Before & After

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?

Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breast tissue, is a condition of overdevelopment of the breast tissue in men or boys. This is often caused by a hormonal imbalance in estrogen and testosterone levels and leaves the male breasts larger or uneven. Certain medications, drugs, and more can also lead to the development of enlarged male breast tissue. This condition affects 50-65% of boys and men and can affect one or both breasts. In some cases, the situation may resolve on its own as hormonal changes settle. In others, surgery is the most successful and long-term option for treatment of gynecomastia.

 

Dr. Delgado specializes in gynecomastia surgery, also called male breast reduction. This procedure eliminates the excess breast tissue and glandular tissue and leaves the male chest flatter, firmer, and better proportioned with the rest of the male figure.

Along with breast tissue growth, common symptoms of gynecomastia include:

  • Breast pain or sensitivity
  • Swollen breast tissue
  • Puffy nipples
  • Nipple sensitivity
  • Nipple discharge

QUICK FACTS

  • Causes: Hormone imbalance from adolescence, lowered testosterone, medication, anabolic steroids, and more.
  • Length of procedure: 2-3 hours
  • Recovery time: About 3-6 weeks.
  • Cost: Between $8,500-$12,000.

BENEFITS OF MALE BREAST REDUCTION

The benefits of male breast reduction surgery are as follows:

  • A more masculine figure
  • Improved confidence and self-esteem
  • Makes physical activity easier
  • Improved posture
  • Quick procedure time
  • Makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight

CANDIDACY

If you are dealing with male breast enlargement, a lack of confidence, or other concerns that are associated with gynecomastia, you may be an ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery in Santa Rosa, Napa Valley, Novato, or San Francisco. Candidates should also meet the following requirements for this surgical treatment:

  • You have had your gynecomastia diagnosed or believe you may have gynecomastia.
  • Your condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments.
  • You’re in good health and at a stable weight.
  • You do not smoke or take drugs.
  • You have realistic expectations about what this surgery can do for you.
Dr. Miguel Office background
Dr. Miguel Delgado

WHY CHOOSE DR. DELGADO FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

Dr. Miguel Delgado is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a world-renowned authority on gynecomastia. He has treated thousands with this condition, including many who have traveled to him for male breast reduction in San Francisco. In addition to resolving gynecomastia for first-time patients, a large part of his male breast reduction practice (40%) comprises of revision surgeries for men who are unhappy with their outcomes from other practices.

Dr. Delgado is also the medical director of Gynecomastia.org—the largest gynecomastia forum in the world. He dedicates most of his time to helping men and boys who are seeking treatment for this condition and is an internationally-respected gynecomastia expert.

If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Delgado to discover what can be done to resolve your gynecomastia, please feel free to contact our practice online or by telephone today.

Dr. Delgado has the uncanny ability to help you shed some years, but not in an artificial forced way. Rather, he facilitates the younger, healthier you emerge.

— Giuliano Nieri

TYPES OF GYNECOMASTIA

Your gynecomastia surgery in San Francisco will remove either excess fatty breast tissue with liposuction or glandular breast tissue with excision. In some cases, both will be done. If it is necessary, the areola will be reduced or the nipple may be repositioned to create a natural male contour. Depending on which type of gynecomastia you have, your procedure may vary.

  • True gynecomastia – True gynecomastia is caused by enlarged glandular tissues which results in breast enlargement.
  • Pseudogynecomastia – Male breasts develop due to fat deposits in the breast area. This is often seen in men with high levels of overall body fat.
  • Idiopathic gynecomastia – Excess breast tissue is present, but no cause has been found for the condition.
  • Drug-induced gynecomastia– Excess male breast tissue is caused by taking certain medications.

Because gynecomastia can affect males of all ages, it can also be broken down further into prepubertal gynecomastia, adolescent gynecomastia, and adult gynecomastia. Dr. Delgado provides solutions for males of all ages who develop gynecomastia and are seeking long-term results.

Dr. Delgado also provides revision gynecomastia in San Francisco for those who are not satisfied with the work of a previous surgeon.

PREPARING FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY

During your surgery consultation with Dr. Delgado, he may perform a physical exam, and talk with you about the best ways to prepare for your surgery. He will ask you to stop smoking and stop taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements such as aspirin or Vitamin E.

This consultation is also an important time to provide all the needed information Dr. Delgado asks for. You can get any questions answered during your consultation, and be walked through the procedure details by Dr. Delgado, who takes the time to ensure every patient is fully prepared and ready for gynecomastia surgery in Novato.

Before your surgery, arrange for someone to drive you to and from our practice, and to stay with you to help care for you after your procedure.

BEFORE & AFTER GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY

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WHAT IS RECOVERY AFTER GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY LIKE? 

After gynecomastia surgery in Marin County, you will be bandaged and wear a compression garment. This will help minimize swelling and support your new chest contour during the healing process. You may also have a surgical drain to help fluid and blood drain from the area.

You will feel sore during the first few days, but the pain should not be too significant. You might experience a temporary loss of sensation in the nipples. For the great majority of patients, full sensation is gradually restored over the course of a few weeks or months.

Most patients are able to return to light or sedentary work in about a week. Swelling will continue to go down as you recover, and you should be fully healed in about six weeks.

Gynecomastia Surgery FAQS

WILL I HAVE SCARS AFTER GYNECOMASTIA?

WILL NIPPLE SENSATION BE AFFECTED?

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?

WHAT IS THE COST?

CAN GYNECOMASTIA CAUSE BREAST CANCER?

DOES ESTROGEN EXCESS CAUSE GYNECOMASTIA?

IS THERE A WAY TO TREAT GYNECOMASTIA WITHOUT SURGERY?

ARE THERE ANY AGE REQUIREMENTS?

ARE THERE ANY EXERCISES I CAN DO TO TREAT MY GYNECOMASTIA?

ARE THERE ANY RISKS WITH GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

WILL I HAVE SCARS AFTER GYNECOMASTIA?

There is minimal scarring, with most scars being hidden under the armpit and the bottom third of the areola.

WILL NIPPLE SENSATION BE AFFECTED?

Change or loss of nipple sensation is possible, although permanent loss is rare. Sensitivity usually decreases after surgery, then returns as you finish healing.

HOW LONG WILL MY RESULTS LAST?

The results are often permanent. However, if gynecomastia resulted from the use of certain medications, drugs, or weight gain, returning to these or gaining weight again will affect results.

WHAT IS THE COST?

The general cost range is $8,500 to $12,000, depending on the complexity and time required for surgery.

CAN GYNECOMASTIA CAUSE BREAST CANCER?

Gynecomastia may slightly increase the risk of male breast cancer. However, the risk for developing breast cancer for most men, even without gynecomastia, is very low.

DOES ESTROGEN EXCESS CAUSE GYNECOMASTIA?

An excess in the hormone estrogen, or a decrease in testosterone production may lead to the development of gynecomastia.

IS THERE A WAY TO TREAT GYNECOMASTIA WITHOUT SURGERY?

True gynecomastia requires surgery to address it. In some cases, hormone treatments can also help improve the situation.

ARE THERE ANY AGE REQUIREMENTS?

Gynecomastia can be performed once you are at least two years after puberty. After this time the breast tissue will not resolve. If there is a significant physical, phycological, and social issue with a young man then surgery is often considered with discussion with the pediatrician and endocrinologist.

ARE THERE ANY EXERCISES I CAN DO TO TREAT MY GYNECOMASTIA?

If the condition is partly caused by excess weight, we recommend cardio and chest exercises such as a rowing machine or swimming. However, these alone will not resolve gynecomastia.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS WITH GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

Aside from usual surgical risks, the most common complication is an accumulation of fluid in the wound. Some loss of nipple sensation may occur.

DR. MIGUEL DELGADO ALSO PROVIDES GYNECOMASTIA SURGERYIN SONOMA, CA.

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San Francisco is one of the foremost centers of science, technology, and the arts in the United States. The Exploratorium is one of its many museums dedicated to learning, founded in 1969 by famous physicist Frank Oppenheimer. It offers several galleries dedicated to hands-on science education and also has an expansive website of over 50,000 pages with more information, exhibits, and webcasts. The Exploratorium is located just one and a half miles from the practice of Dr. Miguel Delgado on Pier 15 along the San Francisco Bay. It’s also located 28 miles from Dr. Delgado’s secondary office in Novato, Marin County.

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