Gynecomastia Surgery
Male Breast Reduction in Cyprus, Greece and Malta
Gynecomastia is the medical term for abnormally enlarged breasts in males. Not just excess fat – but real breast tissue development.
Male breasts tend to overdevelop due to various factors, such as hormonal imbalance, genes or certain diseases.
It can affect one or both breasts and is common among adolescents, young men, and even older gentlemen. In fact, up to 70% of males experience some degree of breast enlargement at some point in their lives.
Also known as “man boobs,” this common disorder may cause significant psychological distress, diminish self-esteem, and inhibit self-confidence.
Men suffering from gynecomastia have claimed to avoid exposing their chest at the gym or the beach. Moreover, they refrain from wearing tight shirts since their overdeveloped breasts become quite visible through the fabric.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
While the development of excess breast and/or fatty tissue in the male chest is fairly common, it may occasionally resolve on its own as an adolescent matures through puberty, resulting in a generally normal and flat chest appearance. Several factors can contribute to enlarged breast tissue in men, including:
1. Hormonal Imbalance
The most common cause of gynecomastia is an imbalance in the amounts of estrogen (which controls breast development and menstruation in women) and testosterone (which regulates traits like muscle mass and hair growth).
Periodic surges in male estrogen production – during puberty and after 50 – can trigger temporary growth in the breast glands.
Puberty and aging, along with the subsequent natural hormone changes, are two typical causes of gynecomastia. Up to 70% of male adolescents between 13 and 17 years old suffer from bilateral male boobs. Yet, even though boys in puberty might experience swollen breasts, the symptoms usually go away within 6 months to 2 years as hormone levels become more stable.
In contrast, gynecomastia in adults is difficult to clear up with time. As men get older, they produce less testosterone and preserve more body fat in certain areas of their bodies, including breasts. In cases where gynecomastia persists, male breast reduction is the most effective procedure in treating the problem.
2. Obesity
Significant weight gain causes excess fat to develop in the chest. These fat deposits can result in enlarged breasts, both by altering hormone balances and by stretching the skin over the pectoral muscles.
Regular physical exercise and diet may help, but it does not always improve the condition of gynecomastia.
3. Health conditions
Various health conditions can cause gynecomastia, such as:
- Hyperthyroidism – The thyroid gland produces increased levels of thyroxine hormone.
- Hypogonadism – A condition that causes testosterone imbalance like the Klinefelter syndrome.
- Kidney failure – People that undergo dialysis treatment experience gynecomastia.
- Liver cirrhosis – Gynecomastia disorder often comes as a result of liver issues and cirrhosis medications.
- Malnutrition – Inadequate nutrition causes testosterone levels to drop, causing hormonal imbalances.
- Tumors
- Weak estrogenic activity – Enhanced by herbal products, such as tea tree and lavender in shampoos, soaps and body lotions.
4. Substance use
- Anabolic steroids – Consumption of anabolic steroids may lead to breast enlargement since the body converts steroids into estrogen. This actually means that even if the person stops their consumption, gynecomastia will not resolve.
- Chronic alcohol intake can also lead to weight gain, which often causes excess fatty tissue growth.
- Regular use of drugs, such as amphetamines, marijuana, heroin and methadone can damage the liver and kidneys, reducing the body’s ability to metabolize estrogen.
5. Prescription medication
Gynecomastia could be a side effect of medications used to treat prostate problems and anxiety, anti-androgens, antibiotics, heart medications, ulcer and chemotherapy treatments.
Where Will the Gynecomastia Surgery Take Place?
Dr. Stavrou performs male breast reduction surgery in accredited medical centers in Cyprus, Greece and Malta.
The procedure takes place in a safe and sterile operation room. The surgeon uses only state-of-the-art medical equipment. The staff involved is thoroughly trained and specialized in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Stavrou wants to ensure a safe, well-controlled and comfortable surgical experience for his patient.
After the procedure, the patient is transferred to the recovery suite and is closely monitored by the medical staff.
The European Institute of Plastic Surgery (EIPS) offers exceptional health care and meets the high standards of safety and care set by European laws. EIPS clinics provide individualized health care in a beautiful, exclusive and luxurious environment.
What Are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?
Although gynecomastia typically doesn’t pose any physical health risks and its correction is not considered a medical necessity, the appearance of enlarged breasts in men often causes emotional and/or psychological distress. In general, gynecomastia can be characterized by:
- An accumulation of fat around and behind the nipples
- Swelling or protrusion of the nipples
- Asymmetry or disproportion between both breasts
- Excess glandular tissue
- Breast tenderness
Duration
1 ½ - 2 Hours
Anaesthesia Used
General Anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
Day Surgery
Pre Admission Tests
Blood Tests
Downtime
a few days
Driving
a few days
Exercise
4 weeks post-op
Final Result
2-3 months
Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia and How to Treat Them
Both conditions are often combined under the general term ‘gynecomastia.’ While both of them exhibit similar symptoms of gynecomastia, there are some specifications that distinguish the two, making it easier to understand which condition you have, so the correct techniques can be used and the best possible result can be achieved.
Pseudogynecomastia: refers to an accumulation of stubborn fat in and around the nipples and breasts, making the male breasts appear similar to female breasts.
Pseudogynecomastia can simply be improved by using the power – assisted liposuction method to remove the excess fatty tissue. By making small incisions near the breast area or right underneath the areola, Dr. Stavrou inserts a small, hollow tube called a cannula. Suction is then applied to remove fat cells and sculpt the area.
The liposuction method does not remove or tighten the skin, so it is recommended only for patients with minimal to moderate breast development.
Liposuction leaves minimal scarring on the chest area, which becomes noticeable in the long term.
Drains might be placed on each side of the chest to collect excess blood and fluid. These drainage tubes will be removed the next day painlessly.
Gynecomastia: is the result of excess glandular or breast tissue in the chest which requires surgical excision combined with liposuction.
Because fibrous, glandular breast tissue is stronger and more compact than fatty breast tissue, the fatty breast tissue is easily removed with liposuction while the denser glandular tissue remains.
By making a small semi-circular cut around the areola, Dr Stavrou removes any firm breast tissue and fat beneath the areola and in the breast region. The scars are well hidden in the outline of the areola.
If there is also loose skin, it is excised and redraped, while the nipple/areola complex is resized and repositioned to a higher position on the chest.
In specific cases, men who can’t get the body shape they want by grinding it out in the gym can sculpt their figure by reinjecting the removed fat strategically in the chest.
Dr. Stavrou might also perform a small amount of fat grafting directly underneath the nipple-areolar complex and on any other areas that appear prone to future deformities.
Overall, male breast reduction surgery is a safe and effective procedure. His approach to gynecomastia ensures the highest levels of patient satisfaction with the lowest need for reoperations and revisions.
What our patients say!
Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery
Male breast reduction surgery may require an overnight stay at the medical health center.
Immediately following surgery, patients will be wearing a supportive vest-like garment. You are expected to wear this garment at all times for 4 weeks to help reduce swelling and facilitate the best chest contour.
There will be some degree of normal post-operative bruising and swelling; however, discomfort from this surgery is often minimal and should be manageable with oral pain medication. These symptoms will resolve within 2-3 weeks post op.
While every patient is different, most males can return to work in less than one week, start light exercise in 2-3 weeks, and resume with more strenuous activity (including overhead lifting, etc.) after 5 weeks.
The results of surgery are typically immediately visible. At approximately six weeks, your fine scars may be a bit pink, after which they will begin to settle down until they will be almost invisible by one year after surgery.
Patients should avoid exposing their incisions directly to the sun for at least 6 months, up to a year. Tanning of the scars can cause “hyperpigmentation” or semi-permanent darkening of the incisions. Make sure to apply sunblock on your incisions, even under clothing.
Patients need to maintain stable and healthy body weight to ensure the results of the male breast surgery are long-term.
Meet Dr. Demetris Stavrou
Dr. Stavrou is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon leading the European Institute of Plastic Surgery since 2012. He was trained in top Medical Institutions in Greece, London, Melbourne and Israel. He has extensive experience in all types of plastic surgery and an artistic eye. He is compassionate and always by the side of his patients to make them feel comfortable, secure and confident. For Dr. Stavrou, paying attention to the details is what makes the difference in cosmetic procedures.
- Assistant Professor, St George’s, University of London / Medical School at the University of Nicosia
- Honorary Tutor at the University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, UK
- MSc with Distinction in “Wound Healing and Tissue Repair”, University of Cardiff, School of Medicine, U.K
- Fellow of the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS)
- International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
- ATLS (Advanced Trauma Life Support) Instructor
- Fellowship in “Advanced Aesthetic Surgery” from the Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery – Monash University, Australia
- Nicosia, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Limassol, Cyprus +357 70088002
- Greece +30 6971881572
- Malta +356 79317641
FAQs for Gynecomastia Surgery
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost?
Male breast reduction (gynecomastia) surgery is a cosmetic procedure that requires a skillful plastic surgeon with outstanding experience in performing breast surgeries. Thus, the priority for every patient who wants to undergo a safe cosmetic procedure is to find a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon.
The cost of male breast reduction ranges based on the country and the doctor’s experience. In general, gynecomastia procedure may include the following charges:
- Tests
- Anesthesia
- Surgeon fee
- Hospital costs
- Post-surgical treatment
What are the risks of male breast reduction surgery?
The risks of gynecomastia surgery are minimized if the procedure is performed by a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited medical health clinic.
Temporary side effects may involve swelling, bruising, soreness, numbness or a burning sensation.
Rare risks might include infection, bleeding, rippling or loss of skin, contour irregularities, breast asymmetry, excessive, visible scars and loss of nipple sensation.
Can you get gynecomastia in your 20s?
Gynecomastia can affect men of different ages. Therefore, every man can experience gynecomastia at some point in his life, even in his 20s.
It depends upon the cause of the disorder if the symptoms will go away over time or if they are permanent. In the latter case, gynecomastia surgery might be an effective solution to treat the problem.
Patients should talk to an experienced and certified plastic surgeon to understand how the problem could be fixed.
Are there any alternatives to gynecomastia surgery?
Diet and exercise are the best ways to lose as much weight as possible.
However, in patients affected by gynaecomastia it may not reduce the chest despite weight loss.
Non-surgical techniques cannot reduce the glandular tissue that often accompanies gynecomastia. Patients, especially those with moderate to severe excess fat and glandular tissue, will achieve the best results with surgery.
I’ve noticed one breast is healing faster than the other, is this normal?
It is common for the two breasts to heal differently. One may have more swelling, the other may seem more uncomfortable, and the shapes usually differ initially.
With complete healing, they will look more similar and natural.
Am I a good candidate for male breast reduction?
At your initial consultation, Dr. Stavrou will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination of your chest to identify the reasons you are seeking gynecomastia correction.
As a plastic surgeon who performs a great deal of breast surgeries, Dr. Stavrou intimately understands how a man’s body image is often related to his chest contour.
If you are an appropriate candidate for surgery, your options will be described in detail.
Can gynecomastia go away with exercise?
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of male breast tissue, and its development is often unrelated to weight or exercise. While exercise can help to reduce overall body fat and improve chest muscle tone, it may not specifically eliminate gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, or certain medical conditions. If the enlargement is mainly due to excess glandular tissue, exercise alone is unlikely to resolve the condition, and surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve the desired reduction.
Will gynecomastia go away with weight loss?
For some men, gynecomastia may improve with weight loss, particularly if the enlargement is primarily due to excess fat. Losing weight can lead to a reduction in overall body fat, which may also result in a decrease in breast size. However, if gynecomastia is primarily caused by glandular tissue, weight loss might not be sufficient to eliminate the condition entirely. In such cases, surgical treatment might still be required to achieve optimal results.
What is the best age for gynecomastia surgery?
The best age for gynecomastia surgery can vary depending on individual circumstances. Gynecomastia surgery is typically considered after a person’s body has fully developed, which usually occurs around the late teens or early adulthood. However, there is no specific age that applies universally to everyone. It is crucial for individuals seeking gynecomastia surgery to have a thorough evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon. The decision to undergo surgery should be made when the condition has stabilized and is causing significant physical or emotional distress.
Will gynonecomastia come back if removed?
Gynecomastia surgery aims to permanently remove excess glandular tissue and fat from the male chest. In most cases, once the gynecomastia tissue is surgically excised, it should not return. However, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and exercise, to prevent significant weight gain or hormonal imbalances that could lead to gynecomastia’s recurrence. While the surgery provides long-lasting results, it does not offer immunity against new cases of gynecomastia if the underlying causes persist.
Why is my chest hard after gyno surgery?
After gynecomastia surgery, it is normal for the chest to feel firm or hard during the initial recovery period. This hardness is typically a result of post-surgical swelling and the body’s natural healing process. Surgical trauma and tissue manipulation can cause inflammation and fluid retention in the treated area, leading to temporary hardness. As the healing progresses and the swelling subsides, the chest should gradually soften and take on a more natural feel and appearance.
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