Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia)

Preface

Gynecomastia, is the enlargement of the male chest caused by the excessive growth of breast tissue inside the breast glands and is typically caused by genetic conditions, increased estrogenic activity, decreased testosterone activity, or the use of varying drugs and medications and their side effects.

Whilst the enlargement of the male breast is defined as the benign proliferation of male breast glandular tissue and in the overwhelming majority of cases is neither life-threatening nor an immediate health risk, it can cause patients considerable anxiety and distress. Unsurprisingly, males who experience gynecomastia often suffer from poor self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and can often isolate themselves, believing that the condition is unsightly and embarrassing.

At a Glance

Medical Term: Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Type of Anesthesia: General Anesthesia

Surgery time: 1 to 2 hours

Length of hospital stay: Outpatient

Aftercare: Compression garment for 6 weeks

Back to public: After 2-3 days

Back to work: After 1 week (depending upon physical strain)

Time of recovery: 4 weeks

Fees: starting at 7.000 CHF

Pseudogynecomastia

Whereas gynecomastia is the result of an excessive growth in breast tissue, the development of female-like breasts in men may not always be due to these factors and may instead be the result of pseudogynecomastia. Both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia share common characteristics and appear largely similar in appearance. Pseudogynecomastia is the result of fatty deposits and the build-up of pectoral fat (chest fat) in the area surrounding the nipple (areola) which can, in the vast majority of cases, be corrected through liposuction techniques. Understanding the underlying cause of your male breast enlargement determines the treatment of your male breast reduction and the ability to achieve a flatter, firmer and more naturally masculine chest contour.

Preoperative assesement

In order to exclude a real gynaecomastia as a symptom of hormonal imbalance or other medcial reasons the patient should undergo an edocrinologic assesement (hormon status) from a specialist previous to the surgery.

Procedure

Male breast reduction surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis under light general anaesthesia or in full anaesthesia. Gynecomastia is classified through 4 grades of categorisation, dependent upon degree of swelling and excess skin. Classification ranges from a very mild localised button around the areola to severe and clear breast enlargement with skin redundancy and feminisation of the breast. In more severe cases of gynecomastia that sees stretched and sagging skin around the breasts, surgical tissue excision may be required to achieve optimal results. Through tissue excision, a greater amount of glandular tissue and skin that cannot otherwise be successfully treated with alternative non-invasive procedures can be removed and corrected. Incision, dependent upon the extent of surgery and correction required, will typically be performed around the edge of the areola, through peri-areolar incision, or made from within the natural creases of the chest to minimise visibility of any post-operative scarring.

Recovery

Following gynecomastia surgery, you should notice an immediate improvement in the shape and contour of your chest. Incidents and complications are extremely rare in gynecomastia procedures. However, some soreness and swelling in the breast region may occur for several weeks. In rare cases, where an additional tightening of the breast had to be performed, temporary abnormal sensation may occur in the nipple region.

Post-OP care

Depending upon the grade of gynecomastia encountered, degree of tissue and skin removed, a compression garment may be advised for the initial weeks post procedure to aid in the body’s natural healing process and protect stitching from unnecessary stress or strain as well as to help the skin envelope to adapt to the new reduced volume. You may return to work within 5 – 7 days of surgery and resume a gradual return to exercise between 3 – 4 weeks following your procedure.

Fees

As with any cosmetic procedure, male breast reduction surgery costs can vary widely dependent upon the patient, degree and amount of tissue and skin removed and so forth. Naturally, all surgical fees related to the procedure and consultations are discussed and agreed with you beforehand. In general, most health insurance policies do not cover gynecomastia surgery as the procedure is viewed as being aesthetic in nature.

Price for male breast reduction: from 7.000 CHF

Book your desired date now without obligation