Also Serving Gynecomastia Patients in Beachwood
Approximately 40 to 60 percent of all men have “man boobs,” a medical condition known as gynecomastia. Unbeknownst to some people, gynecomastia is not caused by fat, but rather by excess glandular tissue. As a result, diet and exercise rarely have a significant effect on gynecomastia. The only way to effectively treat gynecomastia and create a noticeably flatter and more classically masculine chest is with male breast reduction surgery.
Drs. Mark A. Foglietti and Alanna Foglietti Fostyk are the trusted choice for men seeking a more sculpted chest. They stay on top of the most modern techniques and technologies to deliver successful and natural-looking outcomes. Requested by men of all backgrounds and body types, male breast reduction surgery is a highly personalized procedure. Drs. Foglietti and Foglietti Fostyk will tailor their technique to your unique aesthetic needs and goals. If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious or embarrassed by overdeveloped breasts, our exceptionally trained and skilled surgeons can help you gain the confidence to wear fitted shirts, go shirtless at the beach or simply feel comfortable in your own skin.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia often occurs because of hormonal imbalances. Abnormally high levels of estrogen (the female sex hormone) in men can cause overdeveloped, enlarged breasts. Hormonal fluctuations normally occur right after birth, at puberty and between the ages of 50 and 80.
Some cases of gynecomastia develop as a side effect of medications such as chemotherapy, antidepressants or prostate cancer medications. Medical conditions such as liver or kidney disease, testicular cancer, thyroid disorders and some congenital disorders can cause gynecomastia.
Often, gynecomastia is idiopathic — meaning the cause is unknown.
The Male Breast Reduction Consultation
Drs. Foglietti and Foglietti Fostyk understand it can be uncomfortable or embarrassing to discuss gynecomastia. However, our doctors are compassionate and respectful of your needs. We want to help you look and feel more confident in your own skin. An evaluation helps us to determine the most suitable treatment for your particular situation. During your consultation, our doctors will thoroughly examine your chest, taking note of the size of your breasts and the quality of your skin. We will take the time to explain male breast reduction surgery in detail and answer your questions about the procedure and what to expect.
Am I a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Male breast reduction surgery removes excess fat, skin and tissue and reshapes the chest for a flatter and manlier chest appearance. The procedure may be right for you if you experience any of the following:
- Anxiety about taking your shirt off in public due to overdeveloped breasts
- Feelings of self-consciousness or embarrassment in public settings
- Feeling the need to hide your chest under bulky clothing
- Skin irritation, rashes or chafing due to folds of male breast skin rubbing against other skin during exercise
In addition, candidates for male breast reduction must be in good general health, not smoke and have a stable, healthy weight. Drs. Foglietti and Foglietti Fostyk will review all candidacy requirements with you during a personal consultation.
What to Expect During Male Breast Reduction Surgery
Male breast reduction is an outpatient procedure performed with anesthesia. To start, several small incisions will be made, either around the edge of the areola, the natural crease of the chest or in the armpit. A thin tube called a cannula will be inserted through the incisions to remove the excess fat. To remove glandular tissue, an incision will be made around the areola to access the tissue and excise it. Oversized areolas can also be reduced, if necessary. Once the surgeon is finished making the surgical modifications, he or she will close the incisions with sutures. A compression garment will be placed to protect and support the healing tissues.
Once the chest has fully healed, it will be noticeably flatter and firmer. The resulting scars will fade over time until they are virtually undetectable.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
In the first few days following your gynecomastia surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising and mild discomfort affecting your chest area. We will place a compression garment around your breasts to support the healing tissues, protect the incisions and minimize swelling.
Many of our patients feel well enough to resume desk jobs within a few days. Depending on the nature of your job, you may need to take up to two weeks off work. We will lay out a specific recovery timeline during your consultations.
After the bruising and swelling subside, you should begin to enjoy your newly contoured chest. Your scars should flatten and fade over time, as long as you practice smart scar care (e.g., avoiding direct sun exposure, not smoking).
Gynecomastia Frequently Asked Questions
Can exercise get rid of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia refers to an overgrowth of glandular tissue (not fat tissue). Glandular tissue does not go away with diet or exercise; the only way to reduce or eliminate it is with surgical treatment.
Will I have noticeable scarring from male breast reduction?
Drs. Foglietti and Foglietti Fostyk take great care to place the surgical incisions in inconspicuous places on the breasts, such as around the perimeters of the areolas or in the natural creases or transitions of the skin. With proper incision and scar care, the scars should fade and flatten over time until they are virtually imperceptible.
Can male breast reduction improve the appearance of my areolas?
Yes. If you are uncomfortable with enlarged or asymmetrical areolas or nipples, our surgeons can reduce them during your procedure.
How much does male breast reduction cost?
The cost of surgery depends on the specific treatment plan and extent of correction needed. Our team would be happy to provide information about male breast reduction cost after meeting with you for an in-person evaluation.
How to Schedule a Male Breast Reduction Consultation
If you are self-conscious or embarrassed by oversized breasts, Drs. Foglietti and Foglitetti Fostyk can help. To learn more about male breast reduction surgery, schedule a one-on-one consultation. Contact our Cleveland plastic surgery practice by calling (216) 292-6800 or emailing us today.
