Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Gynecomastia Reduction (Male Breast Reduction) in San Francisco East Bay Area City of Walnut Creek - Dr. Joseph Mele

Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) Presentation

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Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Gynecomastia, a condition causing enlargement of the male chest, is a common reason for adolescent and adult males to pursue plastic surgery. The enlargement can be fatty and soft or glandular and firm in nature, and can lead to embarrassment and a reluctance to go shirtless. Even a tight shirt can be problematic. Men with more severe gynecomastia may layer their clothing to disguise their problem, even during the hot summer months in Walnut Creek. Fortunately, Joseph A. Mele, MD, FACS, a Walnut Creek and San Francisco Gynecomastia specialist, can help you gain a more masculine chest appearance and, in turn, gain greater self-confidence.

You May be a Candidate for Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia Surgery) if You:

  • Have already tried to lose the excess fat and tissue through diet and exercise
  • Are uncomfortable with the appearance of your chest and feel that your breasts are too large
  • Have realistic expectations
  • Are physically and psychologically healthy
  • Have stabilized breast development

To learn how you can achieve a firmer, more masculine-looking physique, meet with Dr. Mele for an initial consultation. During your visit with our San Francisco plastic surgeon, he can discuss your options regarding this procedure.

When visiting with Dr. Mele, you will be thoroughly examined in order to determine if this procedure is the most beneficial solution to your condition. At this time, along with discussing the options available, you can inform Dr. Mele of your desired results, and have a personalized treatment plan implemented to meet your goals. In addition, the risks, side effects, and how to prepare for the procedure will be covered. This may include refraining from alcohol intake and smoking for a period of two weeks both before and after the surgery.

Be sure to inform Dr. Mele of any medical conditions you may have, as well as medications, vitamins, and/or supplements you are taking. It is important to follow all pre- and post-op instructions in order to ensure a successful outcome. You may choose to have the necessary medications and supplies for your recovery in order to reduce stress post-surgery.

Typically, gynecomastia is a simple condition to treat. Dr. Mele, a reputable San Francisco body contouring specialist, can surgically remove excess fat and tissue from the chest in two different ways - with excision or through liposuction. The method that he decides to use greatly depends on the extent of your gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Reduction Before and After Photos (Male Breast Reduction or Reduction Mammoplasty)

Glandular gynecomastia is caused by the development of breast tissue, and may not be related to weight gain. Even active men who eat well and exercise regularly may not be able to eliminate these deposits. However, gynecomastia is easily treatable through male breast reduction surgery. Via discreet incisions made in the underarm, under the chest or around the areolae, San Francisco Gynecomastia surgeon Dr. Mele can surgically remove excess fat and glandular tissue from the male chest to achieve a firmer, more masculine looking physique. Depending on the nature of the tissue involved, gynecomastia can be reduced with liposuction when soft, or with a scalpel when dense and firm. For more information on the San Francisco gynecomastia reduction treatments, contact our cosmetic surgery practice in Walnut Creek today.

Gynecomastia Reduction (Male Breast Reduction) Videos

Areola Reduction

When the areola is too large it can be reduced during Gynecomastia Reduction Surgery. Since large areolae can be unflattering on the male chest, Areola Reduction Surgery can boost male self esteem. When areola enlargement is concomitant with large breasts, gynecomastia reduction alone may provide some benefit. If the areola has been overstretched by breast enlargement, or was too large to begin with, areola reduction can help.

Even without gynecomastia, when large areolae are an inherited trait, a fairly simple procedure removes the superficial coloring around the outer ring of the areolae to decrease its size. Areola Reduction Surgery can often be performed in one short procedure with only local anesthesia. To find out more about areola reduction, which can be performed in conjunction with or without Male Breast Reduction, contact our San Francisco area practice in Walnut Creek today.

Alternatively, some patients may equally benefit from Gynecomastia Liposuction alone. Using a long, thin metal rod called a cannula, Dr. Mele gently vacuums excess fat from the chest through small incisions in order to produce a more masculine contour. Scarring is minimal. Often the small incisions fade to faint scars with time.

After your procedure, a compression garment will need to be worn for approximately two weeks in order to help the skin adapt to its new shape. Some swelling and bruising may be present but should subside within the following weeks. It is important for patients to limit physical activities for the first three days post-surgery, with limited activities during the first two to three weeks. More strenuous activities should be avoided for about four weeks. This helps avoid injury and allows the treated areas to heal properly, with a reduced risk of infections and other complications.

So long as patients continue a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, diet, and limited use of alcohol and smoking, results can be long-lasting. Weight fluctuations, hormone imbalances, and drug/alcohol use may induce a reoccurrence of gynecomastia. Should this happen, a second procedure may be necessary.

Schedule a Gynecomastia Consultation Today

To see some of Dr. Mele's patient transformations, please view Before and After Gynecomastia Photos.

Dr. Mele is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and the American Board of Surgery (ABS). He is also a member of numerous prestigious profession plastic surgery organizations, such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of Plastic Surgeons (CSPS) and the International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

To schedule a consultation with our San Francisco Gynecomastia professional, please call (925) 943-6353 or fill out a contact form.