Gynecomastia, often referred to as man boobs, can leave men feeling self-conscious about their bodies. It can make you uncomfortable in locker rooms or while going to the beach and resort to oversized clothes to hide your body. At the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads, we offer gynecomastia surgery to help you regain self-assurance by removing excess breast tissue and sculpting a more masculine chest.
The Cause & Impact
of Male Breasts
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue. It happens to a lot of men and can lead to a significant impact on self-esteem and body image. The excess breast tissue can range from a small, localized lump to more extensive enlargement, resembling female breasts. This can occur at any age, from puberty through adulthood, and it’s often caused by an imbalance of hormones. Specifically, an increase in estrogen (a female hormone) or a decrease in testosterone (a male hormone) can trigger the development of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Surgery Treats:
- Enlarged male breast tissue
- Imbalanced hormone-related breast growth
- Excess fat and glandular tissue in the chest
- Disproportionate chest contour
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, often referred to as male breast reduction surgery, is a cosmetic procedure that addresses the enlargement of male breast tissue. This surgical intervention aims to sculpt a more masculine chest contour by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and skin. It’s a highly effective solution for individuals who have struggled with the physical and emotional discomfort associated with gynecomastia.
During the procedure, our plastic surgeons make small incisions around the areola or in inconspicuous locations to access and remove the excess tissue. Liposuction may be used to eliminate excess fat, while excision techniques remove glandular tissue. The extent of surgery required depends on the severity of the gynecomastia. Gynecomastia surgery offers relief and a boost in self-confidence, allowing you to feel more comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Patient Testimonials
”The staff and physician were friendly and caring in addressing questions about an upcoming surgery. Appointments were easily made and in a timely manner. At all times I felt comfortable and confident with their surgical skill and competence!
-W.D.
Advantages of Gynecomastia Surgery:
- Improved chest contour and a more masculine appearance
- Enhanced self-confidence and body image
- Reduction or elimination of breast tenderness or discomfort
- Long-lasting results
- Minimal scarring, as incisions are strategically placed
- Potential relief from emotional distress associated with gynecomastia
- A customizable approach to address varying degrees of breast enlargement
- Quick recovery, with most patients returning to normal activities within a few weeks
- Effective treatment for both glandular and fatty gynecomastia
- The opportunity to wear a wider range of clothing styles without self-consciousness
Excess Breast Tissue vs. Excess Fat Tissue
Gynecomastia is characterized by increased glandular breast tissue, leading to a more firm and often tender chest. It’s typically caused by hormonal imbalances or medical conditions and can occur even in lean individuals. In contrast, male breasts with excess fat tissue are primarily the result of being overweight, where excess fat accumulates in the chest area. These breasts tend to be soft and result from overall body fat distribution.
To differentiate between true gynecomastia and fat-related breast enlargement, there’s a simple test you can perform. Pinch the chest area between your thumb and forefinger. If you feel a firm, rubbery lump beneath the nipple, it’s more likely to be gynecomastia. On the other hand, if the chest tissue feels uniformly soft, it’s probably a result of excess fat. Regardless of the cause of breast enlargement, our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you achieve a more masculine chest, whether through gynecomastia surgery, liposuction, or both.
Gynecomastia
Before & After
*Each patient is unique, and individual results may vary.
Gynecomastia Surgery in Hampton Roads
Before surgery, you’ll meet with your board-certified plastic surgeon for a thorough consultation. Your surgeon will discuss your goals, assess the extent of your gynecomastia, determine if your male breasts are primarily caused by excess glandular tissue or fat tissue, and develop a personalized surgical plan. On the day of the procedure, you’ll be administered anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery.
Your surgeon will make small incisions strategically placed either around the areola or in other inconspicuous locations to minimize visible scarring. The choice of incision will depend on the severity of your condition. Through these incisions, excess glandular tissue and fat are carefully removed. For excess fat cells, the surgeon may insert a tube-like device called a cannula to suction away excess fat tissues from the region.
Once the excess tissue has been removed and the chest contour is improved, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures. A compression garment is typically placed over the treated area to reduce swelling and promote optimal healing. Gynecomastia surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. While some swelling and discomfort are expected, these symptoms can be managed with prescribed medications. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks.
Request Your
Appointment Today
Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads is committed to helping you achieve a masculine chest. If you’re ready to take the next step with gynecomastia surgery, request your appointment today. Our experienced team of board-certified plastic surgeons will provide a personalized consultation, answer your questions, and guide you through the process. Let us help you achieve a masculine chest so you can feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.
