For some men, no amount of exercise or diet can give them the chest definition they’re looking for. And if this is you, know that it is not your fault – you can’t outwork biology. However, you can undergo a discreet procedure to get the job done. Gynecomastia surgery. Male breast reduction surgery. “Moobs” removal. Whatever you’ve heard it called on the Internet forums – we can do it and push you that much closer to your goals. The best part? We’re located right here in Columbus, OH. Let’s figure this one out.
Man-boobs, “moobs,” puffy nipples: Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged male breasts. It refers specifically to enlarged glandular tissue, but it may also involve excessive fat in the chest area and/or redundant skin. There is a wide spectrum of appearances, from pointy nipples to highly-feminized breasts that hang down toward the belly button – most men tend to be somewhere in between.
The chest may be asymmetric or evenly enlarged. It can occur at any age and may be caused by genetics, hormonal changes, obesity and the use of certain drugs including anabolic steroids, cimetidine, spironolactone and marijuana.
This condition is not rare – you are NOT alone here. As some studies show that 50% of the male population in the U.S. is affected by gynecomastia. This condition can make a person feel extremely self-conscious and cause them to avoid public spaces. It may also affect intimate relationships and can inhibit one’s happiness altogether.
We’re not here to tell you what you need. But we will steer you into the direction that will make you feel your best – in a suit at a meeting, around the pool, at the gym. Wherever.
If you are seeking a flatter, more chiseled appearance to your chest, then gynecomastia surgery may be appropriate. It is generally reserved for patients over eighteen years of age, who have had enlarged breasts or puffy nipples for at least two years without improvement. The potential benefits of gynecomastia treatment must outweigh the potential risks in each individual case, and the patient must be comfortable with having a thin scar.
Prospective patients should be off of gynecomastia-inducing medications, and certain that other hormonal imbalances and endocrine diagnoses have been ruled out first. Non-smokers in relatively good health with realistic expectations tend to do best.
Everything starts with your first virtual consultation. Once we agree that you’re a good candidate, that’s when you talk with one of the doctors one-on-one. Your consultation is an opportunity to spend time with Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert, one-on-one, discussing your concerns, goals and expectations. We’ll work something out to make sure this is what you want – and we are who you want to work with.
You can prepare for your consult in advance by writing out questions you may have about the procedure, as well as listing medications, allergies, and previous operations or medical treatments. Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert will take time to consider what might have caused your condition and what risks you may incur. They will examine your chest, take measurements, assess size and shape, and note skin quality, nipple position and areolar diameter. Confidential photos will be taken for pre-operative planning and for before/after comparisons. Sometimes, a primary care or endocrinology referral is made for additional testing.
Once these steps are completed, Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert will review your options for surgery and anesthesia. They will share example photographs and help set proper expectations for recovery and results.
Here are some questions you may want to ask Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert during your consultation:
Gynecomastia surgery is generally quite safe, but there are possible risks, as with any other medical procedure. Your baseline health and physical condition may affect these risks. Ultimately, an analysis of risks versus benefits will inform each patient’s unique decision on whether to pursue surgery.
Dr. Donaldson or Dr. Sieffert will explain these risks and go into further detail if certain risks seem more likely than others in your particular case.
Gynecomastia surgery contours the chest and reduces the male breast size. The technique depends upon the degree of severity. For grade I, Dr. Donaldson often prefers making a small incision under local anesthesia and directly removing the glandular tissue from behind the nipple without the patient needing to be asleep.
For grades II and III, Dr. Donaldson usually uses a combination of VASER, liposuction and direct excision of glandular tissue with a short-scar, minimally-invasive approach under general anesthesia. VASER applies ultrasound waves to the breast tissue to help emulsify the fat and break up fibrous attachments. Liposuction involves a ¼-inch incision through which a thin, hollow tube (cannula) is attached to a vacuum and used to extract the fat. If stubborn, firm glandular tissue still needs to be removed, then a ½- or 1-inch incision is made at the lower border of the darker areolar skin. Grade III skin will often shrink down over time to match the flattened chest contour.
Grade IV gynecomastia requires a more invasive approach. VASER and liposuction may still be used first, but longer incisions are ultimately required to remove the large amount of glandular tissue, fat and skin. The incisions often wrap around the areolar border in a complete circle, and sometimes also form a vertical line down the chest and/or a horizontal line across the entire lower chest. The longer scars serve to tighten the skin and eliminate folding, wrinkling or hanging skin that would otherwise be left behind.
Many other cosmetic procedures can be combined with gynecomastia treatment while the patient is asleep. Specific to the chest, areolar reduction and nipple reduction may be performed. The former procedure downsizes the diameter of the dark areolar skin; the latter reduces the size and projection of the actual nipple itself. Other common additions include liposuction, tummy tuck, brachioplasty and blepharoplasty.
Following male breast reduction surgery, the incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, and a final layer of surgical-grade glue provides a sterile barrier. Light dressings are supported with an elastic bandage or customized compression garment. Temporary fluid drains are usually not necessary except in grade 4 conditions. You will be prescribed medication to relieve pain and prevent infection, and homeopathic remedies help minimize bruising and swelling.
Our staff will walk you through the steps of caring for the surgical site and minimizing scars as part of your gynecomastia surgery recovery plan. Follow-up visits within a week, a month and several months later will help ensure optimal healing. You will have detailed instructions for wound care, and will be well-apprised of warning signs and what to watch for as you make progress at home. Most patients take anywhere from three days to a week away from work and other responsibilities. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for four to six weeks.
A successful gynecomastia result is more likely when performed by a highly-regarded, board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Donaldson has a thriving gynecomastia practice that is comprised of patients who are absolutely thrilled with their results.
Dr. Donaldson has the technical skills, experience and bedside manner to give you confidence as you step into the operating room. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and serves as an Active Member of both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He is fellowship-trained and has written professional articles and book chapters, presented to his peers at national and international meetings, and taught numerous residents and medical students. Many people in Columbus, Ohio recognize Dr. Donaldson from his appearances on the television news networks, where he continually serves as a media expert on an array of plastic surgery topics.
He has received many honorary designations, including America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, America’s Most Compassionate Doctors, Patients’ Choice Award, Columbus Forty Under 40 and Columbus Fast-Fifty.
We invite you to call us at 614-442-7610 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson or Dr. Michelle Sieffert. Read More about Dr. Donaldson and Dr. Sieffert’s plastic surgery specialties.
