Gynecomastia Surgery San Francisco | Male Breast Reduction
Excess male breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia, is often the unwanted result of genetics, weight gain, or hormone fluctuations. The condition can be emotionally challenging and negatively affect self-esteem and confidence. Gynecomastia surgery, also known as a male breast reduction, provides an effective and permanent means to contour the chest, offering both physical and psychological benefits.
Dr. Xu, a Harvard-trained female plastic surgeon, understands the nuances of shaping the male chest. She tailors every surgical plan to ensure the patient receives a result that aligns with their vision and enhances their confidence.
If you’re ready to feel better about your appearance, schedule a private consultation with one of the best gynecomastia surgeons in San Francisco. Contact Dr. Xu online or call (415) 506-4300 to begin your journey of personal transformation.
Why Choose Dr. Ginger Xu for Your Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Dr. Xu has specialty training and expertise in gynecomastia surgery. She received one-on-one mentorship during her Harvard fellowship in aesthetic surgery with a highly esteemed plastic surgeon who specialized in male chest contouring procedures. Afterward, Dr. Xu went on to perform countless of these procedures on her own.
With her compassionate and individualized approach, Dr. Xu brings an in-depth understanding of surgical techniques and also how they apply to male aesthetics. She emphasizes the importance of balance, proportion, and natural-looking results in her gynecomastia surgeries.
At Ethos Plastic Surgery, every person deserves to feel confident in their own skin, and Dr. Xu’s goal is to ensure that you achieve a refined and masculine chest contour that blends seamlessly with the rest of your body.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which there is an enlargement of the glandular tissue of the male breast. It’s caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. This condition can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly.
Gynecomastia is distinct from the enlargement of male breasts that comes from fat deposits in overweight or obese men, which is known as pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia. However, both conditions can be treated surgically.
Common causes or associations of gynecomastia include:
Hormone Imbalances
- Gynecomastia arises from decreased testosterone relative to estrogen
- Both men and women produce testosterone and estrogen, but imbalances can lead to gynecomastia in men
- Male infants can have enlarged breasts due to maternal estrogen but usually resolves in 2-3 weeks
- Pubertal gynecomastia can occur, typically resolving in 6 months to 2 years
- Prevalence in men aged 50-80 is between 24% and 65%
Medications
- Anti-androgens (e.g., flutamide, finasteride)
- Anabolic steroids and androgens
- Some HIV medications (e.g., Efavirenz)
- ADHD medications (e.g., Adderall)
- Anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam)
- Certain antidepressants and antibiotics
- Ulcer and chemotherapy drugs
- Heart drugs (e.g., digoxin) and stomach-emptying medications
Substances
- Alcohol, anabolic steroids, amphetamines
- Marijuana, heroin, methadone
Health Conditions
- Hypogonadism conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome
- Aging, especially in overweight men
- Certain tumors affecting hormone balance
- Hyperthyroidism: excessive thyroxine production
- Kidney failure; half of those on dialysis experience gynecomastia
- Liver issues, including cirrhosis
- Malnutrition and resumption of normal nutrition can cause imbalances
Herbal Products
While many surgeons use drains to remove excess fluid after plastic surgery procedures, Dr. Xu’s approach to cosmetic breast surgeries (breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction) does not routinely require them. This means that, during the post-operative period, the patient will have:
- Lower risk of infection
- Less discomfort
- No risk of pulling or pain from drains
- Less hassle with no drain care
- A more carefree recovery
Meet Dr. Ginger Xu
Dr. Xu embraces the responsibility and transformative opportunity to alter a patient’s appearance in a way that is congruent with their own values and matches a more cohesive sense of self; to realign the external with the internal; to create an improved emotional landscape and a better life. These ideals captivate and inspire her every day.
What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is designed to treat enlarged male breast tissue. It involves the removal of excess breast tissue and, in some cases, skin, resulting in a more masculine chest contour. Depending on the specifics of the case, Dr. Xu might use liposuction, excision, or a combination of both to achieve the desired outcome.
What Happens During Gynecomastia Surgery?
The surgery can be approached in several ways:
- Liposuction: If your gynecomastia is primarily due to excess fatty tissue, liposuction might be the primary method employed. During this process, small incisions are made, and a cannula (a thin tube) is inserted to suction out the fat. Modern liposuction techniques have allowed for more efficient fat removal with minimal tissue trauma.
- Excision: If glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed, excision techniques are necessary. This might also be needed if the nipple needs to be repositioned or reduced in size. The exact pattern of the incisions will depend on your individual circumstances and the extent of the surgery.
- Combination of Liposuction and Excision: For some men, a combination of both liposuction and excision techniques is used to achieve the best results.
Incisions are strategically placed, often along the natural contours of the chest, to minimize visible scarring. Dr. Xu will carefully plan and mark the incision sites prior to surgery to ensure optimal aesthetics post-operation.
Once the excess tissue is removed and the desired chest contour is achieved, the incisions are closed using sutures. Depending on the extent of the surgery, drains might be placed to help remove excess fluids postoperatively.Top of Form
A Female Plastic Surgeon's Perspective on Male Procedures
Having trained and studied at some of the world’s foremost institutions, Dr. Xu is highly qualified and has ample experience in cosmetic procedures on both male and female patients.
Dr. Xu believes that everyone deserves to feel their best, regardless of gender. While gynecomastia is a male-specific concern, her ethos of delivering natural-looking results remains consistent.
“Everyone should feel confident in their body. My goal with gynecomastia surgery is to help men regain self-assuredness and live life without reservations.”
Schedule Your Male Breast Reduction in San Francisco with Dr. Ginger Xu
If you’re considering gynecomastia surgery, schedule your consultation with Ivy-league-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Ginger Xu by reaching out online or calling (415) 506-4300. She will provide expert guidance and help you determine if the procedure aligns with your goals.
FAQs
San Francisco Gynecomastia Surgery
Good candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men who have not found relief through alternative medical treatments. It’s essential that these individuals are in good health, without any life-threatening illnesses or conditions that might hinder the healing process.
Notably, being a non-smoker and abstaining from drugs significantly boosts the chances of a successful surgery and recovery. Men considering this procedure should have a positive attitude and clear objectives for addressing the physical symptoms of gynecomastia. They should be at or near their ideal weight and maintain realistic expectations regarding the surgery’s outcomes.
It’s crucial that their breast development has stabilized, as operating on breasts that are still developing can lead to unpredictable results. This surgery is particularly beneficial for men who feel discomfort or embarrassment due to the enlarged size of their breasts. While adolescents can also benefit from gynecomastia surgery, it’s important to note that if their breasts continue to develop, they might require secondary procedures in the future.
Gynecomastia surgery is typically recommended for individuals whose breast development has stabilized. For many, this means waiting until after adolescence. However, in cases where the gynecomastia is causing significant emotional distress, surgery might be considered for younger patients. Adolescents who undergo the procedure should be aware that further surgery might be required in the future if breast development continues.
Recovery time can vary based on the individual and the specifics of the surgery. Generally, patients can expect to return to work or school within a week of the procedure. Strenuous activities and exercises should be avoided for about 3-6 weeks post-surgery.
After gynecomastia surgery, expect a recovery period of one to two weeks. Initially, you may feel groggy if general anesthesia was used; having someone to drive you home is essential. Dr. Xu will advise wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling and support healing for several weeks. Mild pain and discomfort are common, but pain management will be guided by Dr. Xu. You should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 4-6 weeks. Swelling, bruising, and tenderness will peak in the first week and then gradually diminish. It’s vital to care for your incisions as per Dr. Xu’s instructions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments. Final results, including the settling of scars, will be evident after a few months. Adherence to Dr. Xu’s aftercare guidelines will promote a smooth recovery and optimal outcomes.
As with any surgical procedure, gynecomastia surgery comes with potential risks. These can include infection, scarring, anesthesia complications, asymmetry in chest appearance, and changes in nipple sensation. It’s crucial to discuss potential risks and benefits with Dr. Xu prior to the procedure.
Male breast reduction costs can vary based on the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the procedure, facility fees, and other factors. It’s best to consult with Dr. Xu to receive an itemized quotation for her services.