Many men in the Akron, Cleveland and Canton areas are plagued by the sudden appearance of female-like breasts. They may feel they have an undesirable appearance, or that breast development affects their masculinity. Dr. Steven Carp understands your concerns and performs gynecomastia surgery safely and discreetly in his Green and Beachwood, OH clinics to help rectify the problem. Patients in and around Canton, Cleveland and Akron can all find relief at the Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center.
Gynecomastia is a medical condition affecting roughly 40 to 60 percent of men. Despite the fact that gynecomastia is a widespread condition, it is seldom discussed. Gynecomastia is an endocrine disorder that may occur in one or both breasts. Various factors such as a hormonal imbalance or the use of certain drugs have been linked to gynecomastia: however, the exact cause is unknown in most cases.
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There are numerous treatments for gynecomastia, but surgical intervention has been found to be the most effective one, especially in cases where the condition has become chronic. Many men feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their appearance due to this condition. Performing male breast reduction surgery to remove excess fat and tissue generally results in a firmer, more defined chest.
On this page, you will find additional information about the procedure that should help you decide whether or not this surgery is best for you. We will discuss multiple factors, such as how the procedure is performed and what results are to be expected. We will also go over the expected recovery time, including any limitations you may experience following your surgery. This information is intended to help you make an informed decision about your care: however, it is important to remember that every situation is unique, and what worked for one person may or may not work for you. If, after reading, you find that you are unclear on any aspect of the procedure or simply have unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Carp.
Planning Your Male Breast Reduction Surgery for Gynecomastia
Your first visit is extremely important. During your initial consultation, Dr. Carp will perform a physical examination of your breasts and collect information to help him in determining the best course of treatment. This includes a detailed medical history, so please be prepared with your medical records. Your history helps to establish the cause of your gynecomastia. If you developed gynecomastia as the result of another medical problem, you might be referred to a specialist to better assist you.
In severe cases, Dr. Carp may suggest a mammogram be taken. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast, and can be used to rule out breast cancer as the cause of your gynecomastia. This is highly unlikely and should not be cause for concern. Performing a mammogram also allows for a better look at the configuration of the breast. Knowing the amount of fat and tissue available helps Dr. Carp determine the surgical approach that best fits your particular case.
The initial consultation is the time to voice any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure. This includes not only the procedure itself, but any questions you may have about costs, recovery time, and complications.
Due to the large variations in coverage, there is no guarantee that insurance will cover the procedure. In many cases, medical insurance will cover some, but not all, of your surgical costs. We recommend that you contact your insurance provider to get exact coverage details. Be sure to request coverage and pre-authorizations in writing to avoid future complications.
Preparing for Your Male Breast Reduction Surgery for Gynecomastia
Prior to surgery, you will be given detailed instructions to help you prepare. These instructions include guidelines on what you can eat and drink, as well as a list of any vitamins or medications you are expected to take.
Patients who smoke are advised to stop at least one to two weeks prior to surgery and for the duration of their recovery. Smoking reduces circulation, which can significantly delay healing. Although it will not be easy to stop smoking, it is vital that you listen to Dr. Carp and follow all of his suggestions.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery for Gynecomastia
Enlarged breasts are largely caused by an excess of glandular tissue. In these instances, Dr. Carp may use a combination of liposuction and tissue excision to reduce breast size. Incisions are generally made either under the arm or at the edge of the areola. These incision sites allow for the removal of tissue and fat with minimal scarring.
Gynecomastia caused by excess fat is generally corrected using liposuction. In many aspects, the use of liposuction is much the same as excising the tissue. An incision is made either on the edge of the areola or in the underarm area. These incisions are kept small to reduce scarring. After the incision has been made, Dr. Carp will insert a cannula or hollow tube and use it first to break up the fat, and then to suction it out. It is common for the patient to feel some sensation during this procedure; however, it is not painful.
In some cases, there is a significant amount of fat and tissue to be removed. Due to the severity of these cases, the skin sometimes fails to adjust to the new size and shape of the breast. When this happens, it may be necessary for Dr. Carp to remove excess skin. This removal allows for the remaining skin to heal firmly over the new chest contour.
Occasionally, excess fluids are removed using a small drain inserted through a separate incision. In many cases, a wrap is also placed around the chest to keep the skin tight and firm.
Larger reductions often require a bigger incision for tissue removal. Even in cases that call for larger incisions, special care is taken to ensure the least amount of scarring possible. The same care is taken when using liposuction; in most cases, the cannula is inserted using the existing incisions instead of creating new ones.
After Your Male Breast Reduction Surgery for Gynecomastia
Regardless of the type of procedure you had performed; you are going to have some inevitable discomfort. It is completely normal to feel sore and swollen for a few days after your procedure. Dr. Carp can prescribe medications to help you manage any discomfort you may feel following your operation. It is recommended that you have someone available to drive you home after your surgery. If possible, arrange for someone to stay with you to help you around the house for a couple of days.
Expect to be bruised and swollen for some time. You may be provided with a pressure dressing and instructed to wear it for one to two weeks to help reduce swelling. It is important to remember that it can take months for your body to recover completely.
Because this is a fairly non-invasive surgery, you will be allowed to do some physical activity, such as walking, right away. Many patients are back at work within a few days. Dr. Carp may suggest you avoid more strenuous physical activities such as intense exercise for up to two weeks after surgery. Your stitches should be ready to remove about two weeks after your procedure, and most patients are back to their regular activities after roughly a month.
To minimize scarring, it is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight for at least six months, as sunlight can alter the skin’s pigmentation irrevocably. This pigment change could result in a darker scar.
Types of Anesthesia
How Much Does Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia Cost?
Male breast reduction for gynecomastia is considered to be elective, so most insurance providers won’t cover the costs. To help make gynecomastia treatments affordable and accessible for everyone, Carp Cosmetic Surgery Center offers financing options. We also accept cash, personal checks, and major credit cards.
Your New Look
Many individuals who undergo surgery to correct gynecomastia have increased confidence in their bodies and in their lives. It is important to have a realistic expectation regarding your results, as the procedure is not reversible. If you have a realistic outcome in mind, you’ll likely be thrilled with your results.
REAL PATIENT REVIEW
"I just recently had a breast augmentation done by Dr. Carp. I would highly recommend him and his staff! They were all great from my consult, pre op, surgery day to the post op appointment. I cannot say enough great things about my nurse who was with me before and after surgery. She was so caring and made me feel relaxed. I was not anxious at all before surgery. My surgery went very well and my recovery has been pain free. I am healing well and so excited for the final results." - JENNIFER P.
Gynecomastia is not your fault and should therefore not affect your life. Get back to normal by having a male breast reduction surgery performed by board-certified surgeon Dr. Steven Carp. He serves patients from the Canton, Cleveland and Akron areas at his Green or Beachwood, OH clinics. Contact us today!