Gynecomastia Surgery

For a lot of people, “male boobs” or breast enlargement are the butt of many jokes. For men who experience breast tissue growth, however, it can be the cause of embarrassment and low self-esteem. Male breasts are not always directly caused by being overweight, so men who are otherwise at a healthy weight can still struggle with breast enlargement, and even young boys can develop gynecomastia. Idiopathic gynecomastia and pubertal gynecomastia may be caused by estrogen excess but are not life-threatening, however, breast cancer cells may be associated with gynecomastia due to their appearance. If you’re looking for a long-term solution, then Dr. DiFrancesco can help.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is another name for male breast enlargement. Most men experience gynecomastia and breast pain at some point in their life, often around puberty. There are many causes, but male breast development is often the result of hormone imbalance. This means that some men experience breast tissue proliferation by taking certain medications or recreational drugs. Swollen breast tissue can also be genetic. Although some men can treat gynecomastia by losing weight, some can’t. In each case, it’s important to explore your treatment options with your regular physician before opting for surgery.

Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery

This type of surgery is often called male breast reduction and is most beneficial for men who don’t see results through changing their lifestyle or medical treatment plan. Male breast cancer patients cannot use gynecomastia surgery as a treatment, but if excess fatty tissue occurs in one or both breasts in prostate cancer patients, surgical removal of male breast tissue can be utilized after cancer treatment. You should be at or near your ideal weight and healthy enough to undergo a minimally invasive surgery.

Types of Gynecomastia Surgery

There are generally two ways that gynecomastia can be addressed with surgery. The right option for you will depend on Dr. DiFrancesco’s assessment and whether your gynecomastia is caused by enlarged breast tissue or fat.

Liposuction

Liposuction is often the most effective option for male breasts caused by excess, stubborn fat. This is because breast tissue is often too fibrous for traditional liposuction. Sometimes, power-assisted liposuction can be effective at breaking up breast tissue, so Dr. DiFrancesco can discuss your options.

Surgical Removal

During this technique, excess breast tissue is removed with surgical excision and a small, well-hidden incision around each areola.

Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure

Depending on your unique procedure, gynecomastia surgery can be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation at our Atlanta office. Dr. DiFrancesco will ensure that each small incision is easily concealable and unnoticeable within the natural contours of your body. After your ideal results are achieved using surgical techniques, the incisions are closed, and you can return home.

Gynecomastia Recovery

Recovery from gynecomastia surgery usually takes a few days, and you can return to work and normal activities within a week. It’s important to follow Dr. DiFrancesco’s aftercare instructions to keep swelling down and manage discomfort. You should wear a compression garment according to instructions to help the skin adhere to the new contours and aid blood flow. Although your results will continue to emerge in the weeks and months following surgery, you can begin to see results within a week or so.

Schedule a Consultation

Gynecomastia can take a toll on your self-esteem, especially when it seems like nothing works. To meet with Dr. DiFrancesco and begin discussing your treatment options, contact our Atlanta office by calling or filling out our online form.

Frequently Asked Questions