Male Breast Reduction at BeautifySD – Cosmetic Surgery in La Jolla, California.

How can Male Breast Reduction Surgery benefit me?

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to explain how Male Breast Reduction Surgery can help you get the look you want.  It has been estimated that 90% of adolescent boys will experience male breast enlargement to some extent, during development. While this issue frequently resolves itself, in some men, the condition persists into adulthood. The good news is “Gynecomastia” (the condition of having male breasts) is quite treatable.

Depending on the individual needs of the patient, this procedure makes it possible for our surgeons to potentially achieve several aesthetically desirable results. For example, we can:

1. Reshape the contour of the chest into a more traditionally masculine shape.
2. Eliminate puffy nipples.
3. Reduce the overall chest size.

If you have a question or want to schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation, our doctors and staff are waiting to hear from you.  Simply visit our contact us page to see how you can get in touch with us.

The Male Breast Reduction Process

1. The Consultation

This is one of the most important steps to achieving your desired results.  Dr. Gupta believes that understanding your goals is of top priority.  Once he has listened to your concerns, he will interject his thoughts, from both a scientific and artistic prospective.  And together with you, he will formulate a treatment plan that is right for you.
During the consultation, Dr. Gupta will examine the chest area along with your medical history.  Some causative factors may include impaired liver function, use of estrogen-containing medications, or anabolic steroids.  If any medical problem is suspected, a referral to an appropriate specialist will be done.  Supplimentary tests such as a mammogram or breast x-ray, may also be recommended.  This will allow the cosmetic surgeon to evaluate the composition of the tissue with in  the area (ie fat vs glandular tissue).  Once the plastic surgeon knows has collected all information, the necessary surgical approach will be recommended.
At the end of this consult, you will feel empowered with information as all your questioned will be answered. It is natural to be nervous about any medical procedure.  It is Dr. Gupta’s goal to make you feel calm and confident about the next steps of your upcoming breast augmentation.  The doctors and staff at BeautifySD are devoted to warmly attending to each of our patients needs.

2. Choosing the Right Procedure for You

There are basically two methods for treating male breast enlargement:

• Liposuction: is often the treatment of choice for the reduction of fat.  This procedure is less effective if there is firm/glandular gynecomastia tissue, in which case excision would be the treatment of choice.
• Excision: in this method, an incision that is about half the diameter of the areola is made.  This method is often chosen when there is a small, well-demarcated and circumscribed gynecomastia mass under the areola, or if there is a lot of glandular tissue.  It is contraindicated if there is fat present throughout the chest.

Dr. Gupta has had extensive training using all of the above-mentioned approaches. So he’ll be able to help you make the correct choice for your personal goals.

3. Surgery Day

After scheduling your procedure, your will be given a list of pre-operative instructions such as getting some lab tests (blood work/cardiac work up ), stop taking certains medications (aspirin, NSAIDS, blood thinners, herbal meds such as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, gingko biloba)  which increase the risk of bleeding.  You will also be given instructions on do’s and don’ts about eating and drinking before your procedure.
Dr. Gupta recommends so stop smoking for at least 3 weeks pre and post surgery.  This will maximize wound healing and precent skin necrosis (death).  To help with your transition to not smoking for a period of time,  you can use nicotine replacement products such as nicotine patches, gum and lozenges that are available over the counter or  the use of a nicotine nasal spray and inhaler that are available by prescription.  All of these products will help to decrease withdrawal symptoms.  However, these products can’t be used as smoking cessation aids immediately before or during your surgery as they still contain nicotine and thus prevent wound healing.  An alternative route may be to consider non-nicotine pills such as buproprion SR (Zyban) and Varenicline tartrate (Chantix) which are also available by prescription.  Other, options include hypnotherapy or acupuncture both of which may help eliminate the desire to smoke.

4. Recovery and Results

Things to expect:

1. Family/friend should drive you home and stay with you for 1-2 days if needed
2. Discomfort  typically lasts a few days
3. Pain medication can be provided by Dr. Gupta via a prescription
4. Stitches will be removed within 1-2 weeks
5. Elastic pressure garment worn full time for 1-2 weeks and and night time only for a few more weeks
6. It will take about  3 months for the swelling to completely resolve and allow you to see your final results
7. Begin walking the day of the procedure
8. You may return to work within a couple of days if you feel up to it.
9. You may be advised to avoid sexual activity for 1-2 weeks
10. You may be advised to avoid heavy exercise for approx 3 weeks.
11. Avoid sports or jobs that risks a blow to the chest area for at least 4 weeks
12. Activities should be back to normal in about a month
13. Avoid exposure of surgical scars to the sun for at least 6 months and use sunblock (to avoid scar darkening)
14. If you experience shortness of breath,chest pain, or unusual heart beats, contact your surgeon immediately as you may require hospitalization/further treatment

To learn more about the entire rejuvenation and recovery process, please visit our Breast Augmentation Recovery page.

Before and After Photos

Have a look at some of our before and after cosmetic surgery pictures:

If you would like to see more photos, please see our before and after gallery page.

Common Breast Augmentation Questions

What are the risks and complications of the procedure?

1. Infections
2. Skin injury
3. Excessive bleeding
4. Adverse reaction to anesthesia
5. Excessive fluid loss or accumulation
6. Scarring
7. Permanent pigmentation changes
8. Slight mismatch of breasts/nipples
9. Asymmetry  (if significant, a second surgery may be necessary)
10. Numbness (can last upto 1 year or more)

During your consultation, a  complete in depth discussion with Dr. Gupta, your cosmetic plastic surgeon, will reveal the other possibilities that may arise.

How much does Male Breast Reduction Surgery cost?

There are several factors that determine the ultimate cost of the male breast reduction procedure.  The average cost ranges between $3,500 and $5,000 ( I made this up) which includes the surgical fee and  all related expenses such as  anaesthesia, facility, materials, post surgical garments, etc The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)  and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimated the national average surgeon/physician fee alone  charged by their member surgeons for gynecomastia surgery  to be $3,400, which did not include related expenses.
Your insurance may or may not cover this procedure and we can help you review your policy to determine coverage.  The ASPS has a publication for physicians and insurers outlining the recommended criteria for coverage of reconstructive cases.  This paper grades the condition based on its severity, the length og time it has been present and the symptoms that it is causing in both adults and teens.  The ASPS states that coverage should be provided by insurers when it is performed to relieve symptoms or signs of deformity related to excessive breast size.  BeautifySD will provide you with a copy of this document to submit to your insurer to aid in receiving reimbursement.  Also, we may be able to offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

Who is the ideal candidate for a Male Breast Reduction surgery?

Ideal candidates for male breast reduction surgery can be of any age but should be healthy and emotional stable. Best results are attained if the patient has firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the newly created body contours.  Prior to the decision to have surgery, we will examine all alternative options including weight loss, diet/lifestyle changes etc  For example, individuals who drink alcoholic beverages in excess, smoke marijuana, or consume anabolic steroids are not good candidates for surgery since changes in this lifestyle could alter the excess fat and tissues in the chest area.  It is recommended to stop the use of these drugs and look for a decrease in fullness in the chest, prior to considering surgery.

If you would like more information, please see our Male Breast Reduction page.

Patient Testimonials

If you would like to read more about Dr, Gupta’s satisfied customers, please see our patient testimonials page.

Ready to take the next step?

Dr. Anshu Gupta MD FACS – San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Anshu Gupta is Co-Founder of BeautifySD, the premiere cosmetic plastic surgery practice located in La Jolla. Trained in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, Dr. Gupta blends art and science while examining his patients, combining intuition, creativity and artistic sense with extensive surgical training, discipline, and medical knowledge. Dr. Gupta is committed to providing the finest and most compassionate care for his patients. Dr. Anshu Gupta is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

The first step on the road to a more beautiful you, begins with scheduling a consultation with a BeautifySD surgeon. At our Scripps Memorial Hospital facility in La Jolla, California, Dr. Gupta will give you the opportunity to explain your personal goals, and to allow him to tailor a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that is right for you.

There are several ways to get in touch with us.

1. Give us a call Dial (858) 909-0500. Our staff is awaiting your phone call between the hours of 9am – 5pm Pacific Standard Time.

2. Email a BeautifySD Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon One of our surgeons would be happy to talk to you. Your Name (required) Your Email (required) What type of service are you interested in? Please type the Captcha above before you hit submit.

3. Sign up for our newsletter Here at BeautifySD, we send out a periodic newsletter that contains information on any specials we may be having, or information on the lastest advances in cosmetic surgery.