Do men considering gynecomastia surgery need to worry about scarring? Gynecomastia surgery, sometimes known as a male breast reduction, is a cosmetic procedure to help men suffering from enlarged breast tissue or fatty tissue of the chest. This can create a more feminine-looking chest, which can be noticeable in some clothing. It may not be a term you hear often. Still, gynecomastia surgery is a popular plastic surgery procedure performed in Houston and across the country to reduce male breast tissue for men struggling with this condition.
To find out the benefits of gynecomastia surgery in Houston, TX, contact Dr. Ryan Couvillion at SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. Dr. Couvillion is a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon specializing in reconstructive and cosmetic procedures for both women and men. Read on to learn more from SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery about gynecomastia surgery recovery and how to set your expectations for gynecomastia scars.
What is gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia is a male condition that leads to overdeveloped breasts due to weight gain, and certain body-enhancing drugs, such as steroids. It can cause men to feel embarrassed about going shirtless and create emotional stress for men struggling with a more feminine appearance of their chest. The excessive breast tissue or fat growth can be unilateral (one breast) or bilateral (both breasts). A male breast reduction, or gynecomastia surgery, can be a surgical solution for patients bothered by this issue.
Dr. Couvillion will usually place an incision inside the areola to remove excess breast tissue. At that time, he can also resize the nipple and areola to be more masculine and proportionate if they have been stretched out due to breast enlargement. In less severe cases, Dr. Couvillion may determine that it is only necessary to use liposuction to remove small pockets of tissue and fat for body contouring. If liposuction alone is performed, often the only incision made is in the armpit.
Will there be visible gynecomastia scars?
Most men looking to undergo surgical treatment for gynecomastia may be concerned about the incision placement and size, and about scar visibility following their procedure. For incisions placed in the areola, these scars are usually very difficult to see once healing is complete. For more extensive cases, surgery can require larger incisions to eliminate more significant amounts of excess breast tissue and fat. Some of these techniques used in male breast reduction surgery are not that different from those used in female breast reduction procedures. However, women can hide scars with bikinis and bras. Men don't have that option. While a complete lack of scarring is impossible with any type of surgical procedure, Dr. Couvillion has years of experience and will usually place incisions within the natural contours of the man's chest to help conceal gynecomastia scars for optimal results. For male patients with small amounts of fat or breast tissue, liposuction may be an option that requires tiny incisions, which are almost unnoticeable once fully healed.
How long does it take for gynecomastia surgery recovery?
The goal of gynecomastia surgery is to provide Houston, TX men with a more masculine, flat-looking chest with as little scarring as possible. Returning to work really depends on what kind of job you perform. For a desk job, most patients can return to work after just a few days. If your job is more physical, it may be up to a few weeks before you can return to full duty. Every patients' situation is different and is discussed with Dr. Couvillion. All patients have to wear a compression vest for a period of time, often a couple of months.
This highly effective cosmetic surgery for men offers almost instant results. Men hindered by gynecomastia can begin enjoying their new, more masculine look and feel less self-conscious about their appearance when shirtless. It is also a long-term solution for men as long as their ideal body weight is maintained, and there is no hormonal imbalance or steroid use after surgery.
Do you live in the greater Houston, TX area and want to learn more about gynecomastia surgery? SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery is a premier facility that takes great pride in offering innovative cosmetic services and cutting-edge treatments for men and women. To book your consultation with Dr. Ryan Couvillion, contact Aesthetic Consultant Rosa Gonzalez at 713.850.0240 x. 1146 or at rgonzalez@sba-skincare.com
Ryan Couvillion, MD
double board certified plastic surgeon
Dr. Ryan Couvillion is an experienced Houston, TX plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic procedures for the breasts, body, face, and skin. A native Houstonian, Dr. Couvillion has been recognized for his passion and dedication to achieving the best possible results for his patients. His drive to pursue training in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery began at a young age, and he is honored to have been mentored by some of the nation’s most recognized surgeons.
For every aesthetic need, Dr. Couvillion incorporates a patient-centered approach with everyone he encounters and makes each client a part of the decision-making process. According to Dr. Couvillion, "The most gratifying part of my day is when I get to talk to a happy patient. It is such a privilege to care for my patients and give them the results they want."