Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a disorder in men characterized by excess glandular tissue in the breast area of the chest. Older adolescent boys and men with gynecomastia can feel self-conscious about their appearance and choose to have male breast reduction surgery. In Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Gordon Lewis treats gynecomastia using liposuction and surgical excision.
Gynecomastia

Confident. Masculine. You.

Are you ready to say goodbye to the self-consciousness and discomfort caused by gynecomastia? Gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction, is your path to a firmer, sculpted chest and the confidence to feel great in your own skin.

This transformative procedure targets and removes excess fat, glandular tissue, and, if needed, skin to give you a lean, masculine chest contour. Whether you’re frustrated by a “puffy” look or excess fullness that won’t go away with exercise, gynecomastia surgery is a permanent solution designed to help you look and feel your best.

Why Choose Gynecomastia Surgery?

  • Instant Results: Achieve a defined, masculine chest you’ll love.
  • Confidence Boost: Feel great in fitted shirts, at the gym, or by the pool.
  • Tailored for You: Our advanced techniques deliver natural, balanced results customized to your body.

Most men are back to light activities within just a few days, with long-lasting results you can maintain for years with a healthy lifestyle.

Don’t let gynecomastia hold you back any longer. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a new you!

Who Is a Candidate for Gynecomastia?

Male breast reduction is not a weight loss treatment and is, therefore, most appropriate for patients who are close to their ideal weight but have a hard time reducing and firming the chest. Skin quality is also extremely important to the outcome of the procedure because firm, elastic skin shrinks more easily for tight and refined results. In general, patients undergoing gynecomastia treatment should be in good overall health and not substantially overweight.
Gynecomastia surgery can:

  • Reduce the amount of excess fat in the pectoral area
  • Excise excess skin when necessary
  • Improve a man’s self-image and confidence

Cost in Richmond

Male breast reduction surgery starts at $8,300 but procedures vary greatly in price because the scope of work required for each patient can be quite different. We provide a written quote at your consultation that will break down the total price. We make absolutely sure that there are no hidden costs or surprises.

Understanding Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can be caused by a number of factors, including certain medications and hormonal imbalances. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, gynecomastia accounts for more than 65% of all male breast disorders. The best treatment approach to gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. While not considered to be a serious medical condition, enlarged breasts may cause men to experience mild physical discomfort, as well as emotional distress and social embarrassment.

Surprisingly, most males as they transition through puberty will develop gynecomastia. This resolves in about 95% of people. For those people who do not get any resolution of this visible and/or palpable breast tissue, surgery for gynecomastia can help resolve this issue. For men who have had longstanding gynecomastia without change, there is no need for any endocrine workup or evaluation.

For people who developed sudden onset of a mass or swelling in their breast in adulthood, there are underlying metabolic disorders that potentially could cause this. Dr. Lewis recommends an evaluation by a primary care physician for new onset masses in the breast or swelling in the breast prior to any surgical procedure.

Individualized Approach

Male breast reduction for gynecomastia is an outpatient procedure that is performed usually under general anesthesia, depending on the size of the treatment area, the amount of fat to be extracted, and the liposuction technique used. Dr. Lewis performs gynecomastia surgery by combining excision and ultrasound assisted liposuction to remove both excess fat and tissue.

An ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique is often used because the tissue in the breast area is often fibrous, and the ultrasound breaks up the fat before the gynecomastia treatment. This sometimes allows for smaller incisions. The surgery usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of the gynecomastia and the patient’s individualized treatment plan.

Incisions:

The incisions are generally placed on the edge of each areala. This generally starts as about ¼ inch, but sometimes needs to be extended along the border of the areala. Major reductions may require more extensive incisions, but this is discussed with each patient in great detail prior to the procedure. After surgery, incisions are closed, and garments are wrapped around the chest to keep the treatment area protected.

Recovery

After waking up from surgery, you will remain under observation until you are awake enough prior to returning home. You will be given instructions for after-care, and we will prescribe pain medication, which you may need to ease discomfort during the first several days after the procedure.

Pressure garments will be applied and will remain in place for a few days. Light physical activity, including walking, is encouraged to reduce the risk of blood clots; however, you should not exercise for several weeks.

Most of our male breast reduction patients return to work within a week and achieve a full recovery within 3-6 weeks. Final results may not be visible for up to 3 months, however. To reduce the risk of complications, we advise you to follow all post-operative instructions provided by our team, including smoking cessation.

We are available throughout the recovery process, and you are encouraged to contact us with any questions and/or concerns you may have after your male breast reduction procedure.

Reducing Risks & Complications

There are risks with any surgical procedure. To minimize the risks, check certifications and accreditation of your surgeon to ensure that your surgery is conducted in a safe and secure environment using the latest surgical techniques.

Accreditation boards and bodies are there to protect you. Dr. Gordon Lewis has many years of surgical experience and is affiliated with several important professional organizations, including:

Major complications from male breast reduction are very rare. During your initial consultation, Dr. Lewis will discuss possible complications, which may include:

  • Uneven skin
  • Scarring
  • Blood clots
  • Asymmetry
  • Need for touch-up surgery

Consultation Expectations

During your comprehensive 1-on-1 consultation at Lewis Plastic Surgery, which takes about an hour, we will cover several areas of discussion:

  • Your medical history and current medications
  • Your candidacy for the surgery
  • Causes of gynecomastia
  • The different gynecomastia treatment techniques
  • How skin firmness or lack thereof will affect the outcome
  • Anesthesia and facility choices
  • Your goals from surgery
  • Your concerns about surgery
  • What you can expect before, during, and after surgery
  • After-care instructions to reduce the risk of complications
  • Risks associated with the surgery
  • Cost of gynecomastia treatment and financing options

Location

Dr. Lewis performs surgical procedures at an accredited outpatient surgical center or a local hospital. He is affiliated with several local medical centers where his patients undergo surgery. He primarily operates at these locations:

Johnston-Willis Hospital
Stony Point Surgery Center

Initial consultations, follow up appointments and all non-surgical treatments and minor surgical procedures are performed at Lewis Plastic Surgery in Midlothian, VA.

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