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Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia in Sarasota, FL

Male breasts are rarely discussed openly, yet estimates show that 40 to 60 percent of men struggle with this condition (known as gynecomastia) at some point during their lives. The good news is that there is an effective solution to persistent gynecomastia: cosmetic surgery. Today, many men turn to male breast surgery to achieve the look they want. In 1999 alone, close to 11,000 men in the US had surgery to treat enlarged male breasts. For men who want to feel more confident on the sunny Florida beaches, a breast reduction procedure can be an ideal solution.

Dr. Alberico J. Sessa, MD, a member of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, provides each patient with the highest-quality care and the newest technology. His patients experience barely-visible scars and natural-looking results. Dr. Sessa has successfully treated hundreds of men at Sarasota Surgical Arts here in Sarasota, FL.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue that is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance, medication, genetics, or other factors. This condition is surprisingly common but often goes away on its own. When it does not, it is highly treatable with cosmetic surgery. Male breasts can develop at any age but gynecomastia is most prevalent around puberty and middle age because of hormonal fluctuations.

In some men, one breast may be larger than the other. The development of excess glandular tissue is sometimes painful but usually has no symptoms. Male breast surgery must be performed by an experienced, certified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Sessa because it is a complex reduction surgery.

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

Most men seek gynecomastia surgery to deal with the embarrassment and social limitations caused by persistent male breasts. Men often wear loose shirts or slump their shoulders to hide excess breast tissue. They may feel self-conscious and avoid removing their shirt in the pool, at the gym, or on the beach. Some of the benefits of having breast reduction surgery include:

  • Flatter chest and removal of breast tissue
  • Enhanced chest contours
  • Removal of excess fat in the chest area
  • Improved posture
  • Improved mental outlook
  • Increased self-esteem
  • Increased confidence when bare-chested
  • New self-image

Gynecomastia Surgery Candidates

Gynecomastia surgery candidates are emotionally stable, healthy adult men of any age. The condition may present itself in teenagers and is typically observed for at least one year before surgery is considered because it may resolve on its own. Patients must be close to their ideal weight and have elastic skin that can be reshaped and contoured. In order to determine individual candidacy, prospective patients should schedule a consultation with Dr. Sessa.

Your Male Breast Reduction Consultation

Dr. Sessa will begin your consultation at our Sarasota cosmetic surgery center with a warm and open discussion on how gynecomastia affects you. He will seek to identify causes of your enlarged male breasts. However, most cases have no identifiable reason and may still approved for male breast reduction surgery. Excess male breast tissue is usually created by a buildup of fat and glandular tissue. Dr. Sessa will tailor a breast reduction procedure to match your physique and aesthetic goals.

The Gynecomastia Procedure

Dr. Sessa performs gynecomastia surgery at our cosmetic surgery center in Sarasota, FL. The breast reduction procedure is usually an outpatient surgery that is performed with general or local anesthesia. The details of each surgery are based on the amount of glandular tissue, fat, and skin that must be removed. Surgery usually takes about two hours to complete.

Most gynecomastia treatments combine liposuction with excision techniques to remove excess breast tissues. The liposuction portion is completed using a thin metal tube (cannula) to remove fat and excess tissue from the breast and chest area. When only fatty tissue is present, a cosmetic surgeon can perform liposuction alone to remove excess fat using small incisions for the cannula. The residual skin retracts naturally after surgery. During combination treatments, Dr. Sessa will use liposuction techniques and then remove both dense glandular tissue and excess skin during the breast reduction surgery.

When the removal of excess skin and tissue requires the repositioning of the nipple, Dr. Sessa strategically creates an incision surrounding the nipple and repositions the nipple to enhance the chest area. Dr. Sessa specializes in male breast reduction surgery and will show you before and after photos and explain the details of your operation during your consultation.

Gynecomastia Breast Reduction Recovery

A compression garment is worn during the first several weeks following surgery to promote recovery and to enhance chest contours. The recovery process for gynecomastia surgery varies on the extent of the operation. Pain may fluctuate from minimal to moderate and last for several days or up to two weeks. Prescribed medication can help to control any discomfort patients may feel. Patients typically experience swelling and bruising after the surgery, which resolves within a few weeks. Getting the correct amount of rest helps the body heal and recover more quickly.

If you are experiencing a quick recovery, you may drive and engage in light activities on the second or third day after the operation. Avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen because it can interfere with the clotting system and increase the possibility of complications. Maintain a hygienic and healthy environment, apply the antibiotic ointment as directed, and cover the area as instructed. You will receive complete instructions for aftercare prior to the procedure. Continue communication with our surgical center during your recovery

Frequently Asked Gynecomastia Questions

Am I a good male breast reduction candidate?

Dr. Sessa may approve you for male breast reduction if you have enlarged male breasts, are in good health, a non-smoker, and you are close to your ideal weight. Ideal male breast reduction candidates have realistic expectations and are willing and able to follow all pre-and post-surgical care instructions. During your private consultation with Dr. Sessa, you will have your individual candidacy evaluated. Therefore, Dr. Sessa will only recommend the procedure if he feels it will help you reach your aesthetic goals.

How do I prepare for gynecomastia surgery?

You will receive instructions at your consultation. Maintain a healthy lifestyle before your surgery and stop smoking at least four weeks before the day of the procedure. Avoid medications like aspirin and ibuprofen that may interfere with the blood clotting system and possibly increase the chance of complications.

During your preparation for the surgery, consider your aftercare. Prepare your home and have supplies on hand for your recovery, including medical necessities and groceries. Ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery and to remain with you overnight if possible.

What can I expect during the breast reduction procedure?

Board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sessa will use a combination of techniques during the two-hour procedure to achieve the most optimal results possible. The surgery may involve liposuction, the removal of breast tissue, tightening excess skin, and repositioning your nipple. General anesthesia is typically used. Dr. Sessa and our friendly and knowledgeable staff at our high-tech Sarasota cosmetic surgery center will ensure your complete comfort during the procedure.

When will I see results and how long will they last?

Male breast reduction surgery results are immediate and permanent. After the surgery, there will be some swelling and lines from the incisions, as can be expected. However, these will heal and fade over time. Every year, thousands of men in the United States have gynecomastia surgery done and are thrilled with their long-lasting results.

Gaining a significant amount of weight, taking medications that cause hormonal imbalance like steroids or abusing certain drugs or alcohol may cause you to develop gynecomastia again. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced and nutritious diet and regular exercise will help you avoid gaining a significant amount of weight, which could cause excess fat to develop in your chest area. You can discuss the chance of re-developing excess breast tissue during your consultation with Dr. Sessa.

When can I return to work?

Each gynecomastia surgery is unique, and your recovery will be based on the extent of your operation. Most gynecomastia patients return to work after two weeks. You can discuss your schedule and taking time off work with Dr. Sessa during your consultation.

What are the possible male breast reduction risks?

The risks for breast reduction are similar to other types of surgery and can include bleeding, an adverse reaction to anesthesia, and infection. Risks may also include changes in breast and nipple sensation and scarring. All body contouring surgeries carry the risk of removing too much or too little tissue, and revision surgery may be necessary in rare cases. However, board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alberico Sessa performs body contouring procedures and male breast reduction regularly. The risks associated with cosmetic surgery are significantly reduced when an experienced, board-certified surgeon performs the procedure.

What results can I expect after gynecomastia surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery will boost your self-confidence and enhance the appearance of your chest. If you are uncomfortable with the size and appearance of your chest area and find that diet, exercise, and time have not reduced the size of your male breasts, surgery may be able to produce the results you are seeking. Dr. Sessa can show you before and after photos from previous male patients to show you what typical results look like.

Schedule a Gynecomastia Consultation in Sarasota, FL

Dr. Alberico Sessa, MD, is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who performs a range of cosmetic surgical procedures, including male breast reduction and body contouring. Call Sarasota Surgical Arts at 941-923-1736 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sessa or visit us online at Sarasota Surgical Arts in Sarasota, FL.