Gynecomastia, often referred to derisively as ‘man-boobs’, is endemic in the United States. While gynecomastia can be associated with excess body mass and obesity, many males I see for gynecomastia reduction surgery are not overweight, but simply have experienced the spontaneous proliferation of fibrous breast tissue on one or both sides of their chest, for reasons that medical science currently cannot fully explain. Some males have fullness of the overall breast area, while others have exclusively enlarged glands or puffy nipples.
For young men and teens with gynecomastia, the problem can create a vicious cycle of self-consciousness and social withdrawal. With breast area enlargement, a boy gradually becomes insecure about his appearance without a shirt on or even in workout clothing. They begin to avoid social situations in which their chest appearance is obvious (the gym, the pool, pickup games), and sometimes come to avoid sporting activity of any kind. This can potentially damage their psychosocial development and has a profoundly negative effect on their sense of well-being and quality of life. Many young men will wonder, Why Do I Have Gynecomastia?
It certainly is possible that some gynecomastia may improve without surgical intervention after a few years, particularly in very young teens. However, if my own sons had gynecomastia that persisted beyond two years, particularly if they are fifteen or over, I would certainly support their decision to go forward with this surgery.
Gynecomastia correction surgery is the only surgery I perform on teens. I hear stories of young men who wear as many as four shirts during the heat of summer to camouflage fullness in their chest that makes them feel self-conscious. One parent shared with me that her son was selecting colleges based on the school colors. He only wanted to attend a college where the school colors included black, navy or dark green.
I have seen young men work out too hard and injure themselves, hoping that building muscle will be a distraction from gynecomastia. Others reduce calories so much that they risk a health problem. There is no diet, workout program or pill to eliminate gynecomastia. if gynecomastia persists for a year or more, it may be time to consider Surgical Treatment for Gynecomastia Some parents want the best for their sons’ but they do not realize that gynecomastia is not fat and that the only proven way to eliminate gynecomastia is with surgical correction.
Gynecomastia And Klinefelter Syndrome: How Are They Related?
Are you familiar with gynecomastia and Klinefelter syndrome? Did you know that both conditions are related to one another? Klinefelter syndrome results from a male’s low testosterone levels, which lead to gynecomastia or the development of large breasts.
Testosterone, a natural sex hormone, plays a vital role in the body. It helps control libido, bone solidity, muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, and red blood cell and sperm production in men. Furthermore, it is known to control a man’s physical appearance, mood and drive for sex. When the body hormones including testosterone are out of control, gynecomastia then develops.
Both Klinefelter syndrome and gynecomastia are curable. However, dealing with these conditions needs patience and acceptance. Also, it is essential to know and understand each condition’s underlying causes first.
What Is Klinefelter Syndrome?
Klinefelter syndrome is a common chromosomal disorder in males caused by a chromosomal abnormality, wherein there is an extra copy in the X chromosome along the Y chromosome. It is a hereditary condition that affects testicular growth that leads to lower testosterone production.
Furthermore, the potential signs of Klinefelter syndrome are loss of facial hair, body loss, swollen breast tissue, and reduced muscle mass. However, not everyone shows the same signs and symptoms.
Klinefelter Syndrome
Kleinfelter Syndrome and gyneomastia
What Is Gynecomastia?
On the other hand, gynecomastia is a condition wherein the amount of breast gland tissue in boys and men increases due to a hormonal imbalance between the estrogen and testosterone. In addition, it affects one or both breasts in various ways.
Moreover, this condition is caused by a low reduction of the hormone testosterone in comparison to estrogen. In some cases, it develops when boys reach puberty, and there is a recognizable difference in hormonal activity. This condition needs to be treated, but it may go away on its own for some cases.
Furthermore, the signs and symptoms of gynecomastia are breast tenderness, swollen breast tissue, and nipple discharge in one or both breasts. If these symptoms get worse, consult your doctor.
Adolescent male with gynecomastia
The Causes Of Gynecomastia And Klinefelter Syndrome
The causes of both conditions are as follows:
Impairment of cells in the testes that builds testosterone
Accidents
Swelling or inflammation
Testicular cancer
Cancer treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy
Various diseases affecting a part of the hypothalamus and pituitary of the brain
The Diagnosis For Gynecomastia And Klinefelter Syndrome
Gynecomastia
In order to diagnose gynecomastia, the doctor will need to review your drug and medical history, along with your medical family tree. In addition, the doctor will have to conduct a physical test to examine your abdomen, genitals, and breast tissues.
Moreover, the initial tests to identify the cause of this condition are:
Blood test; and
Mammograms
Further testing may include:
Computerized tomography (CT) scans;
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans;
Testicular ultrasounds; and
Tissue biopsies
After these tests, the doctor will make sure if your symptoms are indeed caused by gynecomastia and not by other health conditions.
Klinefelter syndrome
The doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam and ask specific questions about your symptoms and overall health. It includes examining the genital area and chest, tests for reflexes, and evaluating functions and development.
The primary tests for this condition include:
Hormone testing. It involves urine and blood samples.
Chromosome analysis. It is also known as karyotype analysis that verifies Klinefelter syndrome. It involves a blood sample to examine the shape and number of chromosomes.
In some cases, Klinefelter syndrome is diagnosed before birth.
The Treatment For Gynecomastia And Klinefelter Syndrome
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a type of condition that goes away on its own. Hence, it is essential to have a consistent body observation.
There are no proven drugs to treat gynecomastia. However, there are various medical treatments available as listed below:
Testosterone replacement therapy is effective for older men with low testosterone levels but not adequate for normal testosterone levels.
Clomiphene is known to treat gynecomastia, which is taken for up to 6 months.
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) to alleviate gynecomastia’s breast volume. It is used for painful and severe gynecomastia.
Danazol is a testosterone derivative that inhibits the testes’ development of estrogen. It prevents the pituitary from secreting LH and FSH, hormones that guide hormones in the sex organs. Furthermore, it is used less than other drugs for gynecomastia.
Klinefelter syndrome
The treatment for this condition is based on the signs and symptoms of the following:
Testosterone replacement therapy. It starts at the beginning of puberty to help promote changes that naturally occur during puberty, such as evolving facial and body hair, developing an extensive voice, and increasing muscle mass and sexual desire. Also, it enhances bone density and fracture prevention, as well as behavior and mood.
Breast tissue removal. Plastic surgeons remove excess breast tissue that grows swollen breasts for men.
Speech and physical therapy. These therapies are intended for males who have speech, language, and muscle weakness problems.
Educational evaluation and support. It is helpful for males who have trouble socializing and learning.
Fertility treatment. A procedure called Intracytoplasmic Sperm injection (ICSI) is used for low sperm output in men.
Psychological counseling. It assists in resolving men’s emotional problems, including coping with infertility and living with the disease during puberty and early adulthood.
How Do Klinefelter Syndrome And Gynecomastia Affect Men?
Dealing with Klinefelter syndrome and gynecomastia in men is tough, especially in the puberty and adolescence stage. These conditions cause a grave impact on their lives as it gives them psychological distress and emotional problems. Additionally, men with enlarged breast development develops low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, tension, restlessness, humiliation, embarrassment, rejection, and worst, depression that may leading to suicide. That is why it is necessary to provide these patients support, counseling, and treatment to help them cope and recover.
Conclusion
Gynecomastia and Klinefelter syndrome are among the most common conditions among men, particularly as they start aging. Dealing with these diseases is challenging and may cause emotional problems and infertility. The good news is there are various treatment options to choose from. Furthermore, discussing your condition with your doctor is the healthiest way to determine your treatment. You may also consult a therapist regarding your disease and other concerns. Just remember that you are not the only one who can cope up with those conditions. Talk to a group of men who have gynecomastia to help you cope with these disorders.
If you want to know more about Klinefelter syndrome and gynecomastia, do visit this site https://www.gynecomastia.org/.
If you are struggling with the presence of excess breast tissue in the chest, often referred to as “man boobs”, you might beconsidering gynecomastia surgery, also called a male breast reduction. After all,gynecomastia surgery offers permanent results that can eliminate gynecomastia symptoms such as enlarged breasts when diet and exercise fail to produce the desired results. Yet, there’s always one thing between a patient and making their cosmetic goals a reality: the cost of treatment. While gynecomastia can range in price, we’ll explain where you can expect your treatment to fall within a certain range and how you can make it more affordable.
How Much Will My Gynecomastia Surgery Cost?
As mentioned above, you can expect your gynecomastia surgery to cost roughly between $7,500 and $12,000. However, you may be wondering what determines your exact treatment cost, and where you’ll fall within that range. The truth is, it can be difficult to pinpoint theexact cost of a gynecomastia surgery without discussing the procedure in detail. This is because each patient’s gynecomastia experience will be highly unique, and as such, each treatment requires a uniquely personalized approach. Generally, the cost of treatment will correlate with the extent of surgery required to produce the desired results. Patients with minor gynecomastia symptoms can expect a treatment cost on the lower end of the range mentioned above, while patients with more significant symptoms might expect a cost on the higher end of that range. The cost will also be determined by the grade or severity of the gynecomastia. The higher the grade, the more expensive due to excess skin which will require direct excision. These general costs are reflective of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are seeking further information regarding gynecomastia surgery and gynecomastia surgery costs,contact board-certified plastic surgeonDr. Delgado in San Francisco or Novato today. He offers gynecomastia consultations for men who wish to determine if surgery is right for them. You can also discuss the cost of gynecomastia surgery during this appointment.
Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs
Is gynecomastia surgery covered by insurance?
Most health insurance companies do not cover the cost of gynecomastia surgery, as it is considered elective. However, some plastic surgeons offer financing options. To learn if your insurance company will cover your procedure, we advise you to view your insurance policy and insurance coverage or speak with your insurance provider directly.
What is the average cost of gynecomastia surgery?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, theaverage cost of gynecomastia surgery across the United States is $4,239. However, this average cost is only a part of the total price, as it doesn’t include anesthesia, operating room facilities, surgeon’s fees, and other related expenses. To determine your final cost, please consult with your plastic surgeon.
Is surgery the only way to correct gynecomastia?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on the type of gynecomastia present and the severity of the condition. Males with true gynecomastia, which is caused by excess glandular tissue in the chest, often require surgical intervention for permanent results. However, those with false gynecomastia, or pseudogynecomastia, can often see an improvement in enlarged male breasts through diet and exercise alone to eliminate excess fat in the chest. The best way to determine if gynecomastia surgery is right for you is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Delgado.
Do I need to wear a compression garment after gynecomastia surgery?
Yes, Dr. Delgado will instruct you to wear a compression garment following gynecomastia surgery to minimize swelling and support your new, more masculine-looking chest. It is important that you wear this garment as instructed for optimal outcomes.
Dr. Miguel Delgado is passionate about the topic of male breast reduction for the treatment of man boobs also termed gynecomastia. He has a great interest in developing a network of the best quality gynecomastia expert around the world who can provide unprecedented quality of care and ultimate results.
Dr Delgado is vetted and board-certified in plastic and reconstruction surgery. In addition, he has significant experience with the full range of gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Miguel Delgado has further developed the forum to be useful for men wanting to talk to other with the same condition and share experiences both personal and even their surgical experience.
Dr. Delgado has recently been in the top 5 and top 3 plastic surgeons on San Francisco, CA. Much of his success has been from his work and dedication to men with gynecomastia.
Poor Results from Gynecomastia Surgery – Why You Should Find a Plastic Surgeon
Lifestyle changes may reduce enlarged male breasts in men who have pseudo gynecomastia, caused by excess fat tissue. Some men may also find that weight loss will lead to sufficient male breast reduction to feel happy with how they look. However, most men with gynecomastia will require gynecomastia surgery.
Male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery is the treatment usually recommended if you have had gynecomastia symptoms for a long time. It is also a must if your gynecomastia symptoms cause pain and discomfort. Understandably, you may be scared about poor results following gynecomastia surgery. This article will explain the risks and complications of gynecomastia surgery and how to find a specialist gynecomastia surgeon.
Can Gynecomastia Surgery Go Wrong?
All types of surgery carry risks and complications. Male breast reduction is just like any other surgery, and there are associated risks and complications you need to be aware of. It is imperative to find a plastic surgeon to reduce the potential of requiring gynecomastia revision surgery. Even with the best gynecomastia surgeons, complications can arise during gynecomastia plastic surgery despite the greatest care and attention.
Common complications of gynecomastia surgery include:
Hematomas or seromas (build-up of blood or fluid around the surgical site)
Bruising and swelling
Nerve damage which can cause reduced sensitivity in the nipples and surrounding skin
Inverted nipples or nipples that appear sunken
Loose skin
Uneven contours of the chest.
Your gynecomastia specialist should discuss all potential complications during your initial consultation. Always ask about any specific concerns you may have, so your gynecomastia surgeon can make any necessary adjustments to reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery.
Before having a consultation, here are three essential questions you should ask:
1. Is your plastic surgeon board-certified?
Gynecomastia plastic surgery can be performed by any doctor licensed to practice medicine in the US. Consequently, many other surgeons provide cosmetic surgery, often without any plastic surgery training.
Another thing to be aware of is the use of the credential, board-certified. Board certification is awarded in various specialties, and this is why you should always check your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
2. Do they specialize in gynecomastia plastic surgery?
The number of men that require gynecomastia surgery is limited, which means many plastic surgeons will only perform a handful of gynecomastia surgery procedures a year. However, a gynecomastia specialist like Dr. Delgado performs over 125 gynecomastia surgery procedures a year. As with any surgery, the more experience a surgeon has, the higher the possibility of good results and the lower the chance of requiring gynecomastia revision surgery. There are always risks and associated complications, but an experienced gynecomastia surgeon knows how to anticipate and prepare for them.
3. If you are unhappy with the results, will they provide gynecomastia revision surgery?
Even the most experienced board-certified plastic surgeon will sometimes run into complications that they cannot prevent. Although, in most cases, they will not cause any long-term problems or impact the result, occasionally, you may require gynecomastia revision surgery. Most plastic surgeons will provide gynecomastia revision surgery within a year of the initial gynecomastia surgery. Ask your gynecomastia surgeon if they will provide gynecomastia revision surgery without charge following your initial procedure and if you will need to pay any other costs, such as anesthetist fees.
How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery
To reduce the risk of complications before gynecomastia surgery, you should:
Stop smoking a minimum of six weeks prior, although it is advisable to stop 12 weeks prior if possible (if you smoke before surgery, always tell your surgeon, so they can take the necessary measures to reduce the possibility of complications).
Check if you should stop taking any medications or herbal supplements that could interact with anesthesia, increase bleeding, or slow down the healing process.
Eat a healthy, nutritious diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and lean meat or seafood. If you are vegetarian or vegan, it might be advisable to speak with your physician about taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
Reduce alcohol consumption, avoid binge drinking, and have three alcohol-free days a week, at least 14 days before surgery.
Following all the instructions of your gynecomastia surgeon before gynecomastia surgery is essential to reduce the risks of anesthesia and surgical complications. A healthier body is more likely to heal and recover faster post-surgery.
Does Gynecomastia Surgery Remove the Entire Breast Gland?
Gynecomastia surgery removes a large portion of the breast gland but may leave a small degree for the best cosmetic result. The need for the excision of the gland will be evaluated using several factors, such as the degree of male breast enlargement, the cause of your gynecomastia, and any other health concerns.
Gland removal is usually performed when dense glandular tissue is the cause of male breast enlargement. The main indication will be if the appearance of enlarged male breasts and puffy nipples is not reduced with diet and exercise.
To remove the gland, the gynecomastia surgeon will create a discreet incision around the edge of the nipple-areola, approximately three centimeters in length. This standard gynecomastia surgery will usually be recommended for grade one and grade two gynecomastia. In mild cases of gynecomastia, mostly grade one and occasionally grade two, a specialist technique called the pull-through gynecomastia procedure may be suitable. The pull-through procedure only requires a three to five-millimeter incision on the edge of the areola and is sometimes referred to as scarless gynecomastia surgery. This is due to the tiny scar, which, once healed, will usually be very difficult to detect.
Grade three and four gynecomastia will usually require a double incision mastectomy, which creates additional scars due to the excision of excess skin. This is necessary to create a tight, toned masculine chest.
Your surgeon should fully explain the type of gynecomastia surgery to be performed during your initial consultation.
Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong – Common Gynecomastia Surgery Complications
Gynecomastia surgery is complex and poor results are more likely with a surgeon who does not have extensive experience. As mentioned above, choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon can reduce the risks of complications and the possibility of needing gynecomastia revision surgery. You also need to take responsibility for your results by following all pre and post-surgical instructions to prevent common complications.
Some level of pain and discomfort is expected, along with some bruising and swelling. This should go away a few days up to 14 days following the surgery. You should also continue to refrain from smoking as this can impair healing and increase the risk of post-surgical infection.
You must refrain from doing strenuous activity or heavy lifting during this period to give your surgical wounds time to heal. This does not mean you should refrain from all activity, you must move around to increase blood circulation and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a common risk after all types of gynecomastia plastic surgery. In general, you need to stick to light activities for 14 days post-surgery to reduce the risk of complications.
Botched Gynecomastia Surgery and Revision Gynecomastia Surgery
Ideally, gynecomastia plastic surgery will give you a tight, masculine chest and long-lasting results. However, gynecomastia surgery is complex, and a simple mistake can result in a poor surgical result.
To avoid revision gynecomastia surgery, ask as many questions as possible and advise your plastic surgeon of your expectations. Your plastic surgeon should advise of potential complications and if your expectations are realistic. Every procedure is analyzed on a case-to-case basis. Therefore, there is no guarantee that one procedure will have the same result as another.
If gynecomastia revision surgery is required, you should receive a careful evaluation of the current results and any other existing problems. Always ask for a thorough explanation of why issues have occurred, and which techniques will be used to give you satisfactory results.
Gynecomastia revision surgery requires a high level of experience and surgical skill. If you are not happy with your initial results, it is advisable to get a second opinion. Not all botched gynecomastia surgery can be corrected, and prevention is always your best option. Plastic surgery is a lifetime investment in yourself, and gynecomastia plastic surgery is a permanent solution for enlarged male breasts. Consequently, cost should not be your primary concern. Make the right choice the first time, and you could save yourself from a lot of trouble, pain, and unnecessary cost in the future!
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021.”
Gynecomastia.org does not provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis.
