Some men are predisposed to excess tissue over the breasts due to reasons of genetics, hormonal medications, and nutrition. Losing weight can reduce the appearance of prominent male breasts for many men, but oftentimes excess glandular tissue limits the improvement. Even very lean men can have excessive breast size. Gynecomastia is characterized by excess fat tissue, glandular tissue, and breast skin.

To learn about gynecomastia surgery, please read the guide below or contact Ennis Plastic Surgery at 561-405-9020 to book a consultation or ask us a question. We are here to help you get the look you desire.

What is a Gynecomastia Procedure

A gynecomastia (male breast reduction) procedure is the most effective solution for treating enlarged male breasts, also known as man boobs. This procedure removes* excess fat and excess breast glandular tissue to reveal a firmer, flatter and more masculine chest contour.

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Gynecomastia Treatment Options

Male breast reductions can be performed in several ways, depending on the cause of breast enlargement and the size of the male breasts. Treatments can include liposuction, tissue excision, energy based treatments or a combination of several techniques. A thorough and individualized consultation is necessary to determine which approach is most beneficial.

Gynecomastia Treatments

1. Liposuction for Gynecomastia

Many male patients have excellent outcomes with the use of liposuction, especially in cases for which the primary cause of gynecomastia is excess fatty tissue. The experienced plastic surgeons at Ennis Plastic Surgery are skilled in their ability to contour the shape of the chest through liposuction. The surgeon is able to remove* excess fat and glandular tissue, contouring the chest in a way that looks natural and aesthetically pleasing to the body.

Liposuction is performed under a local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia in order to ensure patient comfort. With liposuction, a small tube is inserted under the skin through small incisions. Typically, incisions are placed on either side of the chest, around the areola, and near the armpit, depending on the specific client needs. Through the incisions, the cannula (small tube) is moved back and forth to loosen the fat tissue. A small vacuum suctions the fat tissue out through the tube, removing it from the body.

2. Tissue Excision:

More significant gynecomastia may require surgical tissue removal for optimal results. Conditions with excess breast skin or glandular tissue may require surgical removal and repair. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of the male breast tissue can cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola. In this case, repositioning of the areola and removal of excess skin can significantly improve the chest appearance.

With surgical tissue excision, incisions are typically made around the edge of the areola or within the natural chest creases. The surgeons at Ennis Plastic Surgery pride themselves in placing surgical incisions in inconspicuous areas, in order to obtain the most natural looking results. The surgeon removes* the unwanted glandular tissue and excess skin. Then, the incisions are closed to reveal a firmer and more defined chest wall. The surgeon may also include liposuction during this procedure, to address excess fat deposits and further improve the chest contours.

3. Using Technology to Get Rid of Gynecomastia

Energy-based, non-invasive treatments to address gynecomastia are excellent options for men who are looking for a more conservative approach to breast reduction. These treatments are ideal when the primary cause of gynecomastia is excess fat deposits over the breast tissue. Ennis Plastic Surgery offers treatments including UltraShape and VelaShape III for male breast reduction.

UltraShape

UltraShape utilizes focused ultrasound to destroy fat cells and reduce body circumference. The focused sound waves are pulsed into the stored fat cells, mechanically disrupting their cell membranes. When the fat cell membrane is broken via ultrasound, the triglycerides are naturally released and eventually metabolized to the liver. The liver processes these fatty molecules, using them for energy and then eliminating them naturally.

With this process, the fat cells are removed* from the body after the UltraShape treatment. Therefore long lasting results are achieved. The UltraShape treatments are typically delivered once every two weeks to allow the body to naturally eliminate* the destroyed fat cells between sessions. The typical dosing of treatments is three sessions, spaced two weeks apart. One session takes approximately 45 minutes. Measurable results are noticeable after two weeks.

VelaShape III

The VelaShape III treatment is a non-invasive body shaping system that combines three different energy technologies (infrared, heat, and bi-polar radio frequency) with therapeutic massage in order to reshape and contour the body. The treatment is able to combat adipose tissue, by shrinking the size of the fat cells. The radio frequency works below the dermis layer of skin, heating the fatty adipose tissue and shrinking the fat cells. The infrared heat penetrates to the dermis layer, stimulating collagen production. The new collagen production brings about smoother, firmer and tighter skin.

VelaShape III treatments are typically performed once a week, for a minimum of three treatments. The treatment duration can last between 10-40 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Results can be seen as early as 1 week from the first treatment, but optimal results are obtained after several sessions. Patients are pleased to find that the treatment is pain-free, and it does not require any anesthesia. Patients can expect to experience a gentle, warm heat with a comfortable massage.

Combination of strategies – Surgical & Non-Surgical

For some clients, a combination of liposuction, surgical excision and technology services may be the most appropriate. A one-on-one consultation is the best way to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for each man.

What to Expect with Gynecomastia Treatment

Each male breast reduction procedure begins with an individualized consultation with the plastic surgeon, in which the patient will discuss their concerns and ultimate goals for surgery. The surgeon will evaluate the male breasts to determine the contributing factors and develop an appropriate treatment plan. During the consultation, patients are encouraged to ask questions to ease anxiety and to understand realistic expectations for the procedure.

Patients are given anesthesia in order to ensure patient comfort and safety. After the surgical procedure, dressings will be applied to the incisions in order to protect healing. An elastic bandage may be placed to reduce swelling and support the chest during healing. In addition, a drain tube may be placed under the skin in order to remove* any excess blood or fluid from the area during the first days of recovery.

Gynecomastia Recovery

Patients may be given medications to reduce discomfort. It is recommended to allow the body to heal with plenty of rest during the first several days, taking care of the incisions and swelling. It is important to minimize tugging or pulling at the surgical incisions during the initial healing. For most men, swelling and bruising is minimal. Most daily activities can resume after the first week.

For men choosing to utilize the energy based services, there is no needed recovery time. The treatments are specifically administered over the course of time, as the results are further improved with each treatment. Additionally, both the UltraShape and VelaShape III are both very comfortable treatments and have no need for anesthesia.

The Treatment Results

The results of the procedure are permanent* for most men. However, if gynecomastia was a result of using specific prescription medications, drugs such as steroids, or poor diet and exercise habits, it is vital that healthy lifestyle choices are priority. Resuming hormonal medications, steroids or gaining weight can result in redevelopment of gynecomastia.

The Ennis Plastic Surgery Difference

At Ennis Plastic Surgery we pride ourselves in delivering consistent outcomes and incomparable patient care. We understand that discussing male breast reduction may be an embarrassing topic for some patients. However, we are uniquely dedicated to patient comfort and satisfaction. We value the private, individualized consultation in which patients can express their concerns and surgical desires.

Dr. Ennis offers years of clinical experience and expertise. Let us show you how a gynecomastia procedure can permanently and instantly improve your chest appearance and inner self-confidence. Call 561-405-9020 today to set up an individualized consultation to see how this procedure can positively impact your life!