Gynecomastia is a medical condition that affects men of all ages and backgrounds, causing them to develop excess breast tissue. It can lead to social awkwardness, discomfort, and feelings of isolation. At Charlotte Plastic Surgery, our solution is gynecomastia surgery. This procedure reduces breast size and removes excess fatty and glandular tissue, resulting in a sculpted and flattened chest. The outcome is renewed self-assurance, empowering men to reclaim their place in the world with enhanced confidence and comfort.
If you are searching for “male breast reduction surgery,” you are not alone.
In fact, males receive at least 40% of breast reduction operations annually. Although male breasts, or “moobs,” are sometimes a taboo topic, you are in good company. Gynecomastia is a medical term that refers to a rarely talked about condition. However, it’s actually quite common – the overdevelopment of male breasts affects roughly 40 to 60 percent of men. Gynecomastia may start in adolescence and persist throughout adulthood. In this case, the cause is often an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone hormones.
Often, the condition develops in an older man due to steroid abuse, weight gain, the hormonal imbalance caused by health conditions, or as a side effect of certain medications.
Men with Gynecomastia may feel self-conscious. They may avoid certain clothing, social situations, and physical activities. If self-consciousness about your chest keeps you from swimming, going to the beach, or working out, then you may find breast reduction would improve your quality of life. Gynecomastia can also cause emotional distress and hinder self-confidence, as some men may avoid intimacy to hide their condition.
Gynecomastia is characterized by:
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At our office in Charlotte gynecomastia surgery restores a masculine chest contour and sculpts a more defined and aesthetically pleasing upper body. This results in an improvement in your overall appearance and also provides you with newfound physical comfort, allowing you to confidently embrace new clothing styles that may have felt restrictive before. The procedure addresses one of the root causes of self-esteem issues in men and fosters a sense of freedom and confidence in your body.
Your refined chest appearance will improve your posture and body symmetry, creating a harmonious profile. Many patients report a significant boost in their quality of life because they no longer struggle with the physical discomfort and self-consciousness that may have been caused by gynecomastia. This enhanced physical well-being has a profound impact on daily activities, from engaging in sports and fitness to enjoying a wider wardrobe selection. Gynecomastia surgery offers you the opportunity to experience a remarkable transformation, both physically and emotionally.
Your first step to a firmer and leaner chest is a consultation for male breast reduction. During your consultation, your plastic surgeon will help you determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure and whether it will help you meet your goals.
The team at Charlotte Plastic Surgery feels privileged to serve Charlotte-area residents ever since our founding in 1951. Our longevity and proven track record align with our knowledge of today’s top procedures. Contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.
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LENGTH: 1-2 hours.
ANESTHESIA: Usually asleep.
IN/OUTPATIENT: Outpatient.
DURATION OF RESULTS: It can be permanent, though weight gain can cause the breasts to enlarge again.
The exact details of the breast reduction operation will vary depending on whether the gynecomastia presents simply as excess fat, excess glandular tissue, or enlarged nipples.
Liposuction techniques can be used to remove the excess fat for patients where gynecomastia results primarily in excess fatty tissue. During liposuction, small incisions are made, typically around the areola, and a liposuction cannula is inserted to loosen and suction out the fat. This approach benefits limited incisions for minimal scarring, and most activities may be resumed within two weeks.
For other patients, gynecomastia primarily involves excess glandular breast tissue. During a reduction, the excess skin must be removed, and the nipples must be returned to a more natural position. The surgeon also reduces the size of the areola. When glandular tissue and nipples are addressed, more complicated excision techniques are involved.
Incision locations vary based on the surgical approach but are most often hidden along the natural contours of the breast and around the pigmented area of the areola. In many cases, liposuction and excision techniques are used to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result.
Don’t just take our word for it, in the words of a former patient:
“I came to the consultation with a list of questions prepared but didn’t even have to pull it out. They were so knowledgeable and informative that they were all answered before I even asked my questions.”
To learn more from a patient perspective, read more testimonials.
The timeline for witnessing the final results of gynecomastia surgery varies from person to person, but noticeable improvements are typically visible within the first few weeks. Swelling and bruising will gradually subside during the first month, revealing the enhanced chest contour. Patients can expect the final results to fully manifest around three to six months after the surgery. During this period, any residual swelling diminishes, and the tissues settle into their permanent position, showcasing the refined and masculine appearance of the chest. It's important to follow post-operative care guidelines and attend follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and to appreciate the complete and enduring outcome of the gynecomastia surgery.
Following your gynecomastia surgery in Charlotte, you can head home to initiate the healing process. Plan to take at least a week off work since you may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort. To alleviate these effects, you will be prescribed pain medication and wear a specialized compression garment. It's important to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least three weeks to encourage a smooth recovery.
Gynecomastia side effects may include discomfort, swelling, and transient altered nipple sensitivity.
With any surgery, risks such as infection and blood clots exist. Our surgeons will always talk with you in your consultation about potential risks specific to your procedures. Other risks may include permanent nipple insensitivity and scarring.
Drains may be placed at the time of surgery and can be removed in- office after two to five days. You may be instructed to wear a compression vest for a few months to aid in the skin redraping process.
Enrolling in this program is free, so if you are a skincare advocate, why not take an easy step towards keeping your skin that much healthier and radiant?