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Gynecomastia Surgery
(For Men)
Gynecomastia is the presence of overdeveloped or enlarged breasts in men. Gynecomastia surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, is the male version of a breast reduction.
The condition known as Gynecomastia may present itself at any age, and is most likely the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity or the use of certain drugs. It is typically accompanied by a negative self-image in most men, leading to additional physical and emotional discomfort. In most cases, Gynecomastia surgery can help to correct it. However, you should schedule a consultation to learn more about your treatment options.
Gynecomastia Surgery is designed to correct the over-development of breasts in men by removing excess fat, skin, and breast tissue in order to flatten out the chest contours. Excess breast tissue that has developed over time, most often the result of natural weight gain or a medical condition, may cause the breasts to grow and sag.
To be recommended for Gynecomastia Surgery, you should be free of any life-threatening illnesses and medical conditions that will interfere with the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Additionally, it is important that you have, and continue to maintain, a stable weight. Trying to correct Gynecomastia through diet and exercise is not uncommon, but these methods are not always sufficient in treating the condition.
If you are a smoker, you will be required to quit for at least four (4) weeks prior to surgery and remain smoke free until your surgical results have been fully achieved. Smoking has been proven to interfere with the body’s naturally healing process. For your safety and to achieve the desired surgical outcome, Dr. Kuhlman-Wood screens for Nicotine prior to surgery.
During your initial consultation with Dr. Kuhlman-Wood, be prepared to discuss the following:
- Why you want a Gynecomastia Surgery
- What are your expectations
- What are your desired outcomes. Please be aware that desired outcomes beyond the physical quality of your breast may also be discussed.
- Your previous Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments.
- Your Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.
- Any Dramatic changes in weight, if it applies.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Consultation
In addition to a meaningful discussion, Dr. Kuhlman-Wood will more than likely discuss and do the following:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
- If applicable, and with your written consent, take photographs for "Before & After" comparisons.
- Discuss your plastic surgery options and recommend a course of treatment, including non-surgical options that may be available.
- Discuss likely outcomes as-well-as any risks or potential complications.
At Coeur d’Alene Plastic Surgery™, our entire staff is committed to providing a frictionless surgical experience. It begins with listening to your needs and continues through appropriate education and care across your entire surgical experience. This includes providing you the care you need while you recover.
Where will my Gynecomastia Surgery be performed?
Dr. Kuhlman-Wood performs Gynecomastia Surgery at either Northwest Specialty Hospital or PleasantView Surgery Center. Both facilities are Doctor-owned facilities and have impeccable records of patient success and satisfaction. Factors such as schedule availability, procedural complexity and your individual needs will determine the location of your procedure.
What should I expect on the day of Surgery?
Typically, Gynecomastia Surgery is accomplished with the following options: liposuction, excision, or a combination of liposuction and excision. If excess fatty tissue is the primary cause of your gynecomastia, liposuction alone may be sufficient to correct the problem. Dr. Kuhlman-Wood will have pre-determined an individualized technique for your procedure depending upon your individual condition.
On the day of your procedure, you will check in at the front desk and be placed in the pre-operative section of the surgical center. Dr. Kuhlman will meet you prior to surgery to answer any questions you may have, calm your nerves and verify you are ready for the procedure. During this time, an IV will be placed to assist the delivery of Anesthesia (Anesthesia types vary depending on patient and procedure). Additionally, Dr. Kuhlman-Wood will place marks (using a special marker) on your body to serve as her surgical guides.
A thin, hollow tube called a cannula will be inserted through small incisions in the breast area, and will be gently moved around to loosen the excess fat in the breasts. Once the excess fat is loosed, it can then be suctioned out of the body. If excess skin needs to be removed in addition to the breast tissue, the excision technique may be performed concurrently. .
Excision may also be necessary if the nipples need to be moved or the areolas reduced. Incisions will be made in patterns pre-determined by Dr. Kuhlman-Wood depending upon your individual condition, Dr. Kuhlman-Wood’s surgical judgment, and how much excess skin, fat, and tissue needs to be removed.
Recovering after Gynecomastia Surgery
Dressings and/or bandages will be placed over the incisions after the procedure is complete. Dr. Kuhlman-Wood and her staff will provide you with individualized instructions detailing your post-operative care. These instructions will detail information about your dressings, how long you’ll need to wear them, how to change them, and how to keep your incisions clean and free of infection. Dr. Kuhlman may have you wear an elastic bandage for support in order to minimize post-operative swelling– especially as your chest begins to heal.
Small tubes called drains will be placed underneath your skin in order to collect any fluid or blood that may result as a natural part of the body’s healing process. The staff at Coeur d’Alene Plastic Surgery will schedule the necessary follow-up visits to have your drains or non-dissolving stitches removed. Dr. Kuhlman-Wood will also outline which medications to take to prevent infection, aid in your healing, and reduce pain. She will also provide guidance on when it is appropriate to resume your normal daily activities, like exercise and work.
There are many factors that can determine the cost of Gynecomastia Surgery. However, you should expect to pay between $7,000 and $10,000. This includes Dr. Kuhlman-Wood’s surgical fee, the cost of anesthesia, facility fees for the hospital and/or surgical center, medical tests, clothing and bandages required after the procedure, and prescriptions for pain medication and antibiotics. It also includes 90 days of post-operative care.
Health insurance plans typically do not cover Gynecomastia Surgery; however, Coeur d’Alene Plastic Surgery™ does offer financing to help break up the cost over time. Although monetary cost is important, it is only one of several factors to consider. It is equally important to find a surgeon who is board-certified by the ABPS, trustworthy, and close enough to reduce travel time between visits – especially after your procedure. Perhaps most importantly, choose a surgeon with whom you are comfortable to share in your surgical journey.
Gynecomastia Surgery at a Glance:
- Procedure Location:
- PleasantView Surgery Center
- Required Hospital Stay:
- No
- Recovery Time:
- 4-6 Weeks, Typical
- Procedure Cost:
- $7,000 - $8,000
- Financing Available:
- Yes, thru Care Credit® or Green Sky®
Other Procedures for Men:
RealSelf Patient Reviews of Kate Kuhlman-Wood, MD
our practice
Coeur d'Alene Plastic Surgery™ believes that our client's overall health and safety comes first. All procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, are recommended conservatively and performed with Plastic Surgery's best practices to produce appropriate and expected outcomes.
