Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which men present with enlarged breast tissue. Often derogatorily called “man boobs”, it is usually caused by an imbalance of hormones in the body. This condition is best rectified through a male version of breast reduction. Gynecomastia surgery removes excess fat and breast tissue, creating a more masculine appearance, and can be done through surgical removal or liposuction in certain cases.

At Alluring Aesthetics, Dr. Wendie Grunberg performs many types of cosmetic surgery for patients in the San Antonio, TX area. She is a detail-oriented surgeon with extensive experience in aesthetic breast surgery, making her a great choice for your gynecomastia procedure.

Dr. Grunberg meets with every patient for a comprehensive consultation. To schedule yours, call our front office directly at (210) 714-5390, or fill out our contact form.

All About Gynecomastia and How To Treat It

Gynecomastia is caused by a variety of factors including hormone imbalance, genetic conditions, and prolonged use of certain medications. It can also be hereditary or weight-related. Most adult males do not experience symptoms or pain from gynecomastia, and the majority of patients seeking treatment are doing so for cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. ⁽¹⁾ The condition can present in both breasts or one and not the other, depending on the patient. It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable, often causing emotional distress, and preventing a person from doing or wearing what they want. Thankfully, gynecomastia surgery is an effective solution.

Gynecomastia Surgical Procedure

For patients who present with excess breast tissue and skin, surgical intervention is often necessary to treat gynecomastia and prevent further breast growth. Dr. Grunberg makes an incision around or underneath the areola and removes the excess breast tissue. In certain cases, this can lead to scars underneath the breasts that resemble breast reduction scars. Incision placement is completely dependent on the patient’s circumstances and Dr. Grunberg will determine the best position when creating her procedure plan. ⁽²⁾

Liposuction is typically performed in conjunction with surgical removal of tissue of skin around the breast. If this method is chosen, Dr. Grunberg performs liposuction first. During this process, fat cells are carefully removed with the use of a cannula (long, hollow needle) to avoid unnecessary damage to surrounding blood vessels. The cannula is inserted through tiny incisions surrounding the breast and the fat is suctioned out by a medical vacuum.

VASER Liposuction Procedure

VASERlipo® uses ultrasonic vibrations to break up the fat cells, making them even easier to remove by suction. The procedure combines ultrasonic energy with traditional liposuction practices to achieve better results with less invasive practices. Dr. Grunberg will assess whether you are a good candidate for VASER liposuction during your personal consultation.

Benefits of Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia treatment can: 

Patients living with gynecomastia often develop psychological symptoms and low self-esteem if the condition is not treated. But with one quick procedure, you can change things for the better. The ultimate goal of a gynecomastia procedure is to restore balance and symmetry to the chest, eliminating any embarrassment or self-consciousness caused by enlarged breast tissue. By addressing both the glandular tissue and excess fat, Dr. Grunberg achieves natural-looking results that enhance overall body proportion and symmetry.

Ideal Candidates

The population groups most prone to gynecomastia are infant males, pubescent males, and elderly males. This is because of normal changes in hormonal levels during these times. There are other causes, however, such as certain prescription medications. ⁽³⁾ While it does go away on its own in some cases, this procedure offers an option if it doesn’t.

Ideal candidates for gynecomastia treatment are:

To be eligible for this procedure, you must have reasonable expectations for what the treatment can achieve. Your body must also have finished developing to ensure the breast tissue does not continue to grow after the surgery.

Personal Consultation with Dr. Grunberg

Dr. Grunberg will meet with you to talk about your gynecomastia one-on-one at your first appointment at Alluring Aesthetics. It is best to be candid with her about your experience and perception of your condition in order for her to make a correct assessment. She will examine your chest and note the degree of excess tissue, which will inform her of the methods she will employ to remove it.

She will explain your entire procedure plan from start to finish, including how to prepare and recover well. After your meeting, a member of the Alluring Aesthetics staff will assist you in scheduling your surgery date and follow-up appointments with Dr. Grunberg. We will also provide detailed instructions on what to expect during the procedure and subsequent recovery.

How Do I Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery?

In order to best prepare for your procedure, you must quit smoking all tobacco and nicotine products to ensure a healthy and quick recovery. Dr. Grunberg may suggest alterations to your current medications and recommend substitutes that are safe to take before surgery. You should also refrain from using anti-inflammatories like aspirin and ibuprofen in the weeks before your appointment to limit the risk of excessive bleeding. We will provide any additional instructions after your initial consultation.

Gynecomastia Procedure

You will receive either general anesthesia or intravenous sedation depending on what you have discussed with Dr. Greenberg beforehand.

The first step in the procedure may involve liposuction, which is used to remove the excess fat deposits from the chest area. This can help to reduce the overall size and volume of the breasts. In cases where there is significant glandular tissue present, surgical excision may be necessary.

Once the excess breast tissue is removed, Dr. Grunberg sutures the skin carefully by placing the stitches along your natural chest contours. She then applies surgical dressings.

Depending on the extent of correction needed, the duration of the surgery may vary. The entire surgical procedure typically takes around 1 to 3 hours.

Recovery & Results

The recovery process is an essential part of the journey towards achieving optimal results. We will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions, including information on managing swelling and discomfort. It is vital to follow these guidelines carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.

As you heal, you will begin to notice the transformation in your chest area. The results of gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting, providing a permanent solution to enlarged male breasts. With improved body symmetry, enhanced self-confidence, and reduced psychological distress, you can enjoy a higher quality of life and an overall sense of well-being.

The results of gynecomastia treatment are considered permanent, but you must maintain a healthy body weight by way of exercise and a balanced diet in order to preserve your new contour. It is also important to wear sun protection whenever your scars are exposed to direct sunlight.

Complementary Procedures

Laser Hair Removal

To draw attention to your new chest contour, consider a non-invasive laser hair removal treatment using the Clear + Brilliant pélo system. This device utilizes scanning technology and a cooling system to perform minimally painful hair removal very quickly. Laser hair removal results last much longer than waxing or shaving, allowing patients more time in between treatments.

To increase your confidence and show off your improved upper body contour, laser hair removal is a great treatment option that offers beautiful results with little to no pain or time commitment. Once you are fully healed from your gynecomastia surgery, this treatment option can keep you looking your best.

For even more information about the services we provide, follow our blog.

Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery in San Antonio

Every patient has specific desires and circumstances, therefore total costs for gynecomastia treatment will differ from patient to patient. We will offer an accurate estimate for your unique situation during your private consultation. If you have any questions in the meantime, or you are ready to schedule your first appointment with us, contact us today or call (210) 714-5390 to get started.

FAQ

References

1. Costanzo PR, Pacenza NA, Aszpis SM, et al. Clinical and Etiological Aspects of Gynecomastia in Adult Males: A Multicenter Study. BioMed Research International. 2018;2018. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8364824
2. Zehetner A. Tamoxifen to treat male pubertal gynaecomastia. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2015;2(3-4):152-156. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2015.09.002
3. Niewoehner CB, Schorer AE. Gynaecomastia and breast cancer in men. BMJ. 2008;336(7646):709-713. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39511.493391.be