Gynecomastia Surgery in Ashburn, VA

Male breast reduction treatment is reserved for men with oversized breasts that cannot be treated through medications or diet. If you are troubled by the size and shape of your chest (but you are healthy and at a good weight), you may benefit from male breast reduction surgery.

Adolescent teens can also attain positive results from gynecomastia treatment; however, an additional procedure may be needed later as an adult if excess breast tissue continues to develop.

Your gynecomastia surgeon will discuss your goals and suitability for treatment during your initial consultation.

The procedure is performed under general anesthetic, and almost always includes a form of liposuction to remove excess fat from the chest area. This helps to eliminate excess fat tissue from the internal chest region.

Afterward, any lax skin will be surgically removed to produce a taut look. The nipple area and surrounding areola will be surgically reshaped and placed into a proportionate position. For most men, this treatment strategy requires a small incision in proximity close to where the glandular tissue has formed. After the pockets of fat and excess skin have been appropriately handled, Dr. Brown will pull together the remaining skin.

Following gynecomastia surgery, the chest is supported with a compression bandage to help decrease swelling, bleeding, and bruising. For complex cases where a more intricate approach was used, a small draining tube may be inserted to remove excess fluid.

Abstaining from vigorous exercise is recommended for the first three weeks to one month following surgery. Most patients can comfortably return to work after only a couple of days. At The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brown will give you post-operative instructions and guidance for smooth recovery.

Positive outcomes are visible almost immediately. Incisions made during surgery take time to heal, but scars left behind are typically small and barely visible.

With your new, masculine-appearing chest, you may get medical clearance from Dr. Brown to incorporate exercise and weight training, which will help accentuate the surgical results.

Gynecomastia results are typically permanent. However, to maintain your long-term positive results it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet. Using steroids, gaining weight, or certain medication may affect the outcome of your surgery.

How much does male breast reduction cost?

The cost treating gynecomastia varies depending on your condition and the plastic surgeon you visit. At The Loudoun Center for Plastic Surgery, we will discuss the cost of your treatment during your initial consultation and review any financing options available.

Cosmetic surgery procedures should always be handled by an experienced surgeon. We advise you focus on finding a surgeon that will deliver the best possible results. In most cases, gynecomastia in Northern Virginia is not covered by insurance, but we recommend contacting your insurer to check.

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia develops in men when there is an imbalance in the hormones. In most cases, gynecomastia is connected to the use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It may also be the result of using illegal drugs, including marijuana or heroin.

Gynecomastia can also be triggered by some medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors), plus some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications).

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some patients might have pseudo gynecomastia (false gynecomastia). In this case, following an exercise plan and a healthy diet is best before considering surgery.

If you have excess breast tissue when you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Brown will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include a mammogram, blood tests, or a biopsy to look for other causes, like an infection of the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?

Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved any medications for the treatment of gynecomastia. Upper body weight training to increase the pectoral muscles will not reduce the excess breast tissue and could even make the breasts look bigger.

Will gynecomastia surgery in Northern Virginia fix puffy or pointy nipples?

Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Dr. Brown at your consultation. He will personalize your surgical plan to select the best incision pattern and technique to improve your nipples. Oversized areolas may also be corrected in surgery for gynecomastia.

It’s crucial to be honest about your goals for surgery during your initial consultation. This way, your surgeon can customize your treatment plan for the best possible results.