Gynecomastia (excess breast tissue in men) affects nearly sixty percent of all men. This condition can affect one or both breasts. For some men, this excess breast tissue has presented a persistent challenge. Many patients have reported making changes in diet and increased exercise in an effort to combat this condition, with little result. It is often after discomfort increases during activities that surgical options are explored. Lavinia K. Chong, MD helps men in Newport Beach through gynecomastia surgery.
Gynecomastia can be corrected with surgical care and is often combined with other procedures such as liposuction to create a more trim, more sculpted looking chest and abdominal area. Men who are in good health, do not smoke, who are of normal weight, and who have a positive outlook toward cosmetic surgery are often excellent candidates for this type of surgery.
“Dr. Lavinia Chong is simply an amazing doctor on every level. She is brilliant, caring, sensitive, patient and committed to assuring the very best results for her patients. After knowing her for several years, I think of Dr. Chong not only as a great doctor, but a caring friend.” – D.W. (Patient since 2008)
The Procedure
Male breast surgery is generally performed with IV sedation. The majority of gynecomastia surgery cases are addressed by liposuction. Small (3mm) incisions are planned in inconspicuous locations, tumescent solution (Lactated Ringer’s solution, Lidocaine, and Epinephrine) is infused prior to aspirating the excess tissue with a thin metal tube, called a cannula. Due to the fibrous nature of the male breast, Power Assisted Liposuction is frequently utilized.
Recovery
The cannula sites are left open, to facilitate drainage and a compression vest is worn for 2 weeks to promote skin retraction. Owing to the thickness of the male breast skin, the results are immediate and there is very little downtime. Any scarring will be nearly invisible.
Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs
What are some of the causes of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be caused by a number of underlying conditions such as:
- Anabolic steroid use
- Medications containing estrogen
- Alcohol and marijuana
- Cancer or impaired liver function
- Genetics
Will I experience any numbness after surgery?
Occasionally, a patient will experience temporary numbness or a lack of sensation that can last up to a year.
How soon after the procedure can I go into a pool or hot tub?
On average, to reduce the risk of infection at the incision site, we recommend waiting no less than 4 weeks. Dependent on the size of the incision, you may be advised to wait up to 6 weeks.
At what point will I be released to resume my regular activities?
Patients are advised to defer their chest work out regimens for a month but will most likely return to low-impact activities within a week. During follow-up appointments, activity restrictions will be released based upon what is acceptable at each given point in your recovery process.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Chong, please contact our office in Newport Beach at (949) 644-1400.
