Gynecomastia, or man boobs, is a condition caused by the excess formation of breast tissue and fat in the male chest area, creating an appearance of female breasts. It is an embarrassing issue that can lead to problems with body image, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Fortunately, this condition is treatable with Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction.
Table of Contents
- 1 What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
- 2 Cause of Gynecomastia
- 3 Gynecomastia Diagnosis
- 4 Gynecomastia Treatment Options
- 5 What happens after Gynecomastia treatment?
- 6 Male Breast Reduction Before & After
- 7
- 8 How much does Gynecomastia surgery cost in Dubai?
- 9 How long does a Gynecomastia operation last?
- 10 How long does recovery take after Gynecomastia surgery?
- 11 Are the results of Gynecomastia surgery permanent?
- 12 Consult our Expert Surgeon
What is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess tissue from the male chest area to enhance its shape and proportion. This treatment is mainly provided to males with enlarged breasts. The primary goal of this treatment is to remove excess fat, breast tissue, or skin from the targeted area.
Cause of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can occur when your testosterone levels are lower than estrogen levels. This effect is generally triggered by conditions or circumstances that affect testosterone levels or increase estrogen levels.
The lack of balance between testosterone and estrogen levels in men can occur due to the following reasons:
- Natural hormonal changes
- Medications (such as anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, ADHD medications, AIDS medications, Antibiotics, and more)
- Recreational or illicit drugs (such as alcohol, marijuana, methadone, amphetamines, and more)
- Health conditions (such as tumors, hypogonadism, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, liver failure and cirrhosis, and malnutrition)
- Aging
- Being obese or overweight
Gynecomastia Diagnosis
To determine whether you are affected by Gynecomastia, your doctor will likely review your visible symptoms and suggest a medical exam to evaluate your breast tissue, genitals, and abdomen.
Tests prescribed for Gynecomastia diagnosis generally help determine the cause of enlarged male breasts and rule out the possibility of cancerous growth. These tests include:
- Mammograms
- Blood tests
- CT scans
- MRI scans
- Tissue biopsy
- Testicular ultrasound
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
Male breast reduction surgery is typically an outpatient procedure but sometimes may require the patient to spend a night at the hospital. This treatment is usually performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation.
The two main techniques used in Gynecomastia treatment are liposuction and surgical excision.
-
Liposuction Technique
The liposuction technique is used when Gynecomastia develops due to excess fatty tissue. During this procedure, the surgeon makes several small incisions in the treatment area. A cannula is inserted through those incisions and moved back and forth to dislodge and loosen the excess fatty deposits under the skin. The fat is then removed via suction.
-
Surgical Excision Technique
Surgical excision is most suitable when your Gynecomastia is due to excess glandular breast tissue or excess skin. This technique is also used if the nipple needs repositioning or the areola requires a size reduction to achieve a more natural male chest contour. The incision patterns that the surgeon uses vary depending on what exactly is being corrected and the surgical preference.
Some cases of Gynecomastia require a combination of both liposuction and surgical excision techniques to treat the condition.
Sometimes male breast reduction treatment does not require surgery, and the enlarged breast tissue can be reduced with medication.
What happens after Gynecomastia treatment?
After male breast reduction surgery, you will have soreness that may last a few days. It usually takes a week or two for the tenderness and discomfort to subside. In most cases, candidates may return to work in a couple of weeks.
Following your healthcare provider’s instructions during recovery is crucial to prevent post-surgery complications. Your doctor may advise you to avoid lifting heavy objects and raising your arms above your head. You will also be advised to wear compression garments to prevent fluid accumulation in the treated area.
Male breast reduction surgery results may take three to six months to become visible. This is because it takes adequate time for swelling to subside and for breast tissues to heal.
Male Breast Reduction Before & After
How much does Gynecomastia surgery cost in Dubai?
The average starting cost of Male Breast Reduction in Dubai is 20,000 AED. The exact price of the treatment would depend on the following factors:
- Medical tests before surgery
- Experience of the surgeon
- Cost of anesthesia
- Selected treatment method
- The geographic location of the clinic
How long does a Gynecomastia operation last?
Depending on the amount of glandular breast tissue and fatty deposits requiring removal, the surgery can take about one to two hours.
How long does recovery take after Gynecomastia surgery?
The initial recovery after male breast reduction treatment may last 1-2 weeks. Your healthcare provider will tell you not to engage in strenuous physical activity during this time. Once the initial recovery period is over, you may begin light exercises. Ultimately, your doctor will approve when to return to your pre-treatment routine.
Are the results of Gynecomastia surgery permanent?
Yes, the results of Gynecomastia surgical treatment are considered permanent. However, excess tissue in the treated region may redevelop if you fail to adopt a healthy lifestyle after surgery. For the treatment results to last a lifetime, you will have to limit fast food consumption and engage in a fitness-centric workout regimen.
Consult our Expert Surgeon
Do you want to get into the manly shape by removing those unwanted breast tissues? EuroMed Clinic in Dubai is a treatment facility to help you with your aesthetic goals. For more information, contact us at +971 4 394 5422. And to book a consultation online, fill out the form below.
Check Out Our Specialists Profiles
Dr. Ken Arashiro
Physician Specialist Plastic SurgeryDr. Ken Arashiro is a seasoned plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in this field. He is certified by several prestigious organizations and licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
Read more