Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlarged breast tissue in men and boys. Dr. Steven Montante can perform male breast surgery that allows men to have a masculine-looking chest.
In boys and young men, gynecomastia is most often caused by hormonal changes, resulting in excess glandular tissue that usually has to be removed through surgery. In older men, the tissue normally consists only of excess fat and skin. If hormonal changes are involved, we recommend that you see a doctor to make sure there are no underlying medical issues. Dr. Montante has performed numerous successful male breast reductions for his patients, helping men and boys feel better about how they look.
Since gynecomastia surgery in Richmond frequently involves liposuction, some men opt to have fat removed from their love handles or abdomen at the same time as their male breast reduction.
What Can Gynecomastia Surgery Do for You?
Receiving a male breast reduction in Richmond can remove excess tissue on the chest so that you look more masculine.
Dr. Montante will spend time with you during your initial consultation to hear your concerns and goals, as well as answer your questions. He will review your medical history, followed by an examination of your chest. This will allow him to recommend a surgical plan tailored specifically for you. Dr. Montante will advise you of all preparations to take prior to your operation. If you are a smoker, for example, you will need to stop for a period of time before surgery.
What Should You Expect from Male Breast Reduction surgery?
In Richmond, this gynecomastia surgery is usually performed using general anesthesia and takes 2-4 hours. Afterward, you can go home, but you must have someone available to drive you.
Incisions vary depending upon the amount of excess skin that needs to be removed. If possible, Dr. Montante keeps the incisions around the darker skin of the areolas where the scars will be discreet. In cases of particularly large breasts or breasts with a lot of excess skin, other incisions may be necessary.
Liposuction is used to remove the excess breast fat. A tube called a cannula is inserted into the incisions and attached to a vacuum-like device that removes the fat. Glandular tissue can then be removed through the incision adjacent to the nipple.
After your surgery, the incisions are sutured and dressed. In the majority of cases, the sutures are dissolvable, and the incisions are covered with a skin glue. If the sutures are not dissolvable, they will be removed during one of your post-surgical visits, usually within a few days to a week.
Recovery Period for a Gynecomastia Surgery in Richmond
You will wear a compression garment for about six weeks after your surgery, and you should sleep on your back during this period of time.
You should be able to return to work and resume normal activities within about a week, as long as your work does not involve strenuous activity or lifting. You should avoid strenuous exercise for about 6 weeks.
Expect to feel some post-operative discomfort, but this can be managed with oral pain medication. Some bruising and swelling are normal. Swelling will take the longest to resolve, so while your chest will be flatter immediately, you won’t be able to see the final results of your surgery until all of the swelling has resolved. This could take a few months.
There are visible scars after male breast reduction, but they will become flatter, smoother, lighter, and less prominent over time.
Dr. Montante will monitor your progress carefully in follow-up examinations.
Gynecomastia surgery in Richmond can give you a masculine-looking chest. Call us today to schedule a consultation to find out more about male breast reduction.