Many men struggle with a condition called gynecomastia, which is characterized by an enlargement of breast tissue. The men who have this condition may find that they develop breasts that are large and potentially uneven. The condition may be caused by a number of different factors, including hormonal changes.

No matter the cause of gynecomastia, the effects can include feelings of awkwardness and embarrassment. Fortunately, the condition can be mediated through plastic surgery. To learn more about gynecomastia, we welcome you to visit Veritas Plastic Surgery in Walnut Creek, CA, where Dr. Vivian Ting will walk you through different treatment options.

Why Some Men Choose to Have Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia is generally considered a benign condition, and the enlarged breast tissue is not cancerous or otherwise hazardous. If, however, your breast enlargement weighs heavily on your confidence or self-esteem, then seeking a surgical intervention may be best for your overall wellbeing. Gynecomastia surgery is generally very straightforward, and the recovery time is fairly brief. Once fully healed, you will have a notable reduction in breast volume, helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your own body.

Your Initial Consultation

The first appointment with Dr. Ting will include a full assessment of your medical history, as well as a physical examination.

Dr. Ting will look for underlying conditions that could contribute to your gynecomastia. For example, the condition may be caused by specific medications you are taking. If that is the case, you may not need surgery, and it may be possible to eliminate your symptoms through a simple change in medication.

If you require surgical intervention, Dr. Ting will verify that you are a good candidate for the procedure and answer any questions about the surgery.

What to Expect from Gynecomastia Surgery

Excess breast tissue is removed from the body during gynecomastia surgery, leading to a flatter, more contoured chest. The surgery may involve either liposuction, surgical excision, or a combination of both, depending on the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed.

In some instances, breast enlargement may stretch out the areola, and male breast reduction surgery can reduce or reposition the areola as needed.

Your gynecomastia surgery will be performed under either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, ensuring that you are not awake to experience any pain or discomfort

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

For most men, the most challenging part of gynecomastia recovery is the need to wear a compression garment. This garment is necessary to reduce swelling and support your chest’s new contour while it heals. Dr. Ting always stresses the importance of compression during the six-week post-op recovery period to achieve optimal results. As such, she will provide careful instruction about wearing your compression garment, as well as guidelines for caring for the incision site.

You will need to spend a few days resting and recovering from your procedure and preventing any strain around your chest or breast area. Most men feel fairly normal within a week. While some soreness can be expected, prescription and over-the-counter remedies can minimize discomfort.

Before and After

For men struggling with the effects of gynecomastia, surgical intervention can make a world of difference. See for yourself by browsing our gynecomastia before and after gallery.