Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Correction)

Gynecomastia is the medical term for male breast enlargement. This condition is not uncommon, affecting as many as 40 percent of young men as they enter puberty. In most cases the breast enlargement resolves on its own, but in some cases it persists, and may be worse if a man is overweight. Gynecomastia may affect only one or both of the breasts, and can be mild or severe. The majority of  cases have no known cause, while others may be related to the use of drugs or medical conditions. Use of marijuana or anabolic steroids can also cause gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can consist of predominantly firm glandular breast tissue, softer fatty tissue, or a combination of both. For men who feel self-conscious about their over-sized breasts, gynecomastia surgery can help restore confidence and a more masculine chest contour.

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Gynecomastia Correction Photos

1 of 6 Cases

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After (3 months post-op)

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After (6 months post-op)

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After (6 months post-op)

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Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) 112

This 29 year-old businessman came to Minneapolis Plastic Surgery for gynecomastia surgery (also known as gyno surgery). He is physically fit, works out regularly, and his breast tissues do not fluctuate with weight gain or loss. He does not have testicular or other hormone-producing tumor, and does not use steroids or take medications that can cause male breast growth. He does not use marijuana (can cause male breast enlargement). His breast enlargement has persisted since puberty, the most common form of male breast growth, and consists of mostly fibrous glandular tissue not suitable for liposuction, but still appropriate for periareolar (keyhole incision around the nipple area) excision, which leaves a nearly invisible scar. His outpatient operation took about 2 hours, and he was back to everyday activities the next day, and workouts in 3-4 weeks.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) 113

This 35 year-old farmer has been stable at this weight for some time, and is unable to exercise or diet enough to improve his chest, abdomen, and hips. He has become frustrated by his appearance, and came to Minneapolis Plastic Surgery for treatment of his predominantly fatty gynecomastia as well as excess subcutaneous fat of the abdomen and hip rolls. He underwent ultrasonic tumescent liposuction of these areas under a light general anesthetic as an outpatient procedure, and had a total of 6000g (13.2 lbs.) of fatty tissue removed. He returned to light activity after 4 days, and exercise in two weeks.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) 114

This 36 year-old gentleman has recently lost weight, but is still bothered by his male breast enlargement (gynecomastia). He also recently decided to re-enter competitive bodybuilding, and came to MPS for removal of his breast tissue, as well as ultrasonic liposuction of his lower abdomen and hip rolls ("love handles"). A small keyhole (periareolar) incision was used to excise the glandular and fatty breast tissue, and the chest fat was sculpted via liposuction around the periphery for optimum smoothness. His abdomen and hips were reduced with ultrasonic liposuction at the same outpatient operation. He returned to everyday activity the next day, and exercise at 3 weeks.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) 115

This 22 year-old gentleman is a medical student who has mixed fatty and glandular gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) unrelated to hormone-producing tumor, medications, or marijuana use, and has been present since puberty, when he was heavier. He has since lost weight, but his breasts did not completely go away, and he came to Minneapolis Plastic Surgery for surgical excision of the fibrous breast tissue, with liposculpture of the peripheral fatty tissue of the chest to smooth and even the contours of this area. All of this was done through periareolar (“keyhole”) incisions that healed nearly invisibly. His outpatient surgery was performed under a light general anesthetic at MPS's nationally-accredited (AAAASF) on-site outpatient surgical facility.

Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia) 116

This 39 year old gentleman came to Minneapolis Plastic Surgery for treatment of gynecomastia. He underwent excision and ultrasonic liposuction of his chest via small periareolar incisions under a light TIVA general anesthesia. Nearly ¾ lb. of tissue was removed from each side. His after photos were taken at 6 months post-op.

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Individual results may vary.

The best candidates for gynecomastia correction are healthy, emotionally stable men of any age who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape well after surgery. In most cases, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed, as well as the tone and elasticity of the skin, gynecomastia surgery can be done through an inconspicuous incision just at the edge of the areola (the dark skin around the nipple). This is sometimes termed “keyhole surgery.” Ultrasonic or power-assisted liposuction can be used when skin elasticity is good and the tissue to be removed is predominantly fatty. When the gynecomastia tissue is more fibrous (glandular in nature), liposuction alone will be insufficient, and surgical excision will be needed. Most men with gynecomastia will require a combination of these techniques for optimal improvement and smoothest contour.

In cases where there is excessive skin or larger breasts with poor skin tone, additional incisions will be necessary to reduce the loose or sagging breast skin. Obese or overweight men may be able to correct their breast enlargement with diet and exercise; otherwise, surgery will be necessary. Gynecomastia surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Our plastic surgeons may use local anesthesia, IV sedation plus local, or general anesthesia depending on the extent of your surgery. A drain may be necessary in some cases, and patients will need to wear a compression vest or bandage until tissues heal and reconfigure to their new sculpted shape. Exercise or strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 2-3 weeks to minimize risk of bleeding, irregularity in chest smoothness, or other complication.

Cost for Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery costs can depend on the extent and severity of male breast enlargement, and whether or not skin-reducing incisions are necessary, or if the unwanted breast tissue and fat can be removed via a periareolar incision. Costs for periareolar gynecomastia surgery, including liposuction contouring of adjacent areas for the smoothest results, is around $9000, inclusive of operating room, anesthesia, surgeon’s fees, and all post-operative care.  Smaller amounts of subareolar tissue removal may be possible under local anesthesia for lesser cost. More extensive skin-reducing gynecomastia operations may require up to four hours of surgery and can cost $15000 or more, dependent on anatomy and time of surgery. Exact costs are available at the time of complimentary consultation by our American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified plastic surgeons, who will examine you and determine your exact requirements. Financing options are available.

Because of the high demand for free consultations with our plastic surgeons, our staff will ask for a credit card number in order to schedule a consultation; there is no charge whatsoever for appointments that are kept–you will be charged $100 only if you fail to keep a scheduled appointment, or fail to cancel at least 48 hours in advance of your appointment time–for Monday appointments, you must cancel no later than noon on the previous Thursday; for Tuesday appointments, you must cancel by noon on the previous Friday.

To learn more about the cost of this procedure and determine whether or not it can help you, please schedule a no-obligation gynecomastia surgery consultation at Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD., serving the Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota area and beyond.