GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY IN HOUSTON & WEBSTER, TX

gynecomastia surgery houston - male breast reduction

Gynecomastia is the presence of excess breast tissue in males. This condition may vary from just a simple breast bud to a large amount of excess breast or fatty tissue on one side or both sides of the chest. Male breast reduction, or gynecomastia surgery, is often the best course of action to correct enlarged breasts in men and achieve a more masculine definition to the chest.

Leading board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Patrick Hsu, Dr. Kendall Roehl, and Dr. Vasileios Vasilakis routinely perform gynecomastia surgeries for men in Houston and Clear Lake, as well as surrounding cities, including Katy, Pearland, Sugar Land, Webster, Conroe, and Galveston, Texas.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

  • Hormone Imbalance
    Breast enlargement occurs when the body naturally produces high levels of estrogen. This can happen to males of varying age groups — whether it is infancy, puberty, or late-middle age (ages of 50 – 69).
  • Anabolic Steroid Abuse
    When steroids are consumed, the body converts testosterone and androgens into estrogen. The frequent exposure to this new source of estrogen will lead to changes that include the growth of the breast tissue, along with that of the nipples and areola.
  • Weight Gain & Aging
    As men age, the body naturally adapts to a series of changes. Gynecomastia happens when men start producing less testosterone, leading to the development of new adipose tissue.
  • Cancer
    The hormonal imbalance from testicular or lung cancer can lead to gynecomastia. In addition, prolactinoma, a rare tumor that grows in the brain, can trigger hormonal changes that alter secondary sexual characteristics in men.
  • Substance Abuse
    When abused, substances such as alcohol can lead to harmful changes in the liver, kidney, and thyroid. This can severely affect the way hormones are metabolized by the body.

How is the Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

On average, male breast reduction surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take 1 – 3 hours, depending on the extent of excess breast tissue. Patients are typically discharged home the same day following surgery.

There are three different techniques our surgeons utilize to attain results during surgery. The surgical technique used for your procedure will depend on our surgeons’ assessment during the consultation.

Techniques

  • Liposuction
    Traditional liposuction will be used to remove a minor to moderate amount of excess fat from the chest.
  • Incision
    An incision is made around the border of the areola. Excess tissue and fat are then excised from the chest.
  • Combination
    This combines the liposuction and incision technique into one procedure. Excess fat is removed using liposuction and excess tissue is removed through a surgical incision, where it will then be closed with dissolvable sutures.

Cost and Financing

The average gynecomastia surgery in Houston costs $6,500 – $8,500+ and is inclusive of anesthesia and operating room (OR) fees, and follow-up visits with your doctor after surgery. It also includes the professional fees of your surgeon, which vary per doctor. Note that the final price may vary depending on the difficulty and location of your procedure.

Memorial Plastic Surgery accepts cryptocurrency, personal checks, and all major credit cards. We also offer various financing options to help patients cover their surgery costs.

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Recovery and Results

Male breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure. You can expect to return home the same day in a special compression garment or binder. Final results are visible after the swelling subsides in 2 – 3 months. The resulting scars are small and easily concealed.

Please review the table below for a timeline of what to expect from the recovery period.

POST-OP OBSTACLES ESTIMATED TIME
Compression garment usage 4 – 6 weeks
Bruising and swelling 2 – 3 weeks
Soreness  3 – 5 weeks
DAILY  ACTIVITIES ESTIMATED TIME
Full body showers 2 days
Return to work 1 week
Light exercise, chores, and driving 1 week
Strenuous exercises and normal activities 2 – 4 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any non-surgical alternatives for this procedure?

Your surgeon will evaluate you during a consultation to recommend the best procedure for you. Other alternatives, such as hormone therapy, CoolSculpting, or weight loss may be discussed if it is a possible option at that time.

Is a male breast reduction surgery covered by insurance?

This cosmetic surgical procedure is not covered under health insurance unless deemed to be a medical necessity.

Will I lose nipple sensation after the procedure?

Loss of nipple sensation after male breast reduction surgery is very rare. Incisions made during this procedure do not typically result in any functional or sensory issues of the nipples.

If I gain weight after having this procedure, will the condition come back?

Yes, gynecomastia can reoccur with weight gain. A healthy diet and exercise are recommended to attain the best results after surgery.

If I am overweight, can I have the surgery?

For the safety of our patients and to obtain the best aesthetic result, our surgeons have a BMI limit. It is also possible for weight-related gynecomastia to be corrected or greatly improved with diet and exercise.

 

*The content and images on this page are provided with the sole intention of educating potential patients on the procedure discussed above. Results vary per individual and are dependent on our doctor’s consultation prior to the procedure. We strongly recommend undergoing a formal consultation with a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon prior to scheduling and undergoing any surgical or non-surgical treatment.