Update on advancements in our program to minimize scars.

Correction of Male Gynecomastia

Who is a good candidate for Gynecomastia Correction Surgery:

• Gynecomastia is persistent breast enlargement in boys and men.
• Boys or men with gynecomastia persisting for more than six months are candidates for surgical correction.
• Gynecomastia is strictly a local problem. Most men with gynecomastia are completely normal in every other way.
• Gynecomastia in boys or men can cause a lot of psychological distress which is relieved by surgical correction.

What's special about my approach:

• I wrote a chapter on gynecomastia for a textbook early in my career and because of that I have treated a large number of gynecomastia patients.
• I individualize the operation for each patient depending on the size of the gynecomastia.
• It is also important to determine if the gynecomastia is mainly breast tissue or mainly fat.
• I make sure that the fold under the breast is eliminated.
• I avoid skin excision in almost all cases. This means that the scars are minimal. Most of the time the excess skin shrinks and contracts.
• Just before the end of the operation, I place the patient into a sitting position on the operating table. When you are in this upright position I can check that your chest is absolutely flat.

The Procedure:

The highest priority in gynecomastia correction surgery is to create a completely normal masculine chest contour. Most of the operation is performed with tumescent liposuction, using special cannulas. Sometimes, I use ultrasound assisted liposuction. If there is any breast tissue under the nipple, this must be removed through a short incision in the nipple. The point is to make sure that all of the redundant tissue is removed.

Gynecomastia correction is done under light anesthesia as an out-patient. It can be done in our fully accredited office surgical suite or in the hospital.

Scars:

The scars from properly performed gynecomastia correction surgery should be minimal. Typically, there is a very short scar inside the nipple. The scars will fade with time.

Recovery Time after Gynecomastia Correction Surgery:

• You will have some swelling and bruising for a few days. After the first week you may resume your normal activities.
• Most patients take a week off from school or work.
• Avoid sports or working out for three weeks after gynecomastia correction surgery.