Gynecomastia | Male Breast Reduction | Richland WA | Tri Cities

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia (overdevelopment of male breasts) is a common condition characterized by an excess of localized fat and/or glandular tissue in the breast. Gynecomastia is sometimes caused by disease, hormonal changes, heredity or certain medications; although, in most cases, the cause is unknown. It can occur in one or both breasts, and can affect babies, preteens, teenagers and grown men.

Symptoms of gynecomastia include enlarged breasts, breasts that feel rubbery or firm and, in young boys, nickel or quarter-sized breast “buds.” Breast buds are common in adolescents, and tend to go away by the end of puberty. Dr. Frank Fleming serves the Tri-Cities area of Washington.

What are my treatment options for Gynecomastia?

As long as breast development is complete, plastic surgery can be used to treat gynecomastia that is not caused by disease or medication. Treatment choices include liposuction or surgical excision, or a combination of the two; which technique is chosen depends on the amount and type of tissue in the breasts. If the breasts consist mostly of fatty tissue, liposuction can be used to suction out fat through small incisions made on the chest wall. For breasts with an excessive amount of glandular tissue, excisional surgery is required, which involves cutting away the excess breast tissue.  The removal of excess glandular tissue is done through an incision made around the lower border of the areola, which is the pigmented skin around the nipple.

Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia | Male Breast Reduction | Richland WA | Tri CitiesMale breast reduction is usually performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, and typically takes 1 to 3 hours. Male breast reduction is performed using liposuction or surgical excision, or a combination of the two.

Candidates for breast reduction are men who have large or sagging breasts that make them feel physically and/or emotionally uncomfortable. Breast reduction can be performed on men whose breast development is complete, are in good health, both physically and emotionally; do not smoke, and are not overweight.

Patient Testimonial

“Best plastic surgeon and office staff. I had a breast augmentation where they got me in quickly and gave me many options for financing so I could schedule surgery right away. When I had surgery I live 100 miles from the doctors office and they made sure I was comfortable for my ride home. The follow-up care was timely and I would recommend dr. Fleming to anyone looking for great affordable surgery. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome as well.😊”

Recovery from Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Following male breast reduction surgery, there is bruising, swelling and discomfort. Discomfort usually dissipates after a few days, and can be lessened with prescribed pain medication. To help reduce swelling, the compression garment is worn for about three weeks, Swelling and any skin discoloration partially subside after 1-2 weeks. Exercise involving the arms is restricted for about three weeks after the surgery.

Contact our Richland, WA office today to schedule your consultation, and to see which services are right for you!