Combined Procedures

About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia (oversized male breasts) is the result of an imbalance in the levels of testosterone and estrogen in the male body. This condition can cause a great deal of embarrassment and frustration.

The male hormonal pattern can also manifest itself with so called “love handles”. This represents excess adipose tissue (fat) in the tummy, waist and lower back areas. Often it is hereditary, occurring not only in overweight people, but in body builders and fitness instructors who may also have gynecomastia. This kind of patient is obviously lean and fit, but can not get rid of the excess fat in the “love handles” area.

The gynecomastia condition can be true gynecomastia, which involves removal of the glandular tissue of the chest with or without liposuction, or it can be what is known as pseudogynecomastia. This condition looks much like real gynecomastia, but has no medical reason for being there except for the patient being overweight. As with true gynecomastia, there are various reasons for its occurrence. Both cases can range from side effects from prescription medication, to the use of recreational drugs, and onset of puberty, or an underlying medical condition.

Every case is different, and each person will require a different amount of tissue removal. A board certified plastic surgeon with specific experience in male breast surgery can determine if the patient is a suitable candidate for male breast reduction by liposuction alone, glandular excision, or a combination of both. Men who suffer from large areolas may notice that after breast surgery, the skin of the chest muscles will tighten, causing the areolas to tighten and diminish in size. This is a result of the removal of glandular and/or adipose tissue.

Gynecomastia Combined with Liposuction

Surgical correction of enlarged male breasts can be done simultaneously with liposuction of other areas such as the abdomen, waist and back. Liposuction, also known as Liposculpture surgery, is performed to remove unwanted localized fat deposits. This surgical technique helps to improve body contours by removing excess fat (adipose) tissue from deposits located between the skin and muscle.

Ideal Candidates

If you want to address gynecomastia and excess stubborn fatty tissue in a single procedure, you may be an ideal candidate for this combination of techniques. The best candidates are already at or near their ideal weight and are in search of spot reduction.

You must be in good overall health and a non-smoker before you undergo surgery, since this lessens the chance of complications. Smokers must quit several weeks before the date of their operation.

Your Consultation

Your consultation for combined procedures will involve a physical examination of your chest and the other areas that you would like contoured. Diagnostic and imaging tests may be requested to properly assess your gynecomastia. Dr. Blau will assess your medical history, especially underlying conditions and current medications.

A treatment plan will be created for your specific concerns. Photographs may be taken for before-and-after comparison. You will be told about the steps of your procedure and what to expect after the surgery.

The Procedure

A stainless steel suction tube, called a cannula, is inserted through a tiny incision. The cannula removes fat by means of a powerful suction pump. It is inserted into the fat through small incisions in the skin. When possible, the incision is made in one of the body’s natural skin creases thereby minimizing the appearance of the resulting scar. The fat tissue is suctioned out creating tiny tunnels through the fatty layers. After surgery, these tiny tunnels collapse and thus altering the body contour. The amount of time for liposuction surgery with gynecomastia surgery will depend on the extent of tissue needing to be removed in addition to where the removal of tissue needs to take place. If only a small amount is required for removal, it can take approximately an hour, but if larger amounts and more areas are required, surgery can last four or more hours.

Results

Examples of glandular tissue excision combined with liposuction of the back and waist can be seen in the attached pictures. The “before and after” gynecomastia liposuction photos are a sampling of Dr. Blau’s surgical results.

As with all cosmetic surgery, results will be rewarding if expectations are realistic. As with any surgery, there are some risks which your doctor will discuss with you.

Photos Courtesy of Dr. Mordcai Blau, M.D., P.C. ~ Individual results may vary.

* Individual results may vary.

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The Recovery Process

After your surgery, you may need up to six weeks or more for downtime and recovery depending on your body’s ability to heal itself. Bruising, swelling, numbness, and pain may be experienced. You will be asked to wear compression garments to facilitate faster healing.

After a week, you can start doing light exercises. You may go back to your normal exercise routine after your surgeon has given you clearance to do so.

The Cost of Combined Procedures

The cost of combined procedures for gynecomastia treatment and fat reduction varies from one patient to another. The overall price includes the anesthesia, size and number of treated areas, and total surgical time.

Schedule Your Consultation

Find out more about addressing male enlarged breasts and stubborn body fat with combined procedures in White Plains, NY. Contact Dr. Blau today to schedule your consultation.