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.
What our patients have to say
“Dr. York Yates is simply the best! He is a visionary and a master of his trade. He is very passionate about the work he performs and truly loves what he does. I heard great things about him prior to meeting him. Once I met him and saw his creative passion in person, I had no doubt going forward. You can tell that York does not treat this as a job, this is his passion and he loves it! It has been a fun experience in meeting him and getting to know him. I highly recommend him and his staff is top notch. Very nice and relaxing office as well, it was like walking into a day spa. You can’t help but just feel relaxed and comfortable. York, you are awesome!”
- Jeremy M.
“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
Male Breast Reduction Before and After Photos
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.
Schedule a Consultation
For questions or concerns, call us at 801.525.8741. You can also schedule a consultation in Layton, Utah, by contacting us here.