Gynecomastia, or andromastia, is a condition in which a man experiences an enlargement of breast tissue. In the U.S., this condition is treated with male chest reduction surgery which leaves little to no scarring. Dr. Steinbrech and his team at Alpha Male Plastic Surgery have specialized in gynecomastia surgery for men in LA for years. Believe it or not, gynecomastia in men is far more common than most patients understand, affecting approximately between 40 and 60 percent of the entire male population. Regardless of the statistics, though, the condition can certainly cause emotional trauma and low self-esteem. At our practice, we strive to restore our patient’s physique and treat gynecomastia the latest techniques available to male patients in the industry.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Scientifically known as andromastia, gynecomastia in men is characterized by an excess of localized fat tissue or glandular tissue development (or a combination of both). Gynecomastia may occur in one or both of the male pecs. Breast enlargement can affect men of every age. The specific reason gynecomastia can develop in men includes a multitude of reasons, including adverse effects of specific medicines/drugs, disease, genetic conditions, and most commonly, hormonal changes. Prior to any surgery, patients should be checked to see if there is any medical cause of their gynecomastia.
Dr. Steinbrech and the team at Alpha Male Plastic Surgery, have extensive experience in male chest reduction surgery in Los Angeles. As a team, our goal is to give thousands of men the self-esteem they need to be their best selves. Patients do not have to hide behind loose-fitting clothes or feel insecure about their bodies. Thanks to our scarless, micro-incision process, you can gain a flatter chest without worry.
How Does Gynecomastia Surgery Work?
Male chest reduction surgery can be achieved by liposuction and/or by removing excess glandular tissue. The surgical time is on average two hours and requires local or general anesthesia. You will be required to wear a special compression garment for a period of time during recovery to help support the new contours of your chest. Recovery for this procedure is approximately seven days. The results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent, however, there is a chance of future fat accumulation in the pec area should the patient gain large amounts of weight. At Male Plastic Surgery Los Angeles, we offer MiniGyno™ Incision Treatment with TetherProof™ technology. This technique removes glandular tissue through smaller, more discrete incisions. This procedure helps the patient attain a natural-looking aesthetic and restored confidence whether.
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What Are The Different Types Of Gynecomastia?
- Type 1 gynecomastia is categorized by nipples that are over-projected or “puffy.” This type is most common in men of a young age. The skin surrounding the chest area is firm with little fat, however large amounts of glandular tissue cause the nipples to protrude. Type 1 gynecomastia can be alleviated by surgically removing the excess tissue.
- Type 2 gynecomastia is the most prevalent amongst men. It’s characterized by rounded pecs that protrude over the lower chest due to their volume. To eliminate this, techniques such as liposuction, surgical removal or in some cases both, are performed to remove the overabundance of fatty and glandular chest tissue.
- Type 3 gynecomastia occurs mostly in older men or in those whose condition has progressed beyond Type 2. Here, the pecs will start to sag below the chest crease, mimicking “man boobs.” To combat this, surgical removal of glandular tissue is required.
- Type 4 gynecomastia occurs with aging and is a result of excess chest tissue that has begun to sag. In this type, both the breast and nipple will appear “droopy” and is slightly more noticeable than Type 3. To resolve this issue, surgical removal of glandular tissue is required to reduce roundness, while measures may also have to be taken to correct sagging skin.
- Type 5 gynecomastia is characterized by chest tissue which sags, falling below what is known as the chest fold while the areola sits above. This type uses an anchor lift which essentially tightens the overall chest. Men that have this type typically experiences loose skin that requires treatment. Dr. Steinbrech will perform both liposuction and surgical removal of chest tissue at the same time for this type of gynecomastia.
- Type 6 gynecomastia can be identified as rounded pecs that fall way below the chest fold and rolls that extend to the back or armpits. This is common in men who have had extreme weight loss or who are currently overweight. To eliminate the fatty deposits and correct skin laxity, liposuction and surgical removal may be required.
- Type 7 gynecomastia has the top of the areola sagging below the level of the chest fold. There may be noticeable volume in the chest which will often extend towards the back. Removing the breast tissue from the patient is the most suitable scenario for Type 7 gynecomastia – ensuring that all undesirable tissue is eliminated.
What Is The Recovery Time For the Surgery?
The recovery time following surgery for gynecomastia is a critical consideration for patients seeking resolution of their condition. While the duration can vary based on individual factors and the specific surgical technique employed, a general understanding of the recovery process is essential.
Typically, after gynecomastia surgery, patients can expect a period of postoperative discomfort and swelling. This initial phase usually lasts for a few days to a week. To alleviate discomfort and aid in the healing process, physicians may prescribe pain medication and recommend the use of compression garments.
View gynecomastia before and after photos
The extent of physical activity and return to normal daily routines during recovery will largely depend on the surgical approach used and the individual patient’s healing progress. It is common for patients to resume light activities within a week, gradually increasing their level of exertion over the ensuing weeks. Strenuous exercises or heavy lifting may be restricted for a more extended period, typically around four to six weeks.
It is important to note that every patient’s recovery experience may differ, and it is vital to follow the specific postoperative instructions provided by the surgeon. Close communication with the healthcare team and regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor progress and address any concerns during the recovery period.
Gynecomastia Surgery in Los Angeles
For more information about gynecomastia surgery in Los Angeles, please fill out our contact form to set up your consultation for male chest reduction. You may also call our office to speak to one of our Patient Advisors about gynecomastia and how we can help you today.