Gynecomastia in Port Saint Lucie, FL

If you are a man looking for an experienced surgeon to discuss your options in removing breast tissue, Port Saint Lucie, FL board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon Dr. William Vinyard has a very high success rate for his male breast reduction patients. Men with breast tissue on their chest have a condition known as gynecomastia, which produces a more feminine appearance. In many cases, gynecomastia is caused by an underlying hormonal problem or is medically induced. At Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS), gynecomastia surgery is one of our more popular cosmetic treatments for men to correct the growths by removing excess fat and breast tissue. In a consultation, Dr. Vinyard will inquire about your medical history and perform a physical examination to help determine the cause.

Gynecomastia treatment is designed to contour the male breast tissue that remains despite the best efforts to lose the excess tissue through diet and exercise. The overall goals of surgery to treat gynecomastia are to achieve a more masculine appearance by decreasing the size and projection of male breasts. Dr. Vinyard may employ the use of liposuction only or liposuction combined with a direct incision for the removal of unwanted breast tissue. During the conversation with Dr. Vinyard, you will be able to express your desires for treatment of gynecomastia and then Dr. Vinyard will make recommendations for your surgical plan.

Male breast reduction treatment is a procedure for men with oversized breasts that cannot be treated with medications or diet. If you are troubled by the size and shape of your chest (but you're healthy and at a good weight), you may benefit from male breast reduction surgery by Dr. Vinyard at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery. Adolescent teens may also benefit from gynecomastia surgery; however, an additional procedure may be needed later during adulthood if excess breast tissue continues to develop. During your first appointment with Dr. Vinyard, treatment options will be provided and may include the chances of moving forward with surgery to repair the condition. Plan to spend about 1 – 1.5 hours with Dr. Vinyard in your consultation and be prepared to have additional labs (like blood work) after your appointment.

A form of liposuction is almost always utilized during male breast reduction surgery. While you are under general anesthesia, liposuction helps eliminate excess fat tissue from the chest wall. Next, any lax skin will be carefully trimmed away to create a taut appearance, and then the nipple area and surrounding areola will be placed into a proportionate position. In most cases, this treatment strategy requires a small incision in proximity to where the glandular tissue has formed. Once the fat and loose skin have been appropriately handled, Dr. Vinyard will pull together the remaining skin. Your incisions will be closed and bandaged. Dr. Vinyard may ask you to wear a compression wrap on your chest to help limit swelling and fluid buildup. Once you are discharged, you can return to the comfort of your home after your procedure with someone that can stay with you overnight.

The results following this procedure are immediately visible and most patients are extremely excited about the physical change. The incisions made during surgery take time to heal and scarring is usually barely visible. If you have a sedentary job, you may be able to return to work about a week after your surgery. We will want you to wear the compression garment as a part of your treatment for 3 – 6 weeks to limit swelling and because it will provide support for your skin and chest.

After a medical clearance from Dr. Vinyard, you can begin to incorporate exercise and strength training, which will help accentuate the surgical results. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks. 

Bruising can remain for up to 2 – 3 weeks after surgery, but it can be concealed by clothing and your compression garment. The majority of the swelling will be gone in six weeks and should resolve by month three. We will take "after" photos three months post procedure so that you can compare them to the "before" photos.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
Gynecomastia is a medical issue that requires a skilled surgeon. This is why Dr. Vinyard urges you to focus on getting quality results over costs. To make your surgery easier to afford, Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods and we can also help you find financing. You will meet with the patient care coordinator who will explain your quote to you. This quote is designed based on the plan that you and Dr. Vinyard have decided upon together.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by a disruption in hormone balance. In most cases, gynecomastia is linked to the use of anabolic steroids or androgens. This condition may also be caused by certain health conditions (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and tumors) or some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy, anti-anxiety medications, and chemotherapy).

Can my gynecomastia correction surgery be combined with other procedures?
Yes. It can be combined with other procedures such as liposuction of the lower abdomen or flanks. You can discuss your other concerns with Dr. Vinyard during your consultation.

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is excess breast tissue growth in the male chest, which may cause pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some men may have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia), Dr. Vinyard encourages patients to lose weight with a healthy diet and exercise before seeking treatment for gynecomastia. If you have enlarged breasts at a healthy weight, Dr. Vinyard can perform an examination and tests to diagnosis gynecomastia. This may include blood tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy to rule out other conditions like breast cancer and mastitis (infection of the breast tissue).

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. While they are not approved for gynecomastia, some breast cancer medications (Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) may have limited effects. Strength training to build the pectoral muscles cannot reduce the amount of breast tissue and may make the breasts appear larger.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If this is a concern for you, please talk to Dr. Vinyard during your consultation. He will customize your treatment plan to use the best technique and incision pattern to correct your nipples. Large areolas can also be reduced during male breast reduction surgery. It's important to be honest with Dr. Vinyard about your needs and goals in your consultation, so he can ensure the results you want.

Let's have a discussion about your gynecomastia. We welcome you to call our office to schedule a one-on-one, private consultation with Dr. Vinyard to learn more about our male breast reduction surgery at VIPS. After treatment for gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), you can stop covering up your chest and enjoy your healthy, masculine physique. We have assisted so many Port Saint Lucie, FL men and are happy to them reestablish their self-esteem with a flatter, leaner chest.