Gynecomastia

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 more than 20 pounds 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.

Your Procedure

Individualized Approach

Male breast reduction for gynecomastia is an outpatient procedure that is performed either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, 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 male 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 the nipple or in the underarm area. 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 our care for a few hours 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 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:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
• Richmond Academy of Medicine
• Medical Society of Virginia
• American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (candidate member)
• American College of Surgeons (associate member)
• American Society for Surgery of the Hand (candidate member)

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.