Gynecomastia Treatment (Male Breast Reduction) in Miami, FL
Roughly 50 to 60 percent of men suffer at times from a condition known as gynecomastia, which results in an enlarged appearance of the breast tissue. Men with large breasts often feel self-conscious about their bodies and attempt to hide behind loose or baggy clothing–even on a trip to the beach. A male breast reduction can help to treat gynecomastia and provide men with a more masculine, well-contoured appearance of the chest.
What Is Male Breast Reduction?
Male breast reduction is a cosmetic surgery that is performed to reduce excess breast tissue and stubborn fat that causes an enlarged appearance of the chest. This condition is known as gynecomastia and affects men despite being at a healthy and stable weight.
Your surgery with Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini will vary depending on the severity of your gynecomastia and your goal outcome. During surgery, excess breast tissue will be removed to create a flatter, more masculine chest contour. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini may also use liposuction to reduce any stubborn areas of excess fat. Once the desired shape is achieved, if there is loose excess skin, it will be removed, and incisions will be closed.
Am I a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Male breast reduction is a great option for men struggling with gynecomastia who are unable to improve the contours of their chest through diet and exercise alone. Several factors are linked to causing gynecomastia, including:
- Genetics
- Hormonal changes
- Certain prescription medications (such as for prostate cancer, heart disease, HIV, and high blood pressure)
- Some health conditions (such as hypogonadism, kidney disease, tumors, etc.)
- Anabolic steroids
- Drug use
Obesity can also cause an enlarged or “feminine” appearance of the chest; however, Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini recommends that patients arrive near their goal weight before considering male breast reduction surgery.
How Do I Prepare for My Gynecomastia Surgery?
Before having your procedure, you should be in good overall health to ensure a smooth surgery and recovery. If you plan on losing weight, it’s best to have your surgery afterward, as this allows for the best possible results. Also, it’s important to know that if you gain weight after your surgery, your gynecomastia results will be affected. Maintaining a stable weight post-surgery is essential for the longevity of your results.
In the weeks leading up to your male breast reduction, your surgeon may ask you to get a lab test or medical evaluation to ensure that you are in good health. If you smoke, you will need to stop smoking a few weeks before surgery as well as a few weeks after to prevent the risk of infection and help your body heal faster. You should also avoid recreational drug use and drinking alcohol excessively. Additionally, depending on what your surgeon recommends, you may have to adjust certain medications you are taking. Lastly, you’ll want to plan to have someone drive you to and from your gynecomastia appointment and stay with you during your first night post-surgery to make sure you’re healing all right.
What to Expect During Your Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Once your male breast reduction surgery is complete, a compression garment will be provided to help reduce swelling, improve healing, and provide external compression for comfort. Your recovery time will vary based on the methods used to treat your gynecomastia. If your surgery consists only of liposuction for excess fat, you should be able to return to work within a few short days. If tissue excision is also performed during surgery, a few additional days off work may be required.
Within a week, you will be able to resume some or all exercise and activity as tolerated. However, for a few weeks after surgery, more strenuous activities and heavy lifting, such as resistance training, should be avoided. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini will provide you with her personal cell number to assist with any issues that may arise as quickly as possible.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in Miami, FL?
The cost of your gynecomastia surgery in Miami will depend on the extent of correction needed, what techniques are used (liposuction, tissue excision), your surgeon’s expertise, surgical fees, anesthesia fees, and recovery fees. The best way to find out how much your male breast reduction will cost is by coming in for a consultation, where we can provide you with a price quote based on your body and your goals.
Why Choose VK Cosmetic Surgical Arts for Male Breast Reduction?
When you have a male breast reduction at VK Cosmetic Surgical Arts, you are treated with the highest levels of care and compassion. Dr. Karlinsky-Bellini is triple board certified and highly experienced, so you know you’re in good hands. She also wants her patients to feel prioritized, so she gives them her personal cell number and is available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Ready for your male breast reduction consultation?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your chest due to excess breast tissue, we would love to discuss your options and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Give us a call at (305) 939-4532 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a private male breast reduction consultation with board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Victoria Karlinsky-Bellini. VK Cosmetic Surgical Arts is located in the Bay Harbor Islands in beautiful Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) FAQ
How can you tell if you have gynecomastia?
If you have enlarged breasts, you may have gynecomastia. Other symptoms include swollen breast tissue, tender and painful breasts, and increased nipple sensitivity.
Does insurance cover gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is usually categorized as cosmetic surgery, which unfortunately means it is rarely covered by insurance. Some insurance companies may be able to cover the cost if the surgery is deemed medically necessary for the individual.
How can someone shape their chest after gynecomastia surgery?
After the swelling goes down, you should be able to see your smooth, masculine chest contours from your gynecomastia surgery. However, some patients like to do chest-focused exercises—push-ups, bench presses, etc.— to enhance the appearance of their results. It should be noted that these exercises must be avoided during the recovery period, as your body needs to fully heal itself from the surgery before it undergoes intense workouts. Typically, patients are fully healed six weeks after surgery, but ask your surgeon to completely clear you for any strenuous activities.
Can you get rid of gynecomastia without surgery?
In some cases, gynecomastia may go away if it is the result of a puberty hormone imbalance. If a specific drug or medication use caused the gynecomastia, then stopping that medication may make the gynecomastia diminish. If you are over 21 years old and diet and exercise alone haven’t been enough to address your excess breast tissue, then gynecomastia surgery is the only solution that will remove it.
Is gynecomastia surgery painful?
Since gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia, you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After surgery, you may experience some discomfort in the treatment area, but this will lessen as you recover.
