San Francisco Gynecomastia | Male Breast Reduction Bay Area

Gynecomastia is a common condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts among males; it is known to cause emotional discomfort and embarrassment. Fortunately, Joseph A. Mele, M.D., F.A.C.S., a Walnut Creek and San Francisco Gynecomastia specialist, can help a patient gain a more masculine chest appearance and, in turn, gain greater self-confidence.

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.

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

What Does Gynecomastia Treatment Entail?

When performing gynecomastia surgery with the Gynecomastia Excision Method, Dr. Mele will remove excess fat, tissue, and skin from the chest area. This is usually taken from the area beneath the nipple and areola (the pigmentated skin around the nipple). Scarring for this technique is minimal and is camouflaged by the darker coloring of the areola.

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.

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 surery organizations, such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the California Society of PlasticSurgeons (CSPS) and the Internation 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.