Gynecomastia in Miami, FL

Gynecomastia a medical term that originates from the Greek words for “women-like breasts,” and our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jeffrey LaGrasso, offers his male patients with this condition a surgical procedure called the male breast reduction to reshape the chest for a more masculine appearance.

This male breast condition is far more common than many people realize. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40% – 60% of the male population, and may affect a single breast or both, which occurs during puberty, and lasts into adulthood. It is believed to be caused by the following:

• A hormonal imbalance of estrogen and testosterone levels
• Liver or thyroid problems
• Medical conditions (including cancer, impaired liver function, and more)
• Taking medications containing estrogen, alcohol, marijuana, and certain drugs (anaboloic steroids) 
• It is also widely accepted that a large percentage of cases derive from unknown sources

Patients with gynecomastia may be embarrassed when their chests are exposed, and may have a hard time talking to a plastic surgeon about this condition. During a completely private consultation, Dr. LaGrasso will discuss in great detail what a male breast reduction surgery can do for you. Call today and schedule your first appointment.

Gynecomastia surgery in Miami, FL performed by Dr. LaGrasso helps men address frustrating excess breast tissue with a number of great benefits, like:

• Removes unwanted fat in and around the chest area
• Defines the pec muscles
• Contours the chest
• Creates a more toned, masculine look
• Recovery time is typically short
• Results can be dramatic and long-lasting
• Boosts your self-image and confidence

Men of any age, who are healthy and emotionally stable are considered good candidates for male breast reduction surgery. The best candidates are those who have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.

In some instances, surgery may be discouraged for overweight men, who have not first tried exercise with a healthy diet regimen.

Before surgery is recommended, the surgeon will perform a variety of tests and possibly prescribe medications to see if any improvement occurs. If the breast enlargement persists, surgery is an option. Mild cases of gynecomastia are corrected with liposuction. Small incisions are made surrounding the areola where suction tubes (cannulas) are inserted to extract fat and breast tissues. When the enlargement is severe, a longer incision is done to excise breast tissues and loose skin. Skin tightening may also be incorporated and the nipples repositioned so that they are proportional to the new chest shape.

Male breast reduction surgery uses general anesthesia, and is performed in an accredited surgical facility. The operation lasts up to an hour. It is normal to have bruising and swelling around the chest area for the first couple of weeks. A compression garment must be worn for about 3 – 6 weeks to help with reshaping and healing, and the patient must avoid exposing scarred areas to the sun for at least 6 months.

There is little downtime, and you may return to work within a week usually, unless you are involved in strenuous activities, especially movements that will put pressure on the chest.

Patients may experience temporary numbness or lack of sensation in the area that could last up to a year. Infrequent complications may include infection, skin damage, fluid accumulation, bleeding, scarring, or pigment changes. Post-operative asymmetry, while rare, is also possible, and a second procedure may be needed to remove additional tissue.

This condition must not be confused with a false gynecomastia, also known as pseudogynecomastia, in which the enlargement is caused by fat deposits instead of breast tissue development. The plastic surgeon will be able to determine this by physical examinations or lab tests during the initial consultation. If it is a case of excessive fat tissues on the chest, the approach in treatment is the same when removing  excess fat tissues in any part of the body. Proper diet and exercises are initially recommended before considering any surgical treatment. However, if the issue persists, a liposuction – sometimes even combined with a lift – may be performed to reshape the chest.

Gynecomastia, unfortunately, hides the normal chest muscles that lie underneath the layers of overdeveloped breast tissue. For those who have severe gynecomastia, it is even possible that the overgrowth of breast tissue has developed into internal scarring. With a breast reduction surgery, all excess fat and breast tissues will be removed and the pectoralis muscles will be spared so that they can become more visible. With proper diet and exercise after the surgery, men will be able to tone and strengthen their chest muscle to regain the chest’s natural form.

Liposuction is the primary approach in extracting fat or any soft tissues. Because it uses a small cannula to vacuum the fat out, it is a less invasive approach compared to excising the tissue, which requires longer incisions. There are liposuction options that are even less invasive. These options will be provided with more details prior to the surgical plan so the patient can consider all factors and ultimately decide which technique is preferred.

If the breast reduction technique uses liposuction, the incisions will be minimal and will be placed around or near the areola. The plastic surgeon will make every effort when it comes to making the incisions and suturing to minimize the effects of scarring. 

Recovery typically involves a few days of rest, with most patients returning to normal activities within a week. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for several weeks.

Gynecomastia during puberty can resolve on its own as hormone levels stabilize. However, if the condition persists or causes discomfort, treatment may be necessary.

If you are frustrated with the side effects of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), we welcome you to call our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. LaGrasso to learn about our male breast reduction procedure at Jeffrey LaGrasso M.D. After treatment for gynecomastia, you won't have to keep covering up your chest when you go to the gym and beach. We have helped many Miami, FL men and have enjoyed helping them reclaim their self-esteem.