What is Gynecomastia (Man Boobs)?
Gynecomastia is a combination of excess chest fat and an enlarged mammary gland (breast tissue). The enlarged mammary gland is often the main reason for the breast-like appearance associated with gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is commonly classified as either true gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia. These terms are used to differentiate between two different underlying causes of male breast enlargement.
- True Gynecomastia: True gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of the breast tissue in males due to the proliferation of glandular tissue. It is characterized by the development of firm, rubbery masses beneath the nipple-areolar complex. True gynecomastia is typically caused by an imbalance in the estrogen and testosterone hormone levels in the body.
- Pseudogynecomastia: Pseudogynecomastia, also known as lipomastia, is not caused by the proliferation of glandular breast tissue but rather by an accumulation of excess fat in the chest area. It is often associated with excess body weight and obesity. In pseudogynecomastia, the breast enlargement is primarily due to excess adipose tissue (fat) rather than glandular tissue.
Gynecomastia Treatment & Surgery for “Man Boobs”
SmartLipo and Renuvion (formerly known as J-Plasma) are often used in combination to provide an effective and comprehensive treatment for gynecomastia. Here are some reasons why SmartLipo and Renuvion are considered a good combined treatment for gynecomastia and their associated benefits:
- Targeted Fat Removal: SmartLipo is a minimally invasive laser-assisted liposuction technique that specifically targets and removes excess fat from the chest area. It utilizes laser energy to liquefy fat cells, making them easier to remove. This helps contour the chest and reduce the fatty component of gynecomastia.
- Skin Tightening: Renuvion utilizes a combination of radiofrequency energy and helium plasma to tighten and rejuvenate the skin. It delivers controlled heat energy to the underlying tissues, stimulating collagen production and promoting skin tightening. When used in combination with SmartLipo, Renuvion can help improve the overall contour and tightness of the chest, reducing any potential sagging or excess skin.
- Enhanced Results: The combined use of SmartLipo and Renuvion can provide enhanced results compared to using either treatment alone. SmartLipo removes excess fat, while Renuvion tightens and firms the skin, leading to a more sculpted and defined chest appearance.
- Minimally Invasive: Both SmartLipo and Renuvion are minimally invasive procedures, which means they involve smaller incisions and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. The procedures are performed under local anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Customized Treatment: The combination of SmartLipo and Renuvion allows for a customized treatment approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. The procedures can be adjusted based on the extent of gynecomastia, the presence of excess fat or glandular tissue, and the desired aesthetic outcome.
- Reduced Downtime: Due to their minimally invasive nature, the combined SmartLipo and Renuvion treatment typically involves less downtime compared to traditional surgical approaches. This allows individuals to resume their normal activities more quickly.
What Causes Gynecomastia or “Man Boobs”
Certain lifestyle habits or factors may contribute to the development or exacerbation of gynecomastia. While these factors may not directly cause gynecomastia, they can influence hormonal balance and contribute to the enlargement of breast tissue. In recent years, recreational drugs have become the most common cause of modern gynecomastia. Below are several lifestyle habits that can potentially contribute to gynecomastia:
- Alcohol Consumption
- Recreational Drug Use
- Unhealthy Diet
- Medications
- Anabolic Steroid Use
- Obesity
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost for “Man Boobs”?
Gynecomastia surgery to reduce the appearance of enlarged male breast tissue varies based on several factors such as the extent of the gynecomastia and if additional body areas are being treated. Your consultation will go over all procedure details and pricing in-depth. With the exception of your prescription medications, the total investment of your procedure includes the following:
- Gynecomastia SmartLipo® Surgical Procedure
- Renuvion® Skin Tightening
- All Pre- and Post-op Appointments
- Extensive Pre- and Post-op Recovery Supplies
- (2) Premium Compression Garments
- All Anesthesia and Facilities Fees
- Access to Patient Concierge Service
Gynecomastia FAQs
Who is a good candidate for Gynecomastia surgery?
Good candidates for the male breast reduction procedure are close to their ideal body weight and have exhausted all measures such as diet and exercise to reduce excess fat. They have often worked with nutritional experts and personal trainers to reduce excess body fat. Additionally, medical causes of any breast gland development such as medications, drug use, and hormone-secreting tumors must be excluded and/or corrected. Good candidates lead a healthy lifestyle, exercise regularly and are non-smokers. Male breasts are typically not caused by a serious medical condition, although the doctor will take a full medical history during your consultation. During your initial consultation, your physician will go over medical history, side effects and possible complications, recommendations for weight gain/weight loss around the time of your surgery, and realistic expectations and your goals for your surgical procedure.
Do I need to undergo any testing or evaluations before my Gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia can be triggered from many triggers so it’s important to discuss with your primary care provider to rule out any serious medication conditions and help determine the cause and if any action can be taken to reverse the mammary gland enlargement before the SmartLipo® and Renuvion® reduction procedure. Our providers will determine if any additional medical testing is needed prior to the approval of your gynecomastia surgery. Any medical condition that is not properly addressed will render your procedure results futile.
What results can I expect from a Gynecomastia Male Breast Reduction procedure?
Gynecomastia patients will notice immediate improvement, but optimal results appear 3-6 months after surgery. It is imperative that you follow all of your post-op guidelines including wearing the compression garment at all times except during bathing. Bruising and swelling may occur but usually subside within a week of surgery and most patients can return to normal activity after a day or two unless otherwise suggested by your doctor. You will need to reduce your high impact exercise (such as running and some cardiovascular exercises) and decrease your resistance when weight training for a few weeks after your procedure.
Can my Gynecomastia come back after surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery at Imagen is a unique procedure that involves more than just excess fat removal. During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon also removes a portion of the mammary gland, which can be the major culprit behind the breast-like appearance associated with gynecomastia. Gynecomastia reduction results can be long-lasting when paired with healthy diet and lifestyle choices. The mammary gland can be sensitive and reactive to certain triggers such as use of anabolic steroids, certain prescription medications and marijuana which can lead to gynecomastia. After the procedure, a portion of the mammary gland will remain intact so it is possible for the gland to enlarge again if the patient chooses to begin/continue any substance use that may have contributed to the original breast enlargement.
Learn more about Gynecomastia and explore our men’s liposuction gallery to see real before and after photos of Gynecomastia Reduction clients.
