Gynecomastia Surgery - NJ Treatment Options for Male Chest Sculpting
At William Franckle, MD, FACS, we handle a broad range of surgical procedures dealing with both the face and body. One of our more common procedures is male breast reduction surgery necessitated by gynecomastia. Below, you can find more information on gynecomastia and what you can expect before, during, and after male chest sculpting.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged breasts in men. Approximately 15 million males in the United States experience gynecomastia at any given time. It can be found in either one breast or both, and it can sometimes cause a noticeable imbalance in the size of the breasts. Though it is often a painless condition, men who suffer from it may experience feelings of embarrassment or shyness.
Male Chest Sculpting Surgical Procedures
Fortunately, there are techniques already developed that can reduce the excess fat or breast tissue from the chest. Dr. Franckle performs male chest sculpting by utilizing excision, liposuction, and a combination of both to reshape the chest into a more natural and masculine form.
Liposuction: Microcannulas are employed to reduce the dense breast tissue and fatty tissue found in the normal male breast. If the breast is too dense for the regular liposuction procedure, scalpel removal is utilized.
Excision: This procedure is when the male breast gland is removed from the body. It is removed through a small incision around the areola, leaving only a tiny scar.
Ideal Candidates for Male Breast Reduction
Ideal candidates for male chest sculpting are those whose other medications or treatments have not helped, are not suffering from a life-threatening disease or illness, and are non-smokers. Other qualities for an ideal candidate include a positive outlook, realistic goals, being physically fit, and maintaining a healthy weight. Teenagers may also be candidates for these procedures, though additional surgeries may be required if the breasts develop further in the future.
How Much Does Male Chest Sculpting Cost
A male chest sculpting or male breast reduction procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally speaking, the cost to treat gynecomastia will cost $5,000-$8,000.
We offer a number of patient financing options through reputable financial companies to help you plan for your male breast reduction. Before you apply, we recommend that you first discuss your needs with our patient coordinator, Bianca. She can help you with the application process and discuss any special offers that come up from time to time. We also accept personal checks, cashier’s checks, cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We want to make the process as simple for you as possible, so please reach out to us in advance if you have any questions.
How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery
The success of your gynecomastia surgery depends greatly on you being candid with your surgeon during your consultation. You may be asked questions about your desires, lifestyle, and health. In addition to having to participate in a consultation with your surgeon, you may also be asked to:
- Stop smoking
- Get lab work or other forms of medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements because they may increase bleeding
Additionally, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery, as well as someone to stay with you for a few nights after your procedure.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
After your gynecomastia procedure, dressings and bandages will be applied to your incisions, as well as an elastic bandage or other support garments that will be used to help minimize swelling and support your new chest while you heal. In order to drain any excess fluid or blood that may collect after surgery, a small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under your skin. You will also be given instructions on how to take care of your surgical sites and drains, medications to aid the healing process and reduce the potential for infection, and specific concerns to look for at your surgical sites. It is essential that you follow your surgeon’s instructions after being sent home and attend all follow-up visits as scheduled.
FAQ's
FAQs About Gynecomastia
The condition occurs when there is an imbalance in a man’s hormone levels. This causes him to have a decreased amount of testosterone compared to estrogen. This imbalance can be caused by some factors, including age, side effects of medications and other drugs, health conditions, or herbal products.
Though the most common symptom of gynecomastia is the swelling of the breasts, there are other symptoms to be aware of. These include soreness and pain, tenderness, and nipple discharge. For those experiencing any or all of these symptoms, it is highly recommended to seek medical assistance to determine if this is a chronic condition that needs treatment.
In most cases, the symptoms of gynecomastia will go away as the hormones balance out, whether that happens naturally over time, through the use of prescription medication, or by treating the underlying health condition.
In some instances, the swelling of the breasts will persist even after the underlying issues have been resolved. If that is the case, then it is recommended that patients seek surgical treatment to reduce the breast size to standard. These surgeries are intended to provide the patient with a flatter chest and a more masculine figure.
Dr. Franckle, and his trusted associates, are here to help you with all your male chest sculpting needs. To get more information on gynecomastia and possible treatments, call us at (856) 772-6500 to request your consultation today.