Male Breast Reduction in Arlington
LENGTH: 1 hour
ANESTHESIA: Sedation or general anesthesia
IN/OUTPATIENT: Outpatient
SIDE EFFECTS: Bruising, swelling, and some pain
RISKS: Bleeding, infection, loss of nipple sensation, incomplete results
RECOVERY: Return to work: 2 days, Light exercise: 1 week, Swelling completely resolve: 4-8 weeks
Dr. Tran strives for natural-looking results for his Arlington gynecomastia patients while placing patient safety and comfort as top priorities. Male breasts, also known as gynecomastia, is rarely talked about, but actually quite common. Gynecomastia is the Greek term for “women-like breasts.” This affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men and may affect only one breast or both. Although certain drugs and medical problems are associated with the developing male breast tissue, most cases have no known cause. The best candidates for a male breast reduction have firm, elastic skin that will tighten and conform to the new contour after removing the underlying tissue. Surgery is discouraged for men who are obese or for overweight men who have not first attempted to lose weight. In most men, minimally invasive surgery can be performed to remove the fat and excess glandular breast tissue
Before you decide to have a male breast reduction, think carefully about your expectations and make sure you discuss them with Dr. Tran.
Your Male Breast Reduction Consultation
Your visit with Dr. Tran will determine if you are a good candidate for male breast reduction. If you are an emotionally stable man in good physical health and have reasonable expectations then this may be a good choice for you.
During your first visit, Dr. Tran will ask about common causes of gynecomastia such as excessive alcohol consumption, use of marijuana, and use of anabolic steroids. You will be advised to stop using them or other medication that may cause breast fullness before surgery is considered an option. Dr. Tran will examine your chest and check for physical causes gynecomastia, such as impaired liver function or testicular tumors. If a medical problem is the suspected cause, you’ll be referred to an appropriate specialist. In rare cases, a mammogram or chest x-ray may be recommended to rule out the small possibility of male breast cancer. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking at least 3 weeks before your surgery. Dr. Tran is concerned about your health and safety and depending on your medical status may ask for additional evaluations before proceeding with surgery.
You will learn about the procedure, its limitations and risks, and Dr. Tran will discuss your needs and concerns. He will explain which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you, based on your examination and factors such as the composition of your breast tissue and quality of skin tone. After your consultation, photographs will be taken for your medical record.
Male Breast Reduction Techniques
The minimally invasive Suction-Assisted Breast Reduction (SABR) can successfully remove both fat and glandular tissue through a single 4 millimeter incision on each side of the chest. This technique is best in patients with good skin elasticity and uses both liposuction technology to remove the fat and micro-shaver to cut and remove the breast tissue through the same incision. For patients with an excessive skin envelope or poor skin quality, a direct excision of the extra skin with a scalpel maybe necessary and would leave a more extensive scar. Learn more from our before and after gallery of gynecomastia procedures here.
Male Breast Reduction Cost
As an experienced Arlington male breast reduction surgeon, Dr. Tran will meet with you in his Arlington office to discuss all options and pricing. The price of a male breast reduction surgery is impacted by a number of specific factors. Gynecomastia cost determinants include techniques employed, time required to perform the procedure, and type of anesthesia utilized. Dr. Tran offers multiple financing options.
The Day of Surgery
Before surgery, you will be given medicine to lessen the anxiety and pain. Surgery can be performed with deep “twilight” sedation or general anesthesia , so you will be unaware and comfortable during the male breast reduction. You will meet your anesthetist before your procedure and he or she will answer any questions you may have about your anesthesia. The surgery usually takes less than 1 hour for the SABR or 2-3 hours for more extensive excisions. After surgery, you will awake in a recovery area where you will be closely monitored.
Surgery may be performed as an outpatient procedure at our certified ambulatory surgery center or with at one of several affiliated hospital. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay to help you the first few days while at home.
Your Recovery
Some pain is normal following surgery but shouldn’t be severe. You will feel tired and sore and depending on the extent of your surgery, your chest will be bruised, swollen and uncomfortable for several days. When you are discharged, you will be given prescriptions for pain medication.
A compression vest will serve as the dressing with gauze on your incisions. The vest should then be worn day and night for two weeks removing only to shower. You may shower two days after your surgery. Most men return to work after one or two days however, plan on having limited physical activity for at least three weeks.
During your postoperative visits, Dr. Tran will review activity limitations, incision care and concerns you may have. Follow up visits are usually scheduled at approximately 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and one year.
If you have any concerns during your recovery, or have more questions at a later time, you can always contact Dr. Tran about your male breast reduction surgery in Arlington.