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    Understanding Gynecomastia: Causes and Effects

    Gynecomastia is a condition in males where the breasts become enlarged. This condition typically shows up in the form of excess sagging flesh in the chest region or a breast aesthetic that is similar to a woman’s breasts. Many health professionals agree that there are various contributing factors for gynecomastia, including hereditary factors, hormonal imbalance, and medications. Most men that suffer from this condition have diminished self-esteem and feel self-conscious when exposing their chests.

    What is Male Breast Reduction?

    Gynecomastia is a common issue affecting men characterized by an enlargement of the glandular tissues, resulting in a more feminine-looking chest. This issue can happen to men of all ages and is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance, medication use, or certain drugs. 

    Just like many other cosmetic issues, surgery is considered to be the ideal solution for gynecomastia in Houston, working to restore a flat, sculpted chest. The procedure also consists of excising extra tissue and removing excess fat through liposuction.

    What is a Gynecomastia Procedure?

    What is a 𝙂𝙮𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖 procedure?

    Who is an ideal candidate for a male breast reduction?

    Generally speaking, good candidates for male breast reduction in Houston:

    • Are in good physical and mental health
    • Are suffering from overly large male breasts that cause either physical or emotional
    • discomfort
    • Are feeling self-conscious about the look of their male breasts
    • Have tried copious amounts of dieting and exercise to address their gynecomastia but have had no success
    • Have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure

    Consultation for male breast reduction

    The goal of male breast reduction surgery is to help men who are struggling with a feminine-like profile by giving them a better contoured, more masculine-looking chest. During the consultation for male breast reduction, Dr. Arroyo carries out a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history to determine their grade of gynecomastia and candidacy for the procedure.

    Measurements of the patient’s breasts are taken as their skin quality is evaluated. Once all of the necessary information has been collected, an individualized treatment plan will be curated to meet the patient’s goals for male breast reduction in Houston.

    Learn more about types and grades of gynecomastia »

    Dr. Arroyo's Surgical Technique

    During the surgery, Dr. Arroyo’s team administers an intravenous sedative to keep the patient comfortable for the entirety of the procedure. For the next step, the surgeon makes an incision around the edge of the areola or in any other place that is deemed appropriate. 

    The surgical technique employed is ultimately determined based on the extent of enlargement that the patient is dealing with. The different options are discussed in detail during the preoperative consultation. Patients that are experiencing mild gynecomastia can see improvement with liposuction, which removes excess fat from the chest area. In severe cases of gynecomastia, excess tissue and skin are removed to attain a more masculine aesthetic. Once the re-contouring process is finished, Dr. Arroyo closes the incisions and applies gauze and bandages to the treated area.

    On average, the male breast reduction in Houston takes around 2-3 hours to perform. As this treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, most patients can return home on the same day, where they will go through the healing process. Our team is ready and willing to help our patients achieve all of their aesthetic goals. 

    Male Breast Reduction Patient Review

    "I have had a wonderful experience with Dr Christian Arroyo, one of the best plastic surgeons. He has done a fantastic job of fixing my gynecomastia. He is very attentive and offers the best advice. The staff are always helpful and kind. Gustavo is excellent; he ensured I had a smooth prep, surgery, and follow-up. I am so glad I chose Arroyo Plastic Surgery; they made my journey so smooth and easy, and I would highly recommend them to anyone."

    D.A.

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    Dr. Arroyo's Sedation Technique

    For this procedure, Dr. Arroyo uses a unique sedation technique known as Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) Sedation. This method is typically considered to be safer than general anesthesia, as it does not come with the same side effects. Using the TIVA technique means that patients don’t need as much intravenous medication and will require no intubation. The first step is administering an oral medication that calms the nerves and helps mitigate pain. Next, the patient is brought into the procedure room and given a painless IV that induces comfort. From start to finish, the patient is watched over by the Arroyo medical center team to ensure a safe and smooth treatment. 

    What is the recovery like?

    It is common for patients to experience minor bruising and swelling in the chest region after undergoing male breast reduction surgery. This discomfort usually fades away on its own with time. To ensure optimal comfort, Dr. Arroyo prescribes pain medications for all of his patients. 

    Patients are given a specialized compression garment that needs to be worn throughout the recovery process, as it has a major impact on the outcomes of the treatment. Most of Dr. Arroyo’s Houston gynecomastia patients are able to get back to their daily routines after only a few days.

    However, patients are instructed to refrain from any heavy lifting or other strenuous activities for the first three weeks after the procedure (unless otherwise advised by the plastic surgeon). Patients should strictly adhere to all of Dr. Arroyo’s instructions to ensure a speedy recovery with optimal results. 

    Male Breast Reduction Before & After Photos

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    Before and After Male Breast Reduction in Houston - 02
    Before and After Male Breast Reduction in Houston - 03
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    What to expect from results

    The results from your male breast reduction in Houston are visible immediately. While there is some post-surgical swelling, this will resolve as scars from the incision fade. The final results from the treatment usually settle in by three to six months. 

    Popular Plasic Surgery Procedures for Men

    Popular Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men

    Why Choose Dr. Arroyo for Male Breast Reduction?

    Dr. Arroyo’s extensive experience and multicultural approach make him an exceptional choice for male breast reduction surgery. With a foundation in medical training from the University of Puerto Rico, he completed rigorous residencies at the University of Connecticut and the Mayo Clinic, followed by plastic surgery training at Houston Methodist Hospital. Named Houston’s Best Plastic Surgeon in 2022, Dr. Arroyo emphasizes patient comfort, using TIVA (total intravenous sedation) for a smoother, safer experience. His bilingual capabilities allow him to communicate effectively with a broader range of patients, ensuring trust and understanding throughout the entire process. Dr. Arroyo’s expertise, combined with his compassionate, individualized approach, offers patients a comprehensive, trustworthy experience in male breast reduction.

    Gynecomastia surgery after weight loss

    Many patients wonder if it is better for them to lose weight before or after their gynecomastia surgery in Houston. Generally speaking, it is better to lose weight first. It is a good idea for patients to be near or at their ideal weight before undergoing the treatment. The results will be more aesthetically pleasing and look more natural. Three main reasons to slim down before going under the knife include:

    • Better definition in the chest. The less fat there is on the chest, the better the doctor will be able to sculpt the contours, as less time is spent on extracting fat.
    • Better proportions in the upper body. Men that are overweight will look more natural after the surgery if they can shed some pounds from their other problem areas. This is because a tapered look in the chest will stand out against a thicker midsection.
    • It makes the procedure safer. For any and all surgical procedures, it is recommended that patients lose some weight, as this reduces the risk of complications. Overweight patients are at risk for many issues that can come up with surgery.

    Related Articles

    Male Breast Reduction FAQ

    Will it reduce puffy nipples?

    Are there any risks?

    Do I have gynecomastia?

    Can gynecomastia return after surgery?

    Are there exercises that can treat gynecomastia?

    When can I exercise again?

    Is male breast reduction right for me?

    Will there be scars?

    What causes gynecomastia

    When will I see results?

    Can gynecomastia fix itself?

    Can male breast reduction be combined with other procedures?

    How much does male breast reduction cost?

    Will it reduce puffy nipples?

    Yes, puffy nipples can be addressed with a Male Breast Reduction.

    Are there any risks?

    Male breast reduction comes with risks, such as contour irregularities, nipple numbness, and asymmetries.

    Do I have gynecomastia?

    It is recommended that patients get an assessment to determine their condition, as self-assessment is seldom a good idea.

    Can gynecomastia return after surgery?

    Yes, but it is very uncommon.

    Are there exercises that can treat gynecomastia?

    Cardio exercises that burn fat and chest exercises that expand pectoral muscles can both have an effect on gynecomastia.

    When can I exercise again?

    Patients can resume their normal workout routine after three to four weeks.

    Is male breast reduction right for me?

    Patients dealing with gynecomastia should receive a consultation to determine their candidacy.

    Will there be scars?

    Incisions are made in areas that will be obscured by clothing to ensure that they are not noticeable.

    What causes gynecomastia

    Gynecomastia can be caused by anything from hormonal imbalances to certain anabolic drugs.

    When will I see results?

    Results are usually visible immediately after recovery.

    Can gynecomastia fix itself?

    For some people, gynecomastia will resolve on its own over time or with exercise.

    Can male breast reduction be combined with other procedures?

    Some men opt to combine this procedure with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck.

    How much does male breast reduction cost?

    On average, patients pay between $6,000 and $8,000 for this treatment.

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