Male Breast Reduction in Minneapolis – St. Paul

Male breast enlargement (gynecomastia) is fairly common. Breasts may develop around the time of puberty and tend to diminish over time. If breast enlargement in a male persists for more than a few years, the cause needs to be determined. Endocrine (hormone) abnormalities and steroid or marijuana use may be the cause. Oftentimes, no abnormality is found. Male breast reduction in Minneapolis-St. Paul can be carried out using direct excision, liposuction, or a combination of both. Recurrence following reduction is rare.

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Cost of Male Breast Reduction

Male Breast Reduction: $8,700

This includes your surgical fee and all follow-up visits with Dr. Rocheford. This estimate also includes the facility fee and anesthesia costs. This is an estimate and may be different depending on your specific situation. It does not include the cost of your pre-operative physical, lab tests, or medications. Dr. Rocheford does charge $100 for consultations, and that fee is deducted from the price of your surgery or in-office procedure.

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Details Of Male Breast Reduction Surgery

  • Surgery: Surgery is done under general anesthetic at an outpatient facility or hospital. The surgery takes 2 hours and is an outpatient surgery.
  • Discomfort: Mild to Moderate. Anticipate 2 – 7 days of pain medication.
  • Bruising and Swelling: Improves in 7 – 10 days.
  • Bandages: Removed the day after surgery.
  • Stitches: Internal stitches dissolve.
  • Work: You may return to work in 3 – 7 days.
  • Exercise: May be resumed in 2 weeks.
  • Final Result: Following scar maturation, about 2 – 4 months. Results last 7 – 10 years.

Male breast reduction can be performed using liposuction alone if the amount of excess tissue is mild. If there is a more significant amount of skin or dense breast tissue, then skin and tissue will need to be removed. This is accomplished through an incision in the crease under the breast and around the areola. Following surgery, a compression vest will be worn to control the swelling.

Let Dr. Rocheford Help You

Do you have questions about your procedure? Dr. Rocheford has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you. Some patients decide to combine their procedures with complementary treatments to enhance their results. Liposuction is a popular choice among male breast reduction patients in Minneapolis-St. Paul and Dr. Rocheford will develop a treatment plan customized to your needs. If you’re ready to discuss your male breast reduction options, now is a great time to schedule your consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford at our plastic surgery offices, serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury, and beyond. Simply request a consultation online or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment.

Male Breast Reduction FAQ’s

Can guys develop breasts?

Yes, a number of factors, including weight gain, changes in hormone levels, and even certain medications can cause men to develop fatty or glandular tissue on their chest.

Can gynecomastia be cured without surgery?

Sometimes, especially in the case of young men going through puberty, gynecomastia will go away once the bodys hormone levels are back to normal. In other circumstances, the tissue can only be removed with surgery.

Do you lose weight after breast reduction?

Male breast reduction surgery is not a weight-loss procedure, although it can help some men resume a normal exercise routine if they stopped due to the development of breast tissue.

Does gynecomastia go away with weight loss?

Male breast reduction can sometimes be achieved with weight loss, although if you are already at a healthy, stable weight, this may not be the case.

Does gynecomastia surgery leave scars?

Any invasive procedure, including gynecomastia surgery, will leave some scars. However, with Dr. Rochefords skilled technique and proper care, scars can be made as unnoticeable as possible.

How long does it take to recover from male breast reduction?

After your Minneapolis-St. Paul male breast reduction, dressings, or bandages will be applied to your incisions and an elastic bandage or support garment may be used to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour as it heals. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Rocheford. Be sure to ask Dr. Rocheford specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

Is male breast reduction right for me?

Gynecomastia surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. This procedure is a good option for you if you are bothered by the feeling that your breasts are too large and are generally healthy and cleared for surgery. Surgical correction of gynecomastia is best performed on men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments, healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing, non-smokers and non-drug users, and men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind.

What can I expect during my consultation?

The success and safety of your gynecomastia procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires, and lifestyle. Be prepared to discuss why you want the surgery, your expectations, and desired outcome, any medical conditions or drug allergies, use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs including steroids, and previous surgeries. Dr. Rocheford may also evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors, perform diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia - this may include testing of your endocrine function - examine your breasts and may take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality, placement of your nipples and areolas.

How should I prepare for gynecomastia surgery?

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to get lab testing or a medical evaluation, take or adjust your current medications, stop smoking well in advance of surgery, and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

Are gynecomastia results long-lasting?

The final results of breast reduction in men are permanent in many cases. However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain prescription medications, drugs including steroids, or weight gain you must be fully free from these substances and remain at a stable weight in order to maintain your results. Please discuss this with your physician before making changes to your prescription medications. All scars are permanent, even though some scars may be concealed in the natural contours of the breast. Your improved upper body will likely enhance your self-image and confidence, whether in a shirt and tie, a t-shirt, or baring your chest at the beach.

What questions should I ask during my male breast reduction consultation?

Use this checklist as a guide during your consultation: How many years of plastic surgery training have you had? Am I a good candidate for this procedure? What will be expected of me to get the best results? Where and how will you perform my procedure? What surgical technique is recommended for me? How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery? What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure? How are complications handled? What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the outcome of my surgery?

What are the gynecomastia procedure steps?

First, anesthesia medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr. Rocheford will recommend the best choice for you. In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires the insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia. Excision also is necessary if the areola will be reduced, or the nipple repositioned to a more natural male contour. Incision patterns vary depending on the specific conditions and surgical preference. Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?

The risks include, but are not limited to, unfavorable scarring, bleeding (hematoma), infection, anesthesia risks, and the possibility of revisional surgery. If liposuction is used, additional risks include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, irregular pigmentation, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation.

How do I know if I have gynecomastia?

You will notice that the chest area (breast) is enlarged or over developed and that is disproportionate to a man’s body.

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Meet Dr. Rocheford

A board-certified plastic surgeon in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dr. Heather Rocheford provides a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures. Request a private consultation to learn how she can customize treatments to your exact needs. Request Consultation