Gynecomastia Surgery and the “Pull Through Procedure”
DR. DELGADO DISPLAYS THE PULL THROUGH Procedure.
Male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia is performed in a variety of ways. The specific surgical technique depends on the “grade of gynecomastia” of the patient. The pull-through procedure was developed by Paolo Giovanni Morselli from Italy who publish the original article in the European Journal of Plastic Surgery in 2012. The pull-through procedure has become very popular in the United States due to the small incision.
Pull Through technique Operation
The pull through procedure is performed by making a quarter-inch incision at the bottom of the areola. Liposuction is performed to remove fat from around the breast gland. The tissue is grasped by a special instrument and then pulled through the incision while freeing up the breast tissue from below the areola and above the muscle. This is a blind procedure and not great access so the experience is required, especially to avoid a crater deformity.
FAQ’S
Who is an ideal candidate?
The best candidates are grade 1 or 2 gynecomastia. These patients’ male breast enlargement is not too large and the gland can be removed and the fat blended without creating a crater deformity.
What is recovery?
If drains are used, they are removed in 2-3 days. You can drive a car and perform white-collar work in 5 days. Blue-collar work about 7-10 days. Modified exercise can begin in 2 weeks and full work-outs in 4-6 weeks. A compression vest is worn for 4-6 weeks.
What is the cost of the “pull-through” procedure?
The expense of the surgery is explained in this cost link, but the cost is usually less due to less surgical time. So, looking at $6,000-$7,000 is a normal fee. Sometimes, local anesthesia is used and this would lower the cost.
If you have gynecomastia — the medical term for “man boobs” — you’re far from alone. The question is, is surgery your best option if workouts aren’t cutting it?
According to a 2014 study an estimated 30% of men experience gynecomastia in their lifetime.
“Gynecomastia is frequent during three phases in the age distribution curve: the neonatal period, pubertal period and adulthood”
The prevalence of asymptomatic gynecomastia in neonates is estimated to be between 60 and 90%. The second physiological peak of occurrence is at puberty between the ages of 10 and 16 years.”
In fact, approximately 50–60% of adolescents have been estimated to have gynecomastia. Fortunately, most cases in the above 2 groups regress spontaneously, but then it seems to return, with the last peak in incidence of gynecomastia seen in men 50–85 years of age, with a reported prevalence of up to 70%.
But even though gynecomastia is common, many men still find it embarrassing — particularly during the summer months, when you’re more likely to hit the beach or poolside BBQ.
That may be why, per a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, male breast reduction surgeries are on the rise among men. According to the report, male breast reduction surgeries have increased by 30% over the past five years, more than any other plastic surgery procedure for men.
WHY ARE MEN HAVING MORE PLASTIC SURGERY (Man Boobs)?
In general, cosmetic surgery among men is on the rise. According to the ASPS report, more than 1.3 million men went under the knife in 2017 — an overall 30% increase from the number of men who got work done in 2000.
Guys seem to be most interested in body contouring procedures: liposuction procedures have increased by 23%, and tummy tucks increased by 12%. And surprisingly, men between the ages of 20 and 29 account for 35% of male cosmetic surgeries, says Jeffrey Janis, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “More men in their younger years are taking up a larger share of the total number of procedures.”
The rising rates of plastic surgery among men could have something to do with our social media-obsessed culture, which puts equal pressure on men and women to look young and fit. It could also stem from the increasing lack of stigma surrounding plastic surgery in general.
As more men talk about it amongst themselves and with their significant others, it becomes less stigmatized. When you see your colleagues, friends, and family looking better, feeling better, and talking about their results, it can open the door to you envisioning how you can benefit from the procedure.”
Many men still find it embarrassing — particularly during the summer months, when you’re more likely to hit the beach or poolside bbq.
While plastic surgery rates are increasing across the board among men, male breast reduction surgeries have had the biggest spike, increasing by 30% over the past five years.
Gynecomastia is defined as a benign proliferation of glandular tissue of the breast in males, resulting in a concentric enlargement of one or both breasts. The most common cause of gynecomastia is physiological with no specific identifiable factor. However, it can also be caused by hormone imbalance, drugs and medical illnesses such as tumours, liver disorders and others.
In many cases, losing weight or taking prescription medication can help reduce the appearance of breasts. But surgery is one of the more permanent ways to treat the condition.
That’s why many guys are opting for the procedure, says Marwan Khalifeh, a D.C.-area cosmetic surgeon. “They want to migrate toward what’s considered the ideal male figure, which does not include overdeveloped breasts,” Khalifeh told the Chicago Tribune earlier this year.
Janis says male breast reduction surgery is among the more permanent ways to treat gynecomastia, as well as the most successful: according to a 2017 study in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, which followed a group of more than 300 men who had been surgically operated on for gynecomastia, 100% of patients in the study reported no recurrence of gynecomastia and had high levels of satisfaction post-surgery.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING PLASTIC SURGERY (Man Boobs)
If you have gynecomastia man-boobs and you’re thinking about going under the knife for breast reduction surgery or any other type of procedure, make sure to do your research.
“The most important factor in plastic surgery – the one that determines your safety and outcome – is your choice of plastic surgeon,” says Janis. “Get a second and third opinion. Review before and after pictures. And find a plastic surgeon that listens well and communicates clearly.”
That’s why you can never be too careful in choosing your surgeon or procedure.
Plastic surgery is real surgery. It’s important to do your homework. You should also find out about the doctor’s experience in treating your condition, as well as treatment options offered that best suit your needs.
And don’t forget about the after-care treatment available to ensure a good recovery.
More than 300 men who had been surgically operated on for gynecomastia, 100% of patients in the study reported no recurrence of gynecomastia and had high levels of satisfaction post-surgery.
Some may think their enlarged male breasts are due to weight gain but most of my male patients have a combination of both. Can fat freeze cure your enlarged male breasts?
Nothing can fix gynecomastia except for gynecomastia surgery?
You are probably suffering from pseudogynecomastia. What is pseudogynecomastia?
“Man-Boobs” or male breast enlargement can be due to breast tissue hypertrophy (gynecomastia), fat tissue hypertrophy (pseudogynecomastia) or a mixture of both. Most of my patients (75%) suffer from a combination of both, 20% of them had only gynecomastia, and less than 5% had pure fat hypertrophy or pseudogynecomastia. It is relatively uncommon for patients to only have pseudogynecomastia when they present with symptoms of breast enlargement.
Fat Freezing for men’s breast tissue: How Does fat freezing Target Fat in Men’s Breasts?
Fat reduction treatment such as fat freezing uses a controlled cooling mechanism to ‘freeze’ targeted fat tissues. This will lead to damages to the fat tissues. The ‘injured’ or damaged fat tissues will then be removed from your body.
Fat freezing can be effective for pseudogynecomastia in some male patients. How does it work?
For those who are not ready for surgical treatment, fat freezing is probably the next best option for pseudogynecomastia. However, you will need to have a realistic expectation as Fat Freezing may reduce only up to 20-25% of existing fat tissues. For patients who do not respond to the treatment, breast liposuction will have to be considered next.
You will need to be evaluated first to know if you are a good candidate for treatment. Who makes a good candidate for gynecomastia? Who makes a good candidate for pseudogynecomastia?
As mentioned earlier, 90-95% of the patients with ‘man-boobs’ that I see have some degrees of breast tissue enlargement, with and without associated fat tissues. These patients will not respond well to fat freezing or fat reduction alone. Just reducing the fat tissue alone, may lead to unsightly results such as puffy nipples, asymmetry, and so on.
It is crucial to have the right diagnosis before subjecting patients with male breast enlargement for Fat Freezing treatment, as only a small percentage of the patients will truly benefit from it.
What happens during the fat freezing procedure?
It will be performed with the patient lying comfortably on a bed. The specialised membrane will be applied on the chest to protect the skin from cold before applying suction paddles to the treatment areas. Then, using controlled cooling, fat tissues will be cooled till they crystalised. The whole treatment will take approximately an hour.
Why suffer the ignominy of living with gynecomastia aka man boobs when help is readily available?
Chiseled from countless bench presses, nothing quite frames a proud chest like a pair of well-developed pectoral muscles to highlight a gym-trained physique.
For the majority of us, this can be achieved with enough hard work at the gym and through watching our diet.
But in some instances, difficulty in developing an ideal physique doesn’t come from want of trying, but from a medical condition beyond our control – gynecomastia (commonly referred to as man boobs or moobs).
Get Rid Of Painful Moobs: Gynecomastia, An Unwanted Condition
Yes, men can have breasts too. Unfortunately, what looks great on women can be embarrassing for the opposite sex.
Enlarged breasts are typically triggered by hormonal imbalances – when our bodies produce more estrogen than testosterone.
While both female and male hormones occur naturally in our bodies, too much of the former can cause glandular tissue to be enlarged, resulting in unwanted breast development like man boobs. It can be made worse with fat deposits due to weight gain.
Beyond the anxiety that comes from trying to manage a growing build-up of fat in and around the chest, things get a lot more serious when there is tenderness and swelling of the glands in that area.
RELATED: FAQ – Are My Man Boobs Actually a More Serious Medical Condition?
Your “Breast” Friend, the Gynecomastia surgery
Gynecomastia can be a chesty issue that is extremely uncomfortable, painful, and confidence-sapping. However, it can be easily solved with surgery. Gynecomastia surgery procedure has a short recovery time, so patients spend less time healing and more time enjoying their newfound confidence.
Gynecomastia surgery not only permanently removes excess glandular tissues, but it also sculpts the chest area, leaving a more defined and masculine appearance.
Gynecomastia is an embarrassing condition that can occur in boys and men at any time. Sometimes it’s caused by weight gain, other times it’s caused by hormones – every time it’s unwanted. Getting rid of this condition may not be as cut and dry as you may think. Let’s lay down the basics.
Gynecomastia – What is it?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which there is a buildup of fatty tissue in the male breasts and can oftentimes include painful glandular tissue in the chest. This creates the appearance of what is commonly known as “man boobs.”
Why it Happens
It’s common for boys between the ages of 11 and 15 to see the onset of gynecomastia. This is often due to their hormones changing with puberty. Men who see gynecomastia later in life may have hormone fluctuations as well; however, it’s more often caused by weight gain, the use of growth hormones (both prescription and over-the-counter), marijuana use or a side effect from medication. This type of breast tissue is hard to eliminate with diet and exercise alone, which is why we see it so often.
Home Remedies
Because gynecomastia is often an embarrassing condition, men and boys are always trying to find a way to get rid of the appearance of excess fatty tissue. The most common home remedies include a clean, healthy diet and regular exercise. However, this type of fatty tissue can be hard to target with diet and exercise alone. If the condition is caused by the use of marijuana or as a side effect of medication, eliminating those from your life may lessen the appearance of gynecomastia, but this is not always the case.
Getting Rid of Gynecomastia
The most effective and permanent way to get rid of your gynecomastia is with surgery. This type of procedure usually takes place under general anesthesia. The highly-skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon makes a discrete incision on the side of the chest wall, from which they are able to remove any excess fat and glandular tissue.
Recovering from Treatment
After treatment, you’ll have some swelling and discomfort for a few weeks. You’ll have to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling as well as ensure that everything stays flat, and it may be necessary to take some time off of work as well to ensure you heal properly.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
If you have gynecomastia — the medical term for “man boobs” — you’re far from alone. In fact, an estimated 30% of men experience gynecomastia in their lifetime, according to a 2014 study.
Man-boobs gynecomastia is frequent during three phases in the age distribution curve: the neonatal period, pubertal period, and adulthood”, he shares, adding. The prevalence of asymptomatic gynecomastia in neonates is estimated to be between 60 and 90%. The second physiological peak of occurrence is at puberty between the ages of 10 and 16 years.
In fact, approximately 50–60% of adolescents have been estimated to have gynecomastia. Fortunately, most cases in the above 2 groups regress spontaneously, but then it seems to return, with the last peak in incidence of gynecomastia seen in men 50–85 years of age, with a reported prevalence of up to 70%.
But even though gynecomastia is common, many men still find it embarrassing — particularly during the summer months, when you’re more likely to hit the beach or poolside BBQ.
That may be why, per a new report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction surgeries are on the rise among men. According to the report, male breast reduction surgeries have increased by 30% over the past five years, more than any other plastic surgery procedure for men.
Why are men having more plastic surgery?
In general, cosmetic surgery among men is on the rise. According to the ASPS report, more than 1.3 million men went under the knife in 2017 — an overall 30% increase from the number of men who got work done in 2000.
Guys seem to be most interested in body contouring procedures: liposuction procedures have increased by 23%, and tummy tucks increased by 12%. And surprisingly, men between the ages of 20 and 29 account for 35% of male cosmetic surgeries, says Jeffrey Janis, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. “More men in their younger years are taking up a larger share of the total number of procedures,” Janis told MensHealth.com.
As MensHealth.com previously reported in an investigation on the rise of Brotox (a.k.a. botulinum toxin injection for men), the rising rates of plastic surgery among men could have something to do with our social media-obsessed culture, which puts equal pressure on men and women to look young and fit. It could also stem from the increasing lack of stigma surrounding plastic surgery in general, says Janis.
“As more men talk about it amongst themselves and with their significant others, it becomes less stigmatized,” says Janis. “When you see your colleagues, friends and family looking better, feeling better, and talking about their results, it can open the door to you envisioning how you can benefit from the procedure.”
What is gynecomastia?
While plastic surgery rates are increasing across the board among men, male breast reduction surgeries have had the biggest spike, increasing by 30% over the past five years. Janis says this could be due to an increase in diagnoses in recent years of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia, or man breast reduction surgery is defined as benign proliferation of glandular tissue of the breast in males, resulting in a concentric enlargement of one or both breasts. The most common cause of gynecomastia is physiological with no specific identifiable factor. However, it can also be caused by hormone imbalance, drugs, and medical illness such as tumours, liver disorders and others.
In many cases, losing weight or taking prescription medication can help reduce the appearance of breasts. But surgery is one of the more permanent ways to treat the condition.
That’s why many guys are opting for the procedure, says Marwan Khalifeh, a D.C.-area cosmetic surgeon.
“They want to migrate toward what’s considered the ideal male figure, which does not include overdeveloped breasts,” Khalifeh told the Chicago Tribune earlier this year.
What is breast reduction surgery?
Also known as reduction mammoplasty, breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure that’s typically performed with local anesthesia. It involves a surgeon making an excision around the nipple and removing excess tissue and fat from the breasts.
Like any surgical procedure, breast reduction surgery doesn’t come without risks, such as bleeding, infection, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia; patients may also have reduced nipple sensitivity and scarring after the surgery.
But Janis says breast reduction surgery is among the more permanent ways to treat gynecomastia, as well as the most successful: according to a 2017 study in the Annals of Plastic Surgery, which followed a group of more than 300 men who had been surgically operated on for gynecomastia, 100% of patients in the study reported no recurrence of gynecomastia and had high levels of satisfaction post-surgery.
What to do if you’re considering plastic surgery
If you have man-boobs gynecomastia and you’re thinking about going under the knife for breast reduction surgery or any other type of procedure, make sure to do your research.
“The most important factor in plastic surgery – the one that determines your safety and outcome – is your choice of plastic surgeon,” says Janis. “Get a second and third opinion. Review before and after pictures. And find a plastic surgeon that listens well and communicates clearly.”
That’s why you can never be too careful in choosing your surgeon or procedure.
“Plastic surgery is real surgery. It’s important to do your homework,” says Janis.
You should also find out about the doctor’s experience in treating your condition, as well as treatment options offered that best suit your needs. And don’t forget about the after-care treatment available to ensure a good recovery.
