Excess Male Breast Development
What is Gynecomastia?
A small amount of male breast development is common during puberty, usually resolving within a couple of years. Failure of this male breast tissue to resolve completely may cause embarrassment, pain, and is an indication for surgery. Most cases of gynecomastia are caused by the over sensitivity of breast tissue to normal levels of hormones.
Some cases are caused by medical conditions such as hormonal abnormalities, medication side effects, or drugs such as steroids or marijuana. Abnormal testicular development can be an indication that a medical cause is to blame.
Dr. Yates treats patients in Layton, Salt Lake City, Ogden, and surrounding areas. Call with any questions or to schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Yates today.
What are the treatment options for Gynecomastia?
Breast tissue can be removed by excision techniques, liposuction, or a combination of the two. The very dense breast tissue cannot be removed entirely with liposuction and may require excision. Power-assisted liposuction, laser liposuction or ultrasound-assisted liposuction can help to break up some of the dense breast tissue and extends the role of liposuction in the treatment of gynecomastia.
Liposuction Treatment of Gynecomastia
Liposuction is generally an easier method of treatment with less risk, smaller scars, and quicker recovery. For this reason, it is the preferred treatment when appropriate. The ideal male breast for treatment with liposuction has good skin elasticity and is somewhat fatty (not dense and hard).
VASER Liposuction Treatment of Gynecomastia
VASER liposuction gynecomastia uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify fat and release fibrotic tissue prior to removal with either liposuction or excision. This is particularly useful in male breast tissue to help achieve a chiseled look, improved skin quality, and aggressive removal of the dense tissue often found in the male chest.
Excision of Gynecomastia
Dense breast tissue is too firm to allow adequate removal with liposuction alone, and excisional methods may be necessary. This generally requires a small scar at the lower border of the areola around the nipple. This scar is typically good quality and well hidden. Over-aggressive excision must be avoided to avoid an indentation or “saucer deformity.” Excision can be combined with liposuction where indicated.
Excision with Breast Reshaping
Patients who have lost a lot of weight commonly have a significant amount of excess skin that will need to be removed to reshape the breast. This can be done at the time of breast tissue excision or liposuction of the chest as necessary.
BENEFITS OF GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY
Gynecomastia surgery can help you feel more confident and comfortable with your chest.
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A flatter, firmer, more masculine chest
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Better symmetry between both sides of the chest
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More confidence wearing fitted shirts, swimwear, and going shirtless
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Relief from physical discomfort, like tightness or tenderness
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Easier movement and better posture during exercise or sports
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Long-lasting results with a stable weight
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A boost in self-esteem and overall quality of life
SHOULD YOU GET GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?
You may be a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery if you meet the following:
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You have enlarged or overdeveloped breast tissue that does not improve with time, weight loss, or lifestyle changes
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Your chest feels firm, dense, or tender to the touch
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You are bothered by the appearance of your chest in clothing or without a shirt
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You are in good general health and at a stable weight
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You have realistic expectations about surgery results
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You are a non-smoker or willing to quit before and after surgery
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Your breast development has stabilized and is no longer changing
WHY CHOOSE DR. YORK YATES?
Dr. York Yates is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has spent years focusing on cosmetic surgery of the breast and body. After training out of state, he came back to Utah to work alongside some of the doctors who helped inspire his career. Over time, he narrowed his practice to the procedures he does best, including gynecomastia surgery. His experience with advanced liposuction techniques and breast tissue removal means patients get very natural-looking results.
Patients also choose our office because we are easy to work with. Dr. Yates is always reachable through a secure patient app, and he genuinely cares about your experience from the first consult through recovery. Men trust him because he knows how important it is to feel good about the way you look, and he knows how to get you there safely and comfortably.
What our patients have to say
I am 3 weeks post op for a breast revision and lift! I went down a cup and a half in size. Went from saline to silicone. And redid my lift. My results are fantastic! I had 2 previous consults and there was something with both that just didn’t feel like they were who I wanted to go with. Dr Yates had a little bit of a wait for my consult.. but the wait was 100% worth it!! Dr. Yates knew exactly what I needed to do and should do, in order to achieve the results that I wanted! He made the process so easy. He has a confidence about his work that is outstanding. And reassuring. I had no questions going into surgery and my results are phenomenal. He is, hands down, the best plastic surgeon in Utah!
“I just wanted to say thank you to Dr. Yates and his entire staff. They were professional friendly and patient to my needs. I had a procedure done to remove Gynecomastia and lipo the fat the had developed around it. I am since three weeks recovered and the results look amazing! Dr. Yates exceed my expectations and i am very happy.”
-PB
Gynecomastia FAQs
Steroids are to blame for a great number of cases of gynecomastia. Generally, the gynecomastia caused by steroids is very firm and requires excisional techniques.
The recovery after either liposuction or excision of gynecomastia requires six weeks off aggressive physical activity. During the first three weeks, a garment is worn to reduce swelling. The risks of doing too much too early are swelling, hematoma, and poor results.
The breast tissue and excess fatty tissue removed with treatment are gone for good. It is very unlikely that there will be a significant recurrence. However, anabolic steroids, marijuana use, and significant weight gain are risk factors for recurrence.
In general, insurance carriers consider this cosmetic surgery and do not pay for it unless there is a medical cause. The procedure can be performed in the clinic procedure room with sedation and local anesthetic or the operating room under general anesthesia. Dr. Yates is happy to provide gynecomastia treatment for patients in the Salt Lake City, Utah, area.
The fees associated with gynecomastia treatments include 1) surgeon’s fees 2) anesthesia fees 3) facility fees. For a list of the costs of common procedures performed by Dr. Yates, click here.
Contact Dr. Yates’ office or feel free to email him with any additional questions you may have.
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks to consider. These may include bleeding, infection, noticeable scarring, temporary or permanent changes in nipple sensation, or uneven results. In some cases, revision surgery may be needed to fine-tune the outcome.
Gynecomastia involves actual glandular breast tissue, which tends to feel firmer and more rubbery than fat. Chest fat, on the other hand, is softer and more likely to respond to weight loss or exercise. If your chest stays the same even when you’re lean, it’s more likely to be true gynecomastia.
Surgery typically takes between one to two hours. The exact time depends on whether you’re having liposuction alone, tissue excision, or a combination of both. Most procedures are done as outpatients, so you’ll go home the same day.
Most people take about three to seven days off, depending on how physical their job is. If your work is more active or involves lifting, you may need a little more time before jumping back in.
You’ll come in for a few follow-up appointments so we can check your healing and make sure everything’s progressing as expected. Wearing a compression garment is usually recommended for a few weeks to help with swelling and shape. Any questions or concerns can usually be handled quickly through the secure patient app.
Schedule a Consultation
For questions or concerns, call us at 385.526.5988. You can also schedule a consultation in Layton, Utah, by contacting us here.