomastia experience embarrassment or discomfort, often leading them to seek surgical intervention, also known as male breast reduction. This procedure is designed to reduce the size of enlarged male breasts, allowing individuals to look and feel more masculine and confident.
If you are interested in exploring your gynecomastia surgery options, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with Dr. John Millard. Dr. Millard and his team at Millard Plastic Surgery make up one of Denver’s leading plastic surgery practices. Through attentive, safety-oriented care, we have helped thousands of patients achieve results that improve their well-being, confidence, and quality of life.
Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule your appointment over the phone, please call our Englewood office directly at (303) 792-5665.
About Gynecomastia and When to Consider Surgery
Gynecomastia affects many men at different stages of life. (1) It is most commonly seen during puberty, but it can also occur later in life due to various factors such as hormonal changes, certain medications, and health conditions that alter hormone levels. Understanding the anatomy involved in gynecomastia can help clarify why breast tissue becomes enlarged. Male breast tissue is primarily glandular tissue, which can develop under certain hormonal influences. An imbalance between testosterone and estrogen—where testosterone levels are too low or estrogen levels are elevated—can cause this tissue to grow. (2) While gynecomastia itself is not a serious health concern, it can cause psychological distress or physical discomfort, often prompting patients to consider surgical options. (2)
When Should I Consider Surgery for Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia surgery is usually a combination of liposuction and excisional techniques. (2) It can be tremendously effective for many patients, but because it is a surgical procedure, it is important to consider all aspects. In some cases, lifestyle modifications, medications, exercise, dieting, and more can help men see improvements in their gynecomastia. For men who have not seen significant improvements after trying these methods, surgery may be the most effective option. Surgery will be a quicker, longer-lasting solution than many alternative methods.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo surgery for gynecomastia is your own. After considering the details of the procedure, the financial investment, the emotional and physical benefits, and more, you can take the next step in your gynecomastia treatment. If you are unsure if gynecomastia surgery is right for you, attending a personal consultation can offer clarity and insight into the procedure.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Undergoing gynecomastia treatment offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the physical changes. When patients undergo treatment at Millard Plastic Surgery, they often see results through:
- Improved self-esteem: Patients report heightened self-confidence after the procedure, thus feeling more comfortable without shirts in social settings.
- Enhanced physical appearance: The surgical correction of gynecomastia results in a flatter, firmer chest contour that aligns with typical male aesthetics.
- Reduction of physical discomfort: The surgery alleviates issues such as chafing, tenderness, and inflammation associated with gynecomastia.
- Long-lasting results: When performed correctly, results from gynecomastia surgery can be permanent, provided there are no significant weight fluctuations afterward.
- Freedom in clothing choices: Many individuals feel liberated to wear fitted clothing or go shirtless, free from self-consciousness.
- Surgical precision: The advanced techniques used in gynecomastia surgery ensure minimal scarring, enhancing outcomes.
- Boosted mental health: Positive body image can significantly affect overall mental health, reducing anxiety and depression related to self-image.
Candidates
Men of any age can be eligible for gynecomastia surgery. Depending on the level of discomfort (emotional or physical) presented by their condition, the severity of their condition, and a handful of other factors, surgery may be effective. All candidates should have attempted to address their gynecomastia through other methods before seeking surgery. Finally, candidates should be in good overall health and keep realistic expectations regarding their results. A consultation with Dr. Millard will help to further determine candidacy.
Personal Consultation
A personal consultation at Millard Plastic Surgery is crucial to determine if the gynecomastia surgical procedure is appropriate for you. Dr. Millard will take time to review your medical history, discuss your concerns regarding aesthetics, and conduct a thorough examination of the breast tissue.
The primary goal is to establish a customized treatment plan that meets your aesthetic aspirations. This meeting will also allow you to ask questions regarding the surgery, expected recovery time, and post-operative care.
Schedule your consultation today to get started. You can submit our online contact form to reach us or call our Englewood office directly at (303) 792-5665.
Preparation
Preoperative instructions will be provided to you during a pre-operative appointment to help you prepare and ensure a smooth process. Key considerations often include:
- Ceasing any blood thinners and certain supplements as directed.
- Avoiding nicotine use before and following the procedure to promote optimal healing (if applicable).
- Coordinating transport home after surgery.
- Arranging necessary time off work to allow adequate recovery.
Procedure
Gynecomastia surgery generally takes about two to three hours and can vary based on the individual’s anatomy and the extent of tissue removal required. We use “awake methods” for most of our procedures, meaning general anesthesia may not be required.
Incisions will be made in discreet locations on the chest to remove excess tissue. During gynecomastia surgery, Dr. Millard removes the entire gland; this step is extremely important to ensure that the breast tissue does not grow back in the same way. Other surgeons may overlook this, making it crucial that you choose an experienced, attentive surgeon like Dr. Millard.
After removing the entire gland, he performs liposuction of the chest and skin tightening. Dr. Millard specializes in using liposuction to address gynecomastia, in addition to excisional methods. In true gynecomastia, either glandular tissue is excised, or, depending on the patient, unwanted fat may be extracted through liposuction. Once all the desired adjustments are made, your incisions will be closed with sutures. Care is taken to minimize the visibility of scars. The choice of technique will be determined during your consultation, aligning with what best addresses your condition.
Recovery
After gynecomastia surgery, post-operative care is essential. Bruising and swelling are normal during this time. Resting is vital during recovery. When resting or sleeping, patients should keep their heads elevated to promote helpful circulation. Prescribed pain medications will help control discomfort during the initial days post-surgery. Return visits to Dr. Millard’s office will ensure proper healing is monitored and stitches are removed if necessary. With adequate care, most patients can resume normal activities and return to work within a week.
Results
Once fully healed, patients can expect a flat, sculpted appearance in the chest area that enhances their physique in both shirts and when at leisure. Long-term results tend to be lasting, provided that there are no drastic weight changes. While minor scarring may remain, it will typically fade significantly over time.
Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in Denver
The total cost of your gynecomastia treatment will depend on your personal goals, the scale of the procedure, your medical history, and a handful of other factors. After you meet with Dr. Millard to discuss your goals, you will receive a comprehensive price estimate. Our practice also offers financing options to help all patients better access their treatments.
Schedule your consultation today to learn more about gynecomastia surgery and explore your options. If you have any further questions, please call our office directly at (303) 792-5665.
FAQ
What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be caused by hormonal imbalances, such as elevated estrogen or reduced testosterone, medication side effects, or other health conditions affecting hormonal balance.
Does gynecomastia always require surgery?
Not always. Some cases may resolve naturally, especially during puberty. Lifestyle changes or hormonal therapies may also be sufficient for some men.
Can I get rid of my gynecomastia with exercise?
Some patients find they are able to reduce the appearance of their gynecomastia with exercise. However, because the condition is often linked to hormonal causes, it can be difficult for many men to see substantial results with exercise alone. This is one of the reasons why many patients with gynecomastia seek surgical methods for treating their gynecomastia. The procedure provides lasting results and allows patients to achieve a more masculine chest.
Are the results of gynecomastia surgery permanent?
Yes, in most cases, male breast reduction provides long-lasting results, given that no significant weight gain or hormonal shifts occur afterward.
Will gynecomastia surgery leave scars?
There may be some scarring depending on incision placement. However, Dr. Millard uses advanced techniques to minimize visibility.
When can I resume activities after gynecomastia surgery?
While many patients return to work within a week, full recovery may take a few weeks, during which heavy lifting or strenuous exercise should be avoided.
References
- Vandeven HA, Pensler JM. Gynecomastia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/
- Swerdloff RS, Chiu Ming Ng. Gynecomastia: Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Nih.gov. Published July 7, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279105/