Gynecomastia in Florida

Benefits of Gynecomastia

Men who undergo gynecomastia treatment are more comfortable in their bodies and participating in activities that previously made them feel self-conscious. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a T-shirt or baring your chest at the beach. Many patients achieve their desired results with only one or two treatments.

Is Gynecomastia Right for Me?

Gynecomastia surgery candidates include:

• Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
• Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers and non-drug users
• Men who are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
• Men whose breast development has stabilized
• Men who are bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too large

Adolescents may benefit from surgery although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue. You may be a good candidate for gynecomastia procedures if you have realistic expectations and a positive outlook.

Elements of a Gynecomastia

A gynecomastia procedure includes the following steps:

• Step 1 – Anesthesia
  Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The options include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you.
• Step 2 – Liposuction
  If your gynecomastia case is primarily due to excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions.
  The cannula is moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is then removed from the body using vacuum suction. Your plastic surgeon may determine an alternative liposuction technique, which may be more appropriate to your case prior to your treatment.
• Step 3 – Excision
  In some cases, it may be necessary to remove excess glandular breast tissue or excess skin. There are several techniques used to accomplish this. Your plastic surgeon will also determine the best incision pattern to ensure your surgery is successful. Excision is also necessary if the areola is reduced or the nipple is repositioned for a more natural, balanced appearance.
  Many gynecomastia patients receive both liposuction and excision though some patients may only require one or the other.
• Step 4 – See the Results
  You will be able to see results immediately after your procedure. Bandages or dressings will be applied to your incisions to ensure proper healing. Support garments may also be used to minimize swelling and to support the new contours of your chest. Continued healing will take place over the next few weeks and months, and you will continue to notice a subtle improvement during this time.

How Involved Is the Gynecomastia Procedure?

Each procedure is unique to the patient. Plan on having someone available to drive you home and help around the house your first night. Be sure to avoid any contact sports or strenuous activity during the weeks immediately following your procedure. Your surgeon will advise you on when you can resume your regular activities and more strenuous ones.

How Long Is the Recovery After Gynecomastia Procedure?

The initial recovery period is several weeks while the surgical sites heal and your body adjusts to its new shape. Your incisions will be closed with sutures, and your surgeon may also use surgical glue or other skin adhesives. A dressing or bandage will cover any incision sites. A small, thin tube may be placed under the skin to ensure proper drainage of any excess fluids that may collect. You may also wear a support garment to help maintain the new contours of your chest during the healing process.

It is important to follow your doctor’s care instructions carefully to ensure the success of your surgery. You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

How Much Does a Gynecomastia Procedure Cost?

Prices will vary based on your individual case. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide you with additional information during your consultation. Your procedure cost will vary widely depending on the expertise of the surgeon, the extent of the procedure and your geographic location.

Many plastic surgeons offer payment and financing options for patients, be sure to ask your surgeon’s office for more information.

Questions To Ask Your Gynecomastia Surgeon

Before your gynecomastia procedure, have an honest conversation with your doctor about any questions and concerns you may have. Some questions you may ask include:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my surgery?
• Do you have before and after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?

What Should I Do Next?

The first and most important thing to do is to select a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) that you can trust. ASPS surgeons meet rigorous standards. They are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS), and each surgeon has completed at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training.

Other standards required for ABPS surgeons includes:

• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
• Graduate from an accredited medical school
• Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
• Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities

Do not be confused by other official sounding boards and certifications. The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS recognized certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.

By choosing a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the ABPS.

If you are uncomfortable or self-conscious about your chest or have developed enlarged male breasts, consider gynecomastia by a board-certified plastic surgeon.