Gynecomastia is the medical term for the development of female-like breasts in men.  It occurs in approximately 50% of all men in different forms, ranging from excess breast or fat tissue to the development of female glands.

Gynecomastia can develop in adolescents as early as age twelve as a result of hormonal changes, and can also be caused by drug, diet, and lifestyle induced hormonal shifts.  Men taking anabolic steroids often suffer from gynecomastia as testosterone levels in the body rise dramatically, causing the body to respond by producing enzymes that turn excess testosterone into estrogen.  Increased age and weight can also contribute to the development of excess breast and fat tissue.

How It's Done

In some cases, changes in lifestyle or diet can reverse gynecomastia, and in 90% of adolescents the condition disappears within a month or two.  For all others surgery is the only option for correction.  Usually performed in a doctor's office or surgical suite as an outpatient procedure, gynecomastia surgery can be done with the use of a local or general anesthetic.

Once the patient is properly anesthetized, the surgeon makes a small incision just below the areola.  Excess breast tissue is surgically excised from the area and fat is removed with the use of liposuction.  The incision is then closed and the patient is detained until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

Technology

Though there is no specific technology other than a scalpel and liposuction tools, the skill of the physician and size of the incision can alter the results.

Recovery / Post Op Expectations

After surgery you will be fitted with a compression garment or ace bandages to support the breasts while they heal.  The recovery process is usually not a short one.  Patients should take their time when thinking about returning to normal activity, and are usually told to ease back into their daily routine gradually.  In many instances patients will wait between one and three weeks before returning to work.

Complications

Most instances of complications stem from surgeon error and patients trying to do too much after surgery.  The most serious complications include hematoma, asymmetry, infection, change in position or shape of the nipple, and wound separation.  More common complications include numbness, swelling, bruising, and scarring.

Am I A Candidate?

Men who have developed larger, female-like breasts and have not been able to alter this problem with diet and lifestyle changes can be candidates for surgery.

Costs

The national average physician fee for 2003 was $2,939 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), but when the costs of anesthesia and other necessary equipment and medications are added costs can rise to $6,000 or more.