Gynecomastia Surgery Houston

Some men may develop excess tissue in their chest during adolescence or with weight gain that results in a mound of tissue that has an appearance similar to a woman’s breast. Known as gynecomastia, this condition accounts for roughly 65 percent of male breast disorders. It is often caused by a hormonal imbalance, the use of steroids, weight gain, or certain medications containing estrogen.

Men who suffer from gynecomastia are often embarrassed by the appearance of their chest. They are often self-conscious when wearing some types of clothing as well as when they are without a shirt. While some men will attempt to improve the appearance of their chest with exercise, diet, or weight loss, gynecomastia usually persists without improvement. Fortunately, men suffering from this condition can have gynecomastia permanently corrected through male breast reduction surgery known as gynecomastia surgery.

Gynecomastia surgery is a minimally invasive form of male breast reduction surgery that is able to remove small to moderate amounts of fat and breast tissue in the male chest area to allow the male pectoralis muscles to assume a more natural, masculine appearance and contour. Gynecomastia surgery may be a one or two-step procedure performed during one operation and is a permanent, highly effective male breast reduction surgery that can greatly improve the appearance of the patient’s chest.

During a gynecomastia surgery consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will take time to understand the patient’s history with this problem as well as the patient’s goals. Dr. Lapuerta will examine the patient, including a manual breast exam to assess for any potential cysts or masses that should be further evaluated by biopsy or ultrasound prior to surgery. While rare, men can develop breast cancer, therefore, it is important to do a thorough exam during the consultation. Additionally, should anything concerning be found during surgery, Dr. Lapuerta always sends any suspicious tissue to pathology for further assessment. Based on the physical exam, Dr. Lapuerta will clearly explain whether a one or two-part gynecomastia surgery is needed or whether a full male breast reduction surgery is recommended. He will answer questions like, “Can gynecomastia go away with exercise?” and “Will the issue come back after surgery?”

For men with mild gynecomastia, liposuction to the chest wall tissue mound provides excellent results. A small incision is made around the areola and a small, narrow liposuction cannula (suction tube) is placed through this opening. This allows for good access to the excess tissue while providing a small incision which is easy to hide and heals very well with little visible scarring. Dr. Lapuerta will first inject a solution of fluid with local anesthesia and a medication that minimizes bleeding to the area. This fluid is allowed to remain in the area for a period of time to offer maximum benefit when removing the excess tissue. The liposuction cannula is then placed through the same incision, where Dr. Lapuerta is able to remove the mound of excess tissue and taper the area so that the natural, masculine form and contour of the pectoralis chest muscles is revealed.

Some patients who have a firm, central area of breast tissue that is located mainly under the areola will require a second step during this surgery. For those patients, in addition to liposuction, Dr. Lapuerta will make an incision along the lower border of the areola and will excise or cut out this breast tissue. The incision is closed with suture and the scar is well hidden in the lower border of the areola and leaves minimal visible scarring. Patients with moderate to severe or severe gynecomastia surgery are more appropriate candidates for a full male breast reduction surgery.

If you’re considering gynecomastia surgery in Houston, Texas, you want to find a reputable plastic surgeon with experience in men’s breast surgery. They should stay up to date on the latest techniques to give you the best options for the results you want.

Dr. Lapuerta has more than 20 years of experience in plastic surgery. As a board certified surgeon, he takes continuing education classes to maintain his credentials and to stay up-to-date on new methods to help men achieve their goals with breast reduction. Dr. Lapuerta has received specialized training for gynecomastia treatment and can offer options to his patients. After assessing their needs, he develops a personalized treatment plan for each patient.

When you attend the pre-surgery consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Lapuerta. You can find out more about the surgery, the anesthesia, and the recovery process. He’ll explain the procedure and show you where incisions will be made. He’ll offer tips to help minimize scarring and encourage a faster healing process. The surgery usually takes one or two hours in an outpatient setting. You’ll need a driver to take you home afterward and be limited on activity. Rest is critical for the next 24 hours after the procedure.

Following surgery, there will be some swelling, and a compression garment should be worn for six weeks. Pain associated with gynecomastia surgery is minimal. Dr. Lapuerta will prescribe pain medication for post-surgical pain. However, most patients find the pain can be easily controlled with over-the-counter Tylenol/Acetaminophen.

Patients return to the office for follow-up two weeks after surgery, and the sutures are removed at that time. Most patients are able to resume normal work schedules within a few days and can resume full, regular activity, including exercise, after six weeks. Men are able to feel more confident in clothing within a few days after surgery, and after six weeks, most will feel confident without a shirt on. However, it is important to remember that the optimal, final results can take up to six months to be seen.

The cost of gynecomastia surgery for male breast reduction varies based on the extent of the surgery. Each patient has different needs and goals, therefore the treatment plan will be unique for each individual. The cost for gynecomastia surgery runs from $5,500 to $8,000 depending on the particular aspects of each patient’s surgery.

The best way to get an accurate gynecomastia surgery cost estimate is to request a surgical consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. At that appointment, patients will be given an accurate and complete quote for gynecomastia surgery cost. All quotes include fees for Dr. Lapuerta, the facility, supplies, anesthesia and one post-surgical garment as well as necessary follow-up visits.

To learn more or to request a gynecomastia surgery consultation, call Dr. Lapuerta today.

Dr. Lapuerta provides a comprehensive approach to patient care, ensuring each patient feels confident in the process and always has someone to discuss any concerns. The team will follow up surgery with a phone call to check on the well-being of the patient. Dr. Lapuerta also takes the time to talk to patients at the consultation, patiently answering their questions until they feel confident about taking the next step.

Dr. Lapuerta asks questions to find out what the patient expects to get out of the surgery. Then, he develops a custom treatment plan to achieve patient satisfaction while managing expectations. By performing the surgery in a dedicated plastic surgery facility, Dr. Lapuerta has a team to assist in the surgery and immediate recovery with the patient’s comfort in mind.

If you suffer from enlarged breasts and are interested in learning more about Houston gynecomastia surgery, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. When you choose Dr. Lapuerta for this procedure, you’ll benefit from his expertise and compassionate nature, as well as support from his team at the clinic. Contact Dr. Lapuerta to explore your treatment options and take the first step to improving your confidence and physical appearance.