Are you wondering whether or not you are a candidate for gynecomastia surgery? At the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists we’re here to offer guidance and support.
It can be both physically uncomfortable and emotionally challenging to have enlarged breasts. Our gynecomastia plastic surgeons understand this, and their primary goal is to provide you with clarity about your options. We take a personalized approach, considering factors like the severity of the condition, your overall health, and what you realistically hope to achieve.
By working through these important factors together, we can better help make a decision that’s right for you. At the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists, we are here to help get you going in the right direction. Schedule a personalized consultation today to meet with our doctors.
Who is a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery may be recommended for individuals facing significant enlargement of breast tissue, which is causing psychological discomfort and/or physical limitations. Suitable candidates for gynecomastia surgery typically include:
- Persistent gynecomastia despite lifestyle changes: If you’ve tried diet and exercise but haven’t seen improvement in the appearance of your chest, surgery may offer a more effective solution.
- Realistic expectations about the outcomes of the surgery: It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what gynecomastia surgery can and cannot achieve. Our team will work closely with you to ensure you have realistic expectations.
- Individuals who are in good overall health: Good physical health is crucial for a safe surgery and optimal recovery. Your surgeon will assess your medical history and current health status to determine if you’re a suitable candidate.
- Men with stabilized breast development: Gynecomastia surgery is typically recommended for individuals whose breast development has stabilized. Adolescents may be considered for surgery after puberty has concluded and gynecomastia persists.
Who is Not a Good Candidate
The ideal male breast reduction candidate can quite simply be any man who feels self-conscious about his enlarged breasts. If the problem is treated by a gynecomastia specialist such as Dr. Ishoo, it can be effectively, safely and permanently corrected. Now having said that, there are certain situations, which can rule an individual out as a good male breast reduction candidate. Some of them include:
- prior medical history, which might put the patient at risk during surgery
- inability to quit smoking
- unable to stop taking certain medications
- unrealistic expectations
- psychological issues
It is important to know that gynecomastia is usually not associated with any serious medical problems. In fact, in most cases the cause is never identified. Having said that, there are some significant medical problems that do cause gynecomastia, which must be looked into further. To determine if your situation is treatable due to a specific medical reason, you must first visit your family doctor to investigate potential medical conditions causing the gynecomastia. When visiting with your primary doctor or a plastic surgeon it is important to list all the medications you are taking, as well as providing a complete medical history. Full disclosure is necessary. This cannot be stressed enough.
Understanding the various factors, which may compromise the result of gynecomastia correction, are important to know. They commonly include:
- Severely Overweight Men – Although surgery will still improve gynecomastia when a man is severely overweight, the result will not be nearly as good as when he is within 30-40lbs of his ideal weight.
- Poor Skin Quality – In order for to achieve optimal results with gynecomastia surgery two important things must happen. The first is to remove the excess tissue and/or fat. The second is skin contraction. Once the bulky under layer is removed, the skin now has to work it’s way to contracting back. Some men do not have the skin quality necessary for this to happen. The reasons for this can be any of the following: men over the age of 50, men with significant sun damage, breasts with a lot of stretch marks, and men who have had gastric bypass or have lost excessive weight through other means.
Types of Candidates
There can be a variety of candidates out there looking for gynecomastia surgery near Boston. Just some of the main types of gyno candidates include:
Adult Men: Many adults consider gynecomastia surgery to address the challenge of enlarged male breasts. This demographic often experiences hormonal imbalances, aging, or medication effects that contribute to gynecomastia. If you’re an adult dealing with this issue, surgical intervention can effectively restore a more masculine chest contour and alleviate any associated distress.
Adolescents: Adolescent boys often encounter persistent gynecomastia during a crucial phase of physical and emotional growth. The enlargement of breast tissue can induce self-consciousness, which impacts both social interactions and self-esteem. Although adolescent gynecomastia might naturally resolve, surgical interventions can be a viable solution when the condition lingers.
Seniors: Among seniors, gynecomastia becomes more prevalent as individuals age. This can be caused by hormonal shifts, medication usage, and age-related health issues at more senior stages of life.
Bodybuilders: When bodybuilders incorporate supplements into their routines, they may inadvertently face gynecomastia. Anabolic steroid consumption can disrupt the balance of testosterone and estrogen leading to enlarged breast tissue.
Post Weight Loss: Gynecomastia isn’t solely confined to puberty or specific medical conditions. It can also affect adult males, especially those who’ve undergone substantial weight loss. In such cases, lingering excess skin and tissue can result in the appearance of enlarged breasts.
Understanding the unique needs and motivations of each group of candidates is crucial for tailoring surgical approaches to address their concerns effectively. At the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists, we’re here to assist you in finding the best path forward.
Benefits from Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery offers more than just physical transformations. It can also bring about significant improvements in emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Here are some of the advantages it provides:
- Improved Self-Confidence and Body Image: Correcting gynecomastia isn’t just about physical changes – it’s about boosting self-confidence and feeling better about your body. With surgery, you can achieve a more masculine chest shape, which gives you the confidence to handle social situations, including intimacy, with ease.
- Reduction of Excess Breast Tissue: Gynecomastia surgery gets to the root of the issue by reducing enlarged breast tissue, leading to a flatter, more sculpted chest. Besides the visual improvements, this reduction also relieves physical discomfort, making everyday activities more comfortable.
- Enhanced Chest Contour and Symmetry: When it comes to gynecomastia surgery, techniques like liposuction and gland excision help shape the chest for a more balanced look. This isn’t just about improving how it looks – it’s about creating symmetry and proportion that contribute to an overall balanced physique.
- Relief from Physical Discomfort or Pain: For many dealing with gynecomastia, the weight and volume of excess breast tissue can cause physical discomfort or pain. Gynecomastia surgery offers a solution, providing much-needed relief from these issues. It helps individuals live a more comfortable lifestyle without the restrictions imposed by enlarged breast tissue.
- Increased Ability to Participate in Physical Activities: After surgery, individuals find themselves able to participate in physical activities and exercises without the limitations imposed by gynecomastia. With a flatter, more contoured chest, they can pursue fitness goals and outdoor adventures with a fresh sense of enthusiasm.
Knowing about these advantages gives individuals the confidence to make informed choices about gynecomastia surgery. At the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists, our process involves several important stages. From your first consultation to your post-operative care, each step is carefully planned to guarantee a safe, comfortable, and satisfying journey for our patients.
Gynecomastia Surgery in Boston
There are several steps to follow while starting gynecomastia surgery. Every stage aims to guarantee patient safety and satisfaction while producing the best possible results.
Consultation: The journey begins with an initial consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this meeting, patients articulate their goals, medical history, and concerns regarding gynecomastia. This collaborative exchange lays the foundation for personalized treatment plans tailored to address individual needs and expectations. At this point, patients will also get a better sense of what the overall cost of gynecomastia surgery will be for themselves.
Pre-operative Assessment: Before proceeding with surgery, a thorough evaluation of breast tissue, chest anatomy, and overall health is carried out to determine the most appropriate surgical approach. This careful assessment allows our surgical team to develop a personalized strategy aimed at achieving the best results while minimizing any potential risks or complications.
Surgery: The surgical procedure involves a range of techniques tailored to meet the unique needs of individual patients. Depending on the severity of gynecomastia, surgical interventions may include liposuction, excision of glandular tissue, or a combination of both. The aim is to achieve optimal chest contour and symmetry for each patient.
Anesthesia: Before gynecomastia surgery, patients are typically given local anesthesia with sedation to keep them comfortable and safe. Anesthesia experts carefully watch over the process to manage any risks and make sure patients have the best possible results.
Incision Placement: Choosing the right spots for incisions in gynecomastia surgery is key to minimizing visible scars and for precisely removing excess breast tissue and fat. Surgeons use advanced techniques to hide incisions in natural body lines, so the results look good and there’s hardly any sign of surgery.
Tissue Removal: We carefully remove excess glandular tissue and fat, using a mix of liposuction and surgical excision techniques. With this technique, the chest is shaped to suit the individual anatomy and aesthetic preferences, resulting in a more natural appearance.
Chest Contouring: During surgery, the chest is reshaped and sculpted, aiming for ideal symmetry and proportion. Surgeons use their expertise and artistic eye to sculpt the chest contours, ensuring they blend seamlessly with surrounding anatomical features.
Closure: As the surgery nears its end, the final step involves carefully closing incisions with sutures and applying dressings or compression garments. These measures support healing and reduce post-operative swelling, helping to ensure positive long-term results for patients.
Post-Surgery Expectations
If you decide to move forward with gynecomastia surgery, there are a handful of things to consider once it is complete.
- After gynecomastia surgery, temporary swelling, bruising, and discomfort are normal. However, these symptoms can be effectively managed with prescribed pain medication and by wearing compression garments.
- Patients are encouraged to follow activity restrictions and refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise for a specified period. This helps promote proper healing and reduces the risk of complications.
- Regular follow-up appointments with our gynecomastia doctors are essential to monitor progress, remove sutures, and address any concerns or questions that may arise during the recovery process.
- You can anticipate a gradual improvement in chest contour and a reduction in swelling over the course of several weeks to months following surgery. Final results usually become evident around six to twelve months post-surgery. Additionally, scars from incisions tend to fade over time and become less noticeable with proper care and protection from the sun.
At the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists, we recognize the significant impact gynecomastia surgery can have on confidence and overall well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and exceptional results, to empower each individual during their gynecomastia journey.
If you are in Boston or other nearby areas in New England, we invite you to schedule a personalized in-person consultation and take the first step.
The Boston Gynecomastia Specialists is the premier Greater Boston Gynecomastia Center of excellence. We prioritize delivering exceptional care from your initial consultation to your recovery and beyond. We deeply value the trust you place in us and are committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care. Our team, led by Dr. Edwin Ishoo, a board-certified surgeon specializing in gynecomastia treatment, is devoted to achieving optimal surgical results for each individual. Recognizing that every person is unique, we personalize our approach to meet your specific needs. Whether you have questions or are ready to schedule your personalized in-person consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact the Boston Gynecomastia Specialists today. We’re here to support you every step of the way!
Boston Gynecomastia Specialists
1260 Cambridge st
Cambridge, MA 02139
(888) 380-322
