Back to top

GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY OVERVIEW

Some men may develop excess tissue in their chest during adolescence or sometimes associated 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.

Dr. Leo Lapuerta frequently sees men from all over the Southeast Texas region in his Houston, Pearland and Katy locations, who are looking for someone with the experience they can trust to provide a permanent correction for gynecomastia. Dr. Lapuerta is a well-respected and well-known, triple board certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience who has helped hundreds of men achieve positive changes through surgical options.

  • Review from R.B.
  • Source: Google
  • May 31, 2019
Dr Lapuerta and the entire staff are great. I always have a great experience! He is very personable and makes everyone feel Very comfortable. Highly recommend Dr. Lapuerta.

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

Gynecomastia surgery is a minimally invasive form of male breast reduction surgery which 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.

CANDIDATES FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY

The ideal candidate for a male breast reduction by gynecomastia surgery is any man who is dissatisfied with excess, mounding fat or breast tissue in the nipple/areolar area of the chest. Men who are overweight are encouraged to lose weight prior to undergoing this surgery to ensure the best results. It is also important that the patient’s breasts are no longer getting larger or undergoing any further development. Teenagers may benefit from gynecomastia treatment, but there is the risk that additional treatment may be required in the future as they continue to grow and develop. Candidates should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure.

During a gynecomastia surgery consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will spend 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.

GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY TECHNIQUE

Gynecomastia surgery, a form of male breast reduction surgery, is best suited for men with mild to moderate cases of gynecomastia and is accomplished using one or two techniques during the 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 and Dr. Lapuerta is able to remove the mound of excess tissue as well as 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.

ANESTHESIA FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY

All male breast reduction procedures are performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure at an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Lapuerta’s office has an accredited on-site surgical facility with an operating room, allowing patients to undergo gynecomastia surgery without having to travel to a different location. The minimally invasive surgery typically lasts between 1-2 hours depending on whether the surgery will be a one or two part procedure. In most cases, scarring is inconspicuous, as Dr. Lapuerta does everything possible to make sure his incisions are in an area in which scars will not be easily visible.

RECOVERY AFTER GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY

Following surgery, there will be some swelling and a compression garment should be worn for 6 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 will return to the office for follow-up at 2 weeks following 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 6 weeks. Men are able to feel more confident in clothing within a few days after surgery and after 6 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.

EXPECTED GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY COST

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.

PLAN YOUR PROCEDURE

  • Recovery Time
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Average Procedure Time
  • 2-3 Hours
  • Post-op Follow-up
  • 1 Week
  • Procedure Recovery Location
  • Outpatient

MALE BREAST REDUCTION FAQS

WILL THIS HELP MY PECS?
Every man is born with some soft tissue covering his pectoralis muscles. When this breast tissue overgrows into larger breasts, the pecs are often hidden. Through male breast reduction surgery, the excessive tissue is removed so the natural contour and shape of the chest wall can be seen. Men who wish to tone and strengthen their chest muscles will have equal opportunity to do so. Strength training will help lead to optimal results once this tissue has been removed.
IS LIPOSUCTION ALWAYS NEEDED?
In most cases, yes. The soft tissue and fat that collects in excess will need to be removed using liposuction. There are many liposuction techniques to consider. Some are less invasive and can help the skin become tighter on the chest wall. These methods can be discussed during your consultation.
WHAT ABOUT SCARRING?
Incisions for this surgery are well concealed. They are usually placed around or near the areola and are typically small enough that scarring is minimized. Over time, the incision lines will fade and become almost nonexistent for most men.
Leo Lapuerta Plastic Surgery