Gynecomastia Surgery

The appearance of breasts has long been associated with femininity, which is why men who develop enlarged breasts tend to experience embarrassment, a loss of self-confidence, and other negative effects. The condition, known as gynecomastia, is not uncommon—but it can still be a source of significant distress. For anyone dealing with gynecomastia, the Philadelphia area’s Dr. Brian Buinewicz can provide help in the form of male breast reduction surgery. This highly effective procedure is ideal for shaping more traditionally masculine chest contours and helping men to regain confidence in their appearance.

For some men, gynecomastia resolves on its own, with no outside treatments or interventions. The condition is often related to hormone levels, so breast development related to temporary imbalances can be expected to disappear as the growing body adjusts. Persistent breasts, however, may require a surgical solution.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Simply put, gynecomastia is a condition marked by overdevelopment of breast tissue on the male body. There are many potential causes, with most of them linked to genetics or hormonal imbalances.

Some men develop the look of breasts as they gain weight, with fatty tissue creating chest contours that resemble a more feminine shape. Other men develop actual breast tissue due to altered testosterone and estrogen levels in their body. This can result from periods of hormonal shifts (such as adolescence), as side effects of certain medications or supplements, and other reasons.

Patients with gynecomastia often experience more than physical effects. The condition can cause mental and emotional issues as well, often related to an unwillingness to go shirtless at the beach or pool, reluctance to engage in intimate relationships, and questioning their own masculinity and identity.

Deciding on the best approach for treating gynecomastia starts with a consultation that will allow Dr. Buinewicz to identify the physical makeup of the male breasts.

As noted above, male breasts may go away entirely on their own. For patients dealing with an ongoing problem, doctors will typically first try to treat gynecomastia with medications made to bring hormones back into balance. Restoring these levels can cause the breast tissue to recede without the need for incisions. If this approach doesn’t work, however, gynecomastia surgery is often the next best approach.

Dr. Buinewicz can then outline a plan for removing fatty tissue and breast tissue as necessary, in addition to removing excess skin and sculpting the desired contours.

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Procedures designed to reduce male breasts (sometimes referred to as “man boobs”) are considered gynecomastia surgery. The techniques have been developed to provide relief from the constant chest, shoulder, and back discomfort caused by excess weight on the chest, as well as to allow patients to wear better-fitting clothing, to enjoy a firmer and more traditionally masculine look, and to regain the self-confidence that comes from having their outside appearance match their male identity.

What Are the Details of Gynecomastia Surgery at the Philadelphia Area’s Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery?

Dr. Brian Buinewicz will first meet with anyone considering gynecomastia treatment in order to assess their condition and craft a plan forward. During this consultation, patients are encouraged to ask whatever questions they have about gynecomastia surgery cost, causes, and results.

The gynecomastia surgery involves an anesthetic to encourage the patient to “sleep” throughout the procedure, though some patients may have only local anesthesia. Dr. Buinewicz most commonly makes the necessary incisions around the patient’s areolas, which are the darker-pigmented circles of skin around the nipples. This means any scarring will be naturally camouflaged in the natural line where the two shades of skin meet. Liposuction is frequently incorporated to sculpt and contour the lower part of the chest and breast for a more masculine appearance.

For patients with minor effects of gynecomastia, Dr. Buinewicz may be able to resolve the issue by inserting a cannula to break up and suction out excess fat cells. For more significant breast development, he will likely also use surgical excision to remove some fat and other tissues.

What Happens After Gynecomastia Surgery?

Rest is very important in the days after male breast reduction. Limit activity for several days as the initial bruising, swelling, and discomfort resolve. Pain can be managed with prescribed medications, and the Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery team will also provide advice for other gynecomastia surgery recovery techniques.

Patients should get up and engage in walks within a few days of their surgery, but avoid work and other light activities until their second week of recovery. No heavy lifting or chest-straining activities are allowed at this point, and there will likely still be side effects—but those they will diminish over the next several weeks. About three to six weeks after gynecomastia surgery, patients can return to most of their usual activities, apart from strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects. A full return to normal life can be expected at about three months.

Fatty tissue removed during gynecomastia surgery is gone for good, so the results can theoretically be enjoyed for the rest of a patient’s life. Of course, it is possible to gain new weight that causes changes to body contours, and future hormone fluctuations are also possible, but healthy lifestyle habits—including good nutrition and regular exercise—are ideal for maintaining the desired masculine chest contours.

Why Choose Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa for Male Breast Reduction in the Philadelphia Area?

Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Buinewicz is a well-respected and sought-after physician, bringing decades of practical experience and a particular eye for natural-looking contours to every procedure he performs. He tailors gynecomastia surgery to each patient, shaping masculine chest lines and contours that can help to improve quality of life.

What Procedures Beyond Gynecomastia Surgery Are Available for Men?

Apart from male breast surgery, Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery offers a wide range of cosmetic surgery options tailored specifically to men. Male liposuction, male rhinoplasty, male tummy tuck, male facelift, male brow lift, and more are all available, with techniques designed specifically with the male physiology and aesthetic in mind. When it comes to other confidence-boosting treatments at the practice, help for erectile dysfunction is also available.

Nonsurgical treatments are also available, and each one can be performed with an eye for masculine results. BOTOX^®, for example, is known for smoothing wrinkles, but can be adjusted to give men a refreshed and relaxed look that doesn’t undercut their hard-earned ruggedness or authority.

At Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery, our goal is to help you become the best version of yourself you can be. We want you to have a positive self-image, be self-assured, and not just be comfortable, but confident in your appearance. Tell us what it is you would like to address when it comes to your face and body, and we will tell you what is possible and what we can do to help you achieve your cosmetic goals.

For gynecomastia surgery in the Philadelphia area—Doylestown in Bucks County, PA, or Flemington in Hunterdon County, NJ—call Buinewicz Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa at 215.647.9668 or send a message online.