Gynecomastia

If excess chest tissue and fat is causing discomfort or embarrassment, gynecomastia surgery is a safe and effective option for restoring a firmer and more masculine appearance to the chest. 

For men suffering with gynecomastia, a condition that causes excess breast tissue and fat, even the daily activities can leave you feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable. You may find your clothes don't fit, or you may experience chafing, or feel very self-conscious whenever you take your shirt off. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts. It is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, which can be a result of genetics, aging, diet or lifestyle. Gynecomastia affects more than 40% of adult men, so you're not alone. The good news is you don’t have to live with it.

What to Expect

Gynecomastia surgery  is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or with IV sedation and local anesthesia. In minor to moderate cases of gynecomastia, when only excess fat is involved, Dr. Schleicher will use liposuction to remove excess fat and flatten the chest. In this type of case, small incisions will be made in the armpit and a small tube called a cannula will be used to remove fatty deposits and sculpt a more masculine chest contour.

If you have an excess of glandular tissue rather than just fat, liposuction alone will not give you the best result. Since glandular tissue is more dense and fibrous than fat, it will need to be removed surgically. In this case, an additional incision will be made either in the armpit or around the lower edge of the areola and Dr. Schleicher will remove the excess glandular tissue and reposition the nipple to ensure symmetry and a more masculine appearance.

We will send you home in a compression vest or chest wrapping and recommend that you wear it for a week or two after surgery to help reduce swelling and ensure the desired result. Your sutures will be removed approximately 7 to 10 days after surgery during a follow-up visit. You can expect to be back to work in approximately 8 days and to see final results in about a month.

Risks

Deciding if gynecomastia surgery is right for you and the specific risks involved can only be determined after a consultation with Dr. Schleicher . All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally, while major complications are unusual. If you're interested in more information on gynecomastia surgery or would like to know if you are a good candidate for the procedure, please schedule a free consultation (for cosmetic plastic surgery procedures only) by calling our office at 804-282-4940.

Billing & Payment

Gynecomastia surgery is considered cosmetic surgery and not covered by health insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.