The Cost of Man Boobs Surgery (Gynecomastia) USA

by DLM Admin | Feb 14, 2022 | Pre-Surgery

Causes of Gynecomastia

The appearance of man boobs is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, which can result from medications, steroid use or may occur naturally. Gynecomastia is defined as excessive growth of male glandular tissue. Although weight loss and exercise may help reduce the size of man boobs, surgery is the only option to reduce glandular tissue. Another condition that may be mistaken for gynecomastia is called pseudogynecomastia, when male breast enlargement occurs due to excess fat. This type of male breast reduction can normally be carried out with a liposuction procedure. 

Gynecomastia Surgery

Male breast reduction is also known as gynecomastia surgery. This is a plastic surgery procedure designed to treat a medical condition that causes the enlargement of male glandular tissue, resulting in what is often called man boobs. Gynecomastia surgery is performed by numerous surgeons and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures for men in the USA. 

Gynecomastia Surgery Cost

When considering any surgery, the cost will play a part in the decision-making process and which surgeon to choose. Certain plastic surgery organizations operate a “conveyor belt” of patients. Permitting limited time for the procedure will provide a set fee in advance of a consultation. Consequently, as they limit the time to a minimum for each procedure and book in as many patients as possible in a short period, the gynecomastia surgery cost is lower.

More often, when the price is low, it is because any surgeon can perform a cosmetic surgery procedure in the USA, regardless of their training or specialty. When comparing prices, always check that the surgeon is a Board Certified plastic surgeon. The actual cost estimate of any plastic surgery is dependent on the surgeon, the facility where the procedure will take place, and the patient’s specific needs. Cosmetic surgery in this respect is the same as most surgical procedures, and a set price should immediately ring alarm bells. 

Several other factors are evaluated by the plastic surgeon when providing an estimate for the cost of a gynecomastia procedure. Among these factors is the type of gynecomastia procedure required and whether or not it’s revision surgery. In all cases of true gynecomastia, the surgeon will have to perform surgical excision of the breast glands. This procedure will usually be performed under a general anesthetic and increase the total cost. 

You should also consider costs common to all plastic surgery procedures, such as anaesthesia, the fee for the facility and operating room, the geographical location, and any other complications. Additional costs also may include medical tests, antibiotics or medications, and post-surgery garments required following a surgical procedure.

Gynecomastia surgery costs can vary from state to state and according to the surgeon’s expertise. A plastic surgeon will usually charge more than a general surgeon, and anesthesia charges differ depending on experience. Plastic surgeons also tend to use facilities that charge considerably more than clinics and set up as quickly as possible for minimum cost. This means the all-inclusive fee for the plastic surgeon, anesthesiologist, and facility usually falls between $6,500 and $9,000. 

Recovery Time for Gynecomastia Surgery

The recovery time usually expected with modern gynecomastia surgery techniques is around one week. Although it is not recommended to start exercising or lifting heavy objects, most men feel well enough to return to work. Any swelling will continue to reduce, and scars will heal over two to three weeks. 

Occasionally, a small, thin tube will be placed near the incision to drain out any excess fluid or blood after gynecomastia surgery. These are typically removed within two to three days. Patients are asked to wear a dressing or bandage on the surgical site during the recovery period. In some cases, customized compression garments may be provided to minimize swelling and aid the healing process by limiting movement on the incision site.

Patients are also given specific sets of instructions on caring for the surgical site at home. They will also be asked to take oral medications for a few days following your surgery to fight off any potential infection or complications that may arise. All patients are advised to strictly follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding care, especially resting. You will be asked to take it easy for a few days or weeks following your surgery, and you must avoid strenuous activity until your wound has fully healed. 

Male Breast Reduction Without Surgery

Before considering male breast reduction, it is important to consider other treatment options first. Understanding the symptoms is one of the best ways to determine the most effective course of treatment. With the help of an expert, you may be able to reduce enlarged male breasts without surgery.

Losing weight through diet and exercising can be an effective way to reduce the appearance of man boobs. The enlarged breasts are often a result of excessive fat tissue in the breast area. Exercise can trim down the fat content in your body and help you shed excess weight. The less fat you have, the smaller your man boobs. Weight loss can take time. Liposuction is an effective and quick procedure with minimal associated complications and virtually no scarring for a faster solution. However, liposuction is only suitable for pseudogynecomastia,  as it will not reduce the size of the breast glands present in true gynecomastia.   

The intake of certain drugs and steroids can also contribute to the growth of breast tissues in men. If you want to get rid of your man boobs, you must abstain from drugs immediately. You might have to undergo hormone treatments to reduce the presence of estrogen in your system, which can trigger breast growth. The downside to hormone treatment is that it is only effective for moderate cases. Not all men are suitable due to health reasons or medications they are taking for other medical conditions, such as irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia).

Non-surgical Procedures to Get Rid of Man Boobs

Other more advanced non-surgical procedures for gynecomastia symptoms include laser therapy that can remove fat and be used for body sculpting, and Coolsculpting is another option to reduce fat tissue, which can help reduce male breasts. These treatment options melt or freeze the fat cells, which are then dispelled naturally from the body over months through urine.  As these treatments will not reduce the size of glandular tissue in cases of true gynecomastia it is likely they will be unsatisfactory. 

The great thing about non-surgical treatment for enlarged male breasts is that they require less downtime. Plus, the cost is lower. However, when repeat treatments are necessary, the costs can equal the cost of gynecomastia surgery. Suppose you have tried any of the above-mentioned non-surgical treatments and are still not satisfied with the result. In that case, gynecomastia surgery is likely to be needed to fully remove excess glandular tissue that causes man boobs. 

FAQs About Gynecomastia Surgery

Does Health Insurance Cover Gynecomastia Surgery?

In terms of health insurance, gynecomastia surgery is not eligible for coverage because it is classed as a cosmetic surgery procedure. It is still advisable to consult with your insurance provider as there may be exceptions to this rule. 

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Painful?

The pain reported by patients is mild and subsides within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are available if required. 

Does Gynecomastia Surgery Leave Scars?

Expect scarring when undergoing any surgical procedure. However, gynecomastia surgery has advanced significantly in terms of scars. While complete lack of scarring is impossible, different factors can impact scar visibility, such as the type of procedure required, incision size, and the surgeon’s skill. 

Previous gynecomastia surgery techniques require a relatively large incision to remove the fat and glandular tissue from the chest area. Today, newer techniques have been developed to eliminate the need for a large incision. One of the newer methods used by plastic surgeons is cutting-edge ultrasound technology, which breaks up the chest tissue. Once broken down, the fat tissue that needs to be excised can measure approximately a quarter of an inch, eliminating the need for a large incision, as it is possible to suction out the smaller fat tissues.

Aside from leaving almost undetectable scars, the advancement in surgical techniques can also facilitate faster recovery time for the patient. The smaller the wound, the faster a patient can recover from the procedure, in most cases with significantly reduced scarring.

 For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form. 

Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement.  Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021.” 

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The content on Gynecomastia.org is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace the need to meet with a physician who will accurately diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options.

What Men Need to Know Before Getting Gynecomastia Surgery.

by DLM Admin | Sep 20, 2021 | Pre-Surgery

How Common is Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breast tissue in males. It causes men a great deal of embarrassment. Gynecomastia surgery has continued to increase in popularity among men. The number of men seeking surgical improvement to their chests continues to increase.

As a result of hormonal surges during puberty, male breast tissue may develop. Breast tissue may shrink after puberty in some cases, but in many cases, the breasts remain enlarged. This is called persistent pubertal gynecomastia. According to statistics, asymptomatic gynecomastia affects 60% to 90% of young boys, 50% to 60% of teenagers, and up to 70% of older men aged 50 to 69 years.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2018 Plastic Surgery Report, approximately 25,000 male breast reduction procedures were performed in the U.S. last year, marking a 22 percent increase since 2000.  Additionally, according to Mayo Clinic research, men aged between 50 and 69 are affected by gynecomastia, and gynecomastia surgery (also known as male breast reduction ) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States.

Gynecomastia is commonly caused by hormonal imbalances during puberty, weight gain, use of anabolic steroids by bodybuilders, and marijuana use. Male breast enlargement can also be caused by other medications.

How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia usually occurs in one or both breasts.  The breast enlargement (gynecomastia) may be asymmetrical or larger or smaller from side to side. Breast self-examinations, also known as the “pinch test“, typically reveal a palpable, tender, firm, mobile, disc-like mound of tissue. Unlike breast cancer, this tissue is soft and has a central location under the nipple-areolar complex.

Palpable masses that are unilateral, firm, fixed, circumscribed, and involve only one breast but are associated with abnormal discharge from the breast, changes in the skin, or enlarged lymph nodes, suggest breast cancer and invite thorough evaluation, including mammographic and MRI imaging studies.

In the United States, 1% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 60.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Many factors can lead to hormonal imbalances that cause male breast growth, and often times the cause is unknown.

Besides body changes such as puberty and aging, there are a number of other factors that lead to gynecomastia:

• Testicular injuries and diseases
• Thyroid disease, kidney failure, or pituitary gland tumor.
• Obesity, which can result in more estrogen
• Illegal drugs, including steroids, pot, and  heroin
• Some young boys may experience the condition briefly while their mothers’ hormones still affect their bodies.

Medication That May Cause Gynecomastia

• Anti-androgens. These are drugs that treat an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.
• Anabolic steroids. In an effort to improve their performance, athletes sometimes use anabolic steroids illicitly. Blood tests can detect this in the bloodstream.
• HIV drugs. An HIV treatment that is called “highly active antiretroviral therapy” may cause gynecomastia as a side effect.
• Heart medications. Gynecomastia can sometimes be caused by certain drugs, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers.
• Medications help empty your stomach. Metoclopramide Reglan ) can have gynecomastia as a side effect.
• Ulcer drugs. There are some over-the-counter medications that can cause gynecomastia, such as cimetidine and Tagamet antibiotics. The same can be said of tricyclic antidepressants and certain cancer treatments.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Whenever patients complain of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), they describe the appearance of an enlarged chest which looks like “women’s breasts on a man.”. Every aspect of their lives is affected by this and they experience an intense feeling of shame and embarrassment.

Male breast reduction surgery is considered to be the gold standard of treatment. During surgery, the breast tissue will be removed along with the excess fat and glandular tissue.  The procedure is usually performed through an incision in the lower half of the nipple-areolar complex and/or by excision of the skin (in the case of very large male breasts). In order to confirm the presence of gynecomastia and rule out the possibility of male breast cancer, it is essential to have your surgeon perform a proper physical examination of your breasts.

It is important to stop taking medications that could cause bleeding, quit smoking, and increase your nutrition so that you will heal and recover from surgery. It is a procedure that is most commonly performed under general anesthesia, but it can also be performed under oral sedation and local anesthesia. Drains are commonly used after surgery to prevent fluid accumulations. To reduce swelling, control bruising, and control pain, compression vests, and icing are often used.

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

For patients with pseudogynecomastia (gynecomastia dues to excess fat only), liposuction may be sufficient to correct their enlarged breasts.   These patients are usually able to return to work in one week and exercise within 3 weeks. Surgery for the removal of excess breast tissue can take 1 to 2 weeks for patients to recover enough to take part in normal activities. The average patient can return to white-collar work in 5-7 days. At 4 weeks and 6 weeks, they can return to the gym for cardio and weightlifting, barring complications from the surgery.

Complications With Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is usually very safe and most patients recover quickly. In spite of every precaution taken, complications can occur. Complications include bruising, bleeding, fluid collections, irregularities in the breast contours, the loss of breast skin, scarring between the breasts, numbness between the breasts, and inverted breasts. Preoperative, postoperative, and perioperative management is crucial for achieving good outcomes.

If you are concerned about gynecomastia and wish to discuss treatment options, you should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area or contact Dr. Delgado’s via this inquiry form.

The 5 Most Important Tips to Choose Your Gynecomastia Surgeon

Several important factors should be considered when selecting a gynecomastia surgeon

• Training and certification in plastic surgery
• Good standing with the State Medical Board
• Positive reviews of male breast reduction surgery online by satisfied patients
• Excellent consultation with a doctor whose knowledge you are comfortable with, as well as the thoroughness and kindness of the staff.
• Before and after pictures document the artist’s work.

RELATED: At What Age Can a Teenager Get Gynecomastia Surgery?

FAQ’s

Does gynecomastia go away?

Gynecomastia is associated with puberty.  In most cases, the breast gland tissue (gynecomastia) will resolve without treatment within six months to two years. Most commonly enlarged breasts occur between the ages of 13 and 14 years but can occur as early as 10 years of age. Up to 20 percent of individuals with enlarged breasts continue to experience symptoms after they reach their 17th birthday.

Who is The Best Gynecomastia Surgeon and at What Price?

by DLM Admin | Mar 10, 2020 | Pre-Surgery

Abstract of original forum post:  There is no answer for who is the best gynecomastia surgeon? The real question is who is the best gynecomastia surgeon for you! The price of male breast reduction surgery is quite variable and depends on many factors. One price does not fit all patients. Read on to find the best ways to choose the right surgeon at the best price for your gynecomastia surgery.

Choosing the Best Surgeon for Gynecomastia Treatment

The best gynecomastia surgeon for any person depends on many factors. The surgeon should be a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or the equivalent in other countries.  This shows that he or she has had extensive plastic surgeon training and has passed the intensive testing to be certified. In the United States, being a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and the Aesthetic Society of Plastic surgery, are the highest education honors and displays specialty in cosmetic surgery. Gynecomastia is a cosmetic procedure to make a man’s chest look great and aesthetics is critical. The gynecomastia tissue is not cancer! This surgeon should do a significant number of gynecomastia reduction surgeries on a frequent basis.

Gynecomastia Surgery Costs and Tips to Avoid Needing a Second Surgery

The price of gynecomastia surgery is somewhat complex. There are no set prices and a gynecomastia expert will, in general, be more expensive than a surgeon who does not do this often. When selecting a surgeon, price is one of many factors so do not select a surgeon only on cost. In my personal practice, 40% of my gynecomastia surgery is revision surgery on men who are not happy from other practices who now have to, unfortunately, pay for a second surgery.

5 Tips for Selecting Your Perfect Gynecomastia Surgeon

In selecting a gynecomastia surgeon these are some important factors to evaluate 

• Plastic surgery training and certification 
• State Medical Board in good standing 
• Good Reviews on line by happy patients for male breast reduction surgery
• A solid consultation where you feel comfortable with the doctor’s knowledge and thoroughness and kindness of the staff.
• Documentation of his or her work by many before and after photos.

5 Factors to Consider When Looking at the Costs of Gynecomastia Surgery

The price of surgery is determined by many factors :

• Grade of the Gynecomastia – There is severity of a man’s gynecomastia and it is made up of grades 1-4. So as the grade increases so does the complexity and the time that the surgery will take. This adds up to more expensive.
• General vs Local anesthesia – The cost between the two are greatly different. I, personally, only use general anesthesia and there are many reasons for this decision.  Some surgeons market local anesthesia very heavily.
• Revision gynecomastia surgery – A gynecomastia surgical expert see’s many of these patients.  They can be simple to correct or impossible. It may take multiple surgeries. The cost is determined by the complexity.
• Location of your surgery – Certain cities cost a premium because of the expenses in that location to run a business. For example, New York City or San Francisco will cost more than a much smaller city or remote area.
• The expertise of the surgeon.

4 Gynecomastia Grades to Look at Before Choosing a Surgeon

The photos below show the grade or severity of gynecomastia. As the grade goes from 1-4 the complexity and time to perform the surgery does as well.

THE GRADES BELOW ARE GRADES 1-4

Grades of Gynecomastia | Gynecomastia.org

Ways to do Your Research Before Choosing a Gynecomastia Surgeon

When selecting a gynecomastia surgeon who is “BEST FOR YOU” it is critical that you do your homework or research. This is a very important journey in your life and getting it right the first time will save you a lot of headaches.  Visit a few doctors and don’t be afraid to travel if there is not a good choice in your area. This is an easy procedure to have performed in a distant location. Do not let price alone determine your choice.

If we look at some general costs. If we start at Grade 1 the surgery fee may be $3,500 and add $1,000 for each additional grade of severity. So the surgeons fee for a grade 1 patient may be $3500 and the grade 4 may be $6500. When you calculate the surgery center and anesthesiologist this is a function of time. Grade 1 will cost less and Grade 4 more. These fees are highly variable from place to place. In my surrounding bay area anesthesia is 300 per hour or more and surgery center is on average 800 per hour or more. So the Grade one case which takes say 2.5 hours would cost $6250 and a Grade 4 which takes 4 hours $10,900. These are very general but the point is the surgery varies a great deal. There are other more advanced procedures for the Grade 4 cases which require a free nipple mastectomy which cost significantly more, see below.

Grade 4 which requires a mastectomy: 

This procedure involves:
* double incision mastectomy – this removes the extra skin.
* resizing and relocation of the nipple-areola complex to a more masculine location.
* possible extension, like in the case, to around the back.
* scar management.

Final Points When Looking at Price or Surgeons for Your Gynecomastia Procedure

Do your homework and select your surgeon carefully but with great confidence and belief. Cost is important but not the most important criteria. 

For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.