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. This enlargement of male breast tissue is categorized as either True Gynecomastia or Pseudo-Gynecomastia.
- True gynecomastia is caused by hormonal changes and involves the glandular tissues.
- Pseudo-Gynecomastia is the presence of excess fatty tissue around the breast.
What Causes Gynecomastia or Moobs?
Hormone imbalances and certain drugs like anabolic steroids, prescription medications, and recreational drugs like marijuana can lead to gynecomastia or excess breast tissue. No matter how well you eat or how many hours you spend in the gym, stubborn fatty tissue around the pecs can be almost impossible to eliminate, and no diet or chest exercise can change an enlarged gland or excess glandular tissue.
What’s the Difference Between Gynecomastia and Fat (Pseudo-Gynecomastia)?
True Gynecomastia involves more than just male breast fat. The enlargement of the mammary gland is a principle element of true gynecomastia. No amount of push-ups, bench press or weight loss will result in the resolution of true gynecomastia.
Pseudo-gynecomastia is a condition which mimics true gynecomastia. In pseudo-gynecomastia, an excess of body fat leads to the appearance of male breasts. This condition is most common in patients who struggle with obesity. To improve psuedo-gynecomastia, a combination of strength training and cardio along with whole body weight loss, will lead to an improvement in the appearance of your chest. Often with pseudo-gynecomastia, as patients experience fat loss, they also notice some looseness in the skin of the chest. This can be corrected with a male breast lift or less invasive procedures such as liposuction with Renuvion (J Plasma).
How to Get Rid of Man Boobs?
Because of the possibility of medical causes for your gynecomastia, you should always be evaluated by your primary care provider to ensure there are no reversible causes for your enlarged breast tissue.
The work up for gynecomastia may involve checking hormone levels such as testosterone and estrogen levels. A breast exam can help determine the possible need for imaging studies to rule out breast cancer as as possible cause, particularly when the ”extra fat” is one sided.
If you have a medical condition that is not corrected first, gynecomastia surgery will be futile (as will any chest exercises or weight loss) as the medical condition will likely cause the gyno to recur.
You should also be aware the recreational drugs are a common cause of modern gynecomastia. Marijuana acts as an estrogen stimulator and also leads to decreased testosterone levels. This results in the growth of your mammary glands (breast tissue). If you continue to smoke weed after your gynecomastia surgery, your enlarged glands will likely return.
Many of the gyno patients we see at Imagen are avid body builders. Many of the supplements used by those trying to build muscle can not only lead to an increase in your chest muscles but can also lead to an increase in your breast tissue.
Once all medical causes have been ruled out or addressed, you may consider gynecomastia reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery at Imagen is a unique procedure that involves more than just fat removal. During the procedure, the doctor also removes a portion of the mammary gland. This enlarged gland behind the areola, combined with chest fat, causes the breast-like appearance associated with gynecomastia.
For those concerned about loose or sagging skin after their gynecomastia procedure, Imagen uses Renuvion for skin-tightening in conjunction with all liposuction procedures. Renuvion uses a combination of radio-frequency (RF) with helium gas to tighten your skin so that your chest looks contoured, firm, and more defined.
This cosmetic surgery helps to improve not only physical health but mental health with the confidence your post-op results can provide your overall well-being and self-confidence.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male Breast Reduction surgery at Imagen is a unique procedure that involves more than just excess fat removal. During the procedure (which is done entirely under local anesthesia), the surgeon will perform liposuction to remove excess fat and help reveal the pectoral muscles underneath. He will also remove a portion of the mammary gland from behind the nipple. This enlarged gland behind the areola, in addition to excess chest fat tissue, is what causes the breast-like appearance associated with gynecomastia (aka male breasts).
4D Hi Def Liposculpting of the chest is used to help define the muscle mass of the chest area. Your upper body will look lean and toned. If you need help in building up your pectoral muscles, fat transfer can be used to augment the upper poles of the pecs while lipo removes fat from the lower poles and behind the nipple, giving a more ripped and masculine appearance to your chest area without the reps. Hi Def Lipo can also be used to reduce belly fat and give you the appearance of six pack abs.
Liposuction with Gynecomastia Reduction
In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction may be used alone. This requires the insertion of a cannula, through several small incisions. The cannula is moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the excess fat, which is then removed from the body. There are various liposuction techniques that may be used; the technique most appropriate for your body type will be determined in your initial consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery and Renuvion for Skin-Tightening
In the past, the only reliable method of skin tightening was to perform invasive plastic surgery (a male breast reduction where a plastic surgeon removes some of the excess skin leaving an ”anchor” scar). Through advancements in cosmetic technology, there is now a state-of-the-art treatment available that smooths and tightens unwanted skin: Renuvion or Plasma.
Renuvion is a minimally-invasive, skin tightening treatment that restores elasticity and firmness to the skin. Renuvion is available in Nebraska only at Imagen Body Sculpting.
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.
What Results Can I Expect From a Male Breast Reduction?
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?
Gynecomastia surgery at Imagen is a unique procedure that involves more than just excess fat removal. During the procedure, the doctor also removes a portion of the mammary gland, which can be a major cause of the breast-like appearance associated with gynecomastia. This gland responds to a variety of triggers which lead to gynecomastia. These triggers can include the use of anabolic steroids, certain prescription medications, and marijuana (pot). Because a portion of the gland is still intact, it is possible to grow again if the patient chooses to use the substances that may have led to the original enlargement.
How Much Does Male Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
Pricing varies between patients but the average gynecomastia procedure falls somewhere between $4,000-$6,000. Imagen’s prices are always all-inclusive, with no hidden fees. Your surgical fee will include:
- The Gynecomastia Reduction Procedure
- All Pre and Post Op Visits
- SmartLipo and Renuvion Technology
- 2 Compression Garments
- All Anesthesia and Facilities Fees
Ready for the Next Step? Schedule a Consultation
Gynecomastia surgeries are increasing in popularity in the United States. When performed by a board-certified, experienced cosmetic surgeon, you will have a better chance at a good outcome. Being prepared ahead of time by knowing the process, costs, and recovery time before booking your procedure is optimal.
While Male Breast Reduction Surgery is a popular surgery, it isn’t right for everyone. Talk to your cosmetic surgeon about your desired outcomes to make sure they are aligned. Here at Imagen, we will always give you our professional opinion about what is right for your body type and what is achievable and may recommend this procedure or something different that will better suit your needs.
If you are interested in learning more about our Gynecomastia Reduction procedure, Hi Def Lipo or other cosmetic treatments, please call us at 402-347-4433 to schedule a complimentary consultation. At your complimentary consultation, our team will discuss your goals and the expectations for your treatment as well as cost and financing. If you are not in Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs or the surrounding metro, we do offer virtual consultations as well!
*It is important to recognize that for all medical procedures, including those performed at Imagen Body Sculpting, individual results and experiences may vary.
