Our board-certified gynecomastia surgeons in Miami restore men’s natural chest contours. This simple male breast reduction surgery addresses the surplus of fat on the male chest, improves its appearance, and quickly restores confidence in men suffering from gynecomastia.
WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?
Gynecomastia refers to a surplus of breast gland tissue on the male chest. Although breast hypertrophy affects up to 70% of men to different extents in their lifetime, it causes significant physical and psychological discomfort. Icon Cosmetic Center’s male breast reduction procedure achieves three main goals:
- Removes excess fat and glandular tissue in the breasts
- Firms and flattens the chest for a traditionally masculine appearance
- Repositions and resizes the areola to match the new chiseled chest
MALE BREAST REDUCTION CANDIDATES
Gynecomastia surgery candidates include males who are experiencing physical discomfort or unhappy with the appearance of their oversized breasts. Patients should be in good general health and not smoke, use marijuana, steroids, or consume excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages. While there is no set age or weight limit, the ideal male breast reduction candidate will be within his ideal weight range and have sufficient skin elasticity to undergo the procedure.
While gynecomastia more commonly affects boys between 13 and 17, they usually outgrow it. Younger males may benefit from gynecomastia surgery, but secondary procedures may be necessary if breast development continues. Patients must commit to a healthy lifestyle to maintain their weight and avoid any medications or substances that could initiate breast regrowth following their reduction procedure.
GYNECOMASTIA IN MEN
Gynecomastia is characterized by swollen breast tissue in boys and men. This condition causes the male breasts to become enlarged and form what would be colloquially known as “man boobs.” Gynecomastia usually occurs when a man’s body produces more estrogen than testosterone, but it can also be caused by other conditions, steroids, or medications. If a man’s breasts are enlarged due to fat accumulation and weight gain instead of a hormonal imbalance, this would be called “pseudogynecomastia.” Males with pseudogynecomastia typically do not suffer from other symptoms aside from fatty breast tissue, whereas gynecomastia patients tend to experience these common complications:
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Heightened nipple sensitivity
- Diminished sex drive
Rarer symptoms of gynecomastia include:
- Itchiness in the nipple and armpit
- Secretion of blood from the nipple
- Discharge of fluid similar to breast milk
If you are experiencing these symptoms and complications, consult with our doctors to address the causes and evaluate if you are an eligible candidate for a gynecomastia surgery in Miami.
GYNECOMASTIA GRADES
The stages of gynecomastia
Grade I
Minor breast enlargement with localized tissue deposits concentrated around the areola.
Grade II
Moderate breast enlargement that surpasses the boundaries of the areola without skin excess.
Grade III
Moderate breast enlargement that surpasses the boundaries of the areola with minor skin excess.
Grade IV
Marked breast enlargement with noticeable skin excess and feminization of the breasts.
GYNECOMASTIA VS. BREAST FAT
Female-like breasts in men, informally known as “man boobs,” develop for various reasons. Gynecomastia, a form of male breast hypertrophy, is ordinarily caused by a hormonal imbalance. It is often confused with pseudogynecomastia, also known as fatty gynecomastia, which is fat accumulation in the chest. Both conditions enlarge men’s breasts and can occur to males of all ages. However, one sign of true gynecomastia is pain and sensitivity in the nipples.
Gynecomastia patients often report pain and discomfort when the firm mound of glandular tissue beneath the areola is touched; they also suffer from other symptoms that patients with pseudogynecomastia do not experience. Pseudogynecomastia patients have evenly enlarged breasts that can be remediated with weight loss or liposuction. In contrast, patients suffering from true gynecomastia have more projected breasts that can only be remediated by treating the cause and performing male breast reduction surgery to repair the damage.
GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY STEPS
The procedural steps of a male breast reduction, also known as gynecomastia surgery, vary depending on the patient’s needs. Liposuction alone will remove chest fat in pseudogynecomastia patients. However, patients suffering from true gynecomastia must undergo a male breast reduction to streamline their chest; this procedure may include liposuction and an excision based on the severity of their breast hypertrophy. The procedure steps of typical gynecomastia surgery in Miami at our cosmetic clinic are:
Anesthesia
Gynecomastia surgery is performed under general anesthesia and does not require overnight hospitalization. Your vitals such as heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate will be monitored before, during, and after your male breast reduction procedure.
Liposuction
Liposuction alone successfully remediates pseudogynecomastia since it is caused by the overabundance of fatty tissue. The surgeon inserts a small tube, or cannula, into small incisions underneath the areolas to directly suction out excess fat from the breasts.
Excision
To correct gynecomastia, the surgeon creates small oval-shaped incisions on the lower half of the areolas and eliminates the glandular breast tissue beneath the nipple. Depending on its severity, surgical excisions and liposuction are used simultaneously.
Male Areola Reduction
A male breast reduction also includes areola reduction and repositioning. Since the procedure involves eliminating excess fat and tissue and tautening the skin to some degree, the areola must be reduced and rearranged to fit the new chest.
Recovery and Discharge
Gynecomastia surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours to complete depending on the scope of work. You will be wheeled to Icon Cosmetic Center’s state-of-the-art recovery center, where a licensed nurse will help ease you out of anesthesia before discharge.
MALE BREAST REDUCTION RECOVERY
The first week of recovery from gynecomastia surgery is usually the most challenging since pain and swelling peak in the first 48 hours. Your board-certified surgeon will prescribe pain medication to alleviate discomfort. You should rest the first week after surgery and avoid bending or lifting your arms above your head. Other vigorous activities that increase blood pressure must be avoided for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Depending on the scope of your procedure, you may have a surgical drain for the first few days to help discharge the excess fluid and blood. It is essential to wear your compression vest 24/7 for the first month after gynecomastia surgery; it reduces swelling, maintains contours, and facilitates skin retraction. Most patients with a sedentary job can commence work after one week, but your gynecomastia surgeon will advise when it would be best for you to return if otherwise.
GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY RESULTS
Your final results after gynecomastia surgery will be fully apparent 3 to 6 months after the procedure. Your chest will appear trim and contoured once post-surgical swelling subsides, and your areolas will be lifted and possibly reduced to match your new chiseled chest. Gynecomastia surgery produces permanent results so long as you maintain your body weight and avoid consuming substances or medications that might trigger breast regrowth.
BEFORE AND AFTER A GYNECOMASTIA MIAMI
MALE BREAST REDUCTION COST IN MIAMI
The cost of a male breast reduction in Miami ranges between $3,000 to $8,000 USD at Icon Cosmetic Center. Pricing depends on the patient’s needs; whether liposuction alone is required to remediate the chest or if surgery must be combined with liposuction for more extreme cases.