Gynecomastia (Male Breast Reduction) IN LA JOLLA AND NEWPORT BEACH | TIM SAYED MD
Gynecomastia is the medical term for male breast enlargement (from the latin gyno, meaning “female,” and mastia, meaning “breast”).
This condition is extremely common, particularly among men of certain ethnicities (Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African-American, South Asian, and Pacific Islanders, for example), and also in men who are overweight or obese.
There is somewhat of a distinction between the fatty enlargement of the male breast that happens with weight gain and medical issues, which involves at least some overgrowth of the actual breast glandular tissue (usually in addition to excess fatty tissue in the breast).
The end result, though, whatever the cause of the gynecomastia, is often social embarrassment, which can be extreme and isolating in certain circumstances for some patients, especially those with significant breast enlargement and overhang. Some of these very afflicted men have to wear bras and other supportive garments to conceal and support the excess fat and glandular tissue. Other patients are bothered more by the inability to wear certain clothing and change their wardrobes to be able to conceal the breast mounds.
Learn more about the best gynecomastia surgery in Newport Beach and La Jolla, CA by reading on or scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sayed today. Dr. Sayed has offices in both La Jolla and Newport Beach, and he proudly serves patients coming from all over Orange County, San Diego County, and Southern California.
Gynecomastia 101
The appearance of male breasts can be treated by male breast reduction surgery and liposuction techniques, which help address both the overgrowth of breast glandular tissue and fatty replacement in the breast. Sometimes liposuction (usually using Vaser ultrasound technique) alone can improve the gynecomastia in milder cases. Other patients need a combination of direct removal of the more fibrous breast glandular tissue combined with liposuction for the excess fat tissues, in order to have a smoother male breast reduction surgery result.
Before considering you a candidate for male breast reduction surgery, Tim Sayed, MD, MBA,FACS will perform a detailed medical history and physical exam to try to identify if there is a medical cause of the condition, which may require further workup or nonsurgical treatment of the underlying condition. While in general, gynecomastia can result from changes in the balance between testosterone and estrogens, there are some common causes we like to rule out before performing male breast reduction surgery. These include:
- Steroid use, whether for bodybuilding or medical indication
- A history of pituitary gland dysfunction or tumors, which might secrete hormones like Prolactin, which cause breast enlargement
- Problems with the adrenal glands and testosterone production
- Masses in the breast, including rare incidence of male breast cancer
Once you are determined to be a candidate for a male breast reduction, Dr. Sayed will put together a plan for reduction of the gynecomastia which may include Vaser liposuction, direct excision (removal) of excess breast tissue (glandular), use of postoperative drains and garments, and a return to exercise regimen to help add muscle definition to the chest.
Evaluation starts with a history and physical exam, followed usually by some lab testing. A mammogram may be ordered if there is a significant family history of breast cancer. Dr. Sayed will assess the degree of breast fat and gland enlargement, the overhang of the breast (if any), and the skin elasticity or looseness. These factors help determine which surgical approach or incisions are required. There is a grading system based on how much overhang there is and the degree of enlargement.
The male breast reduction procedure can range from liposuction done through an incision around part of the nipple-areola complex, along with a few small inconspicuous puncture sites near the side of the breast, to a full, inverted-T “anchor” pattern of incisions in patients with more severe enlargement of overhang. At right is an example of an approach to the breast that combines removal of tissue, lifting of the nipple, and correction of overhang.
The most common approach in men with mild to moderate issues is a semicircular periareolar incision (similar to the nipple approach to breast implant placement in women), with direct removal of tissue supplemented by Vaser-assisted liposuction.
How do I know if I am a candidate for gynecomastia surgery?
Some of our selection criteria to include you as a gynecomastia surgery candidate include:
- Excess breast weight/volume, overhang, bulging or other cosmetic concerns in the male breast
- No medically treatable underlying cause based on evaluation and workup
- General good health, meaning you do not have major uncorrected cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney or other major organ conditions
- No masses on breast examination – if you have a significant family history of breast cancer we may request a preoperative mammogram
- Nonsmoker or willing to commit to NO NICOTINE IN ANY FORM for at least 3 weeks preop and for the duration of your recovery
- An available support system of friends, family, caregivers or others who can help you to keep your appointments, complete your preop and postop tasks, and emotionally bolster you through this exciting journey
- Reasonable expectations of how much correction is possible with specific techniques
How can I prepare for my gynecomastia surgery in San Diego?
There are many ways you can prepare for the procedure:
- Have a reasonable expectation of what surgery can accomplish
- Don’t smoke or take nicotine in any form for at least 3 weeks and ideally longer before (and after) surgery
- Stay well rested and well hydrated and eat a nutritious diet balanced with plenty of protein
- If your diet is lacking in vitamins, take vitamin C and zinc supplementation but ask Dr. Sayed about other supplements. We have a list of ingredients we ask you to avoid in the immediate preop phase to optimize healing and minimize bleeding risk
- Designate a caretaker who can help you through the first 5 to 7 days after your gynecomastia reduction
- Make plans to stay out of the gym for a couple of weeks
- Identify whether any female relatives in your immediate family have any history of breast cancer
Meet Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS
Double board-certified plastic surgeon | Breast Explant Expert
Dr. Tim Sayed and his staff believe that the commitment to undergoing cosmetic treatment is a momentous decision that needs to be approached with kindness and compassion, and this starts by offering a comprehensive, detailed consultation process with an emphasis on educating the patient about plastic surgery procedures and options. Dr. Sayed uses sophisticated drawing tools, the patient’s images, and anatomic education tools that he helped develop himself to inform the patient of every aspect of the procedure. Dr Sayed’s signature procedures include breast implant removal, breast lift and tummy tuck.
What is recovery from surgery like?
Most gynecomastia reduction procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in an AAAASF-certified operating room, meaning the facility is up to very high standards of accreditation. Patients usually spend up to a couple hours in the postoperative suite before being discharged in the care of a companion, family member or friend. Dr. Sayed gives a 24-hour phone number to all patients who can reach him for urgent questions, and we also issue access to a patient engagement application that allows the patient or companion/caregiver to send SMS messages, photos, video and other content to our team in a secure, private digital format. This keeps us mutually informed on your recovery and allows us to update your instructions while requiring a respectful number of face-to-face visits in the office.
Early postop recovery findings can include bruising and swelling, mild discomfort, fluid collections, numbness or diminished sensation in nipples, and some mental adjustment to the process of healing which most patients undergo. Most patients are advised to take a few days out of social circulation and we’d prefer that you not drive yourself in the first 10 days or as long as you are taking any prescription pain medication. Most sutures are dissolvable but there may be a few that need to be removed at around 14 to 21 days postop. Occasionally, a patient may have a small fluid collection called a seroma in one or both breasts that may need a minor drainage procedure in the office to help resolve.
We ask that you abstain from exercise for 2 weeks and then return to light fitness routines after that. You will be asked to wear a surgical garment (like a compressive shirt) for several weeks, and it will be easiest for you if you wear button-down shirts (as opposed to polos or T-shirts you have to pull over your head) in the beginning. Dr. Sayed and his team provide close postop care in the office and with our remote engagement tools. You will be asked to take some supplement medications to aid in your recovery, which may include medications for pain, bruising, swelling, and dietary optimization.
How long will it take before I can resume my regular routine after gynecomastia surgery in San Diego?
Dr. Sayed performs male breast reduction in San Diego through a small incision around the areola. You may also have a small mark near the outer part of the chest for liposuction and a possible drain. In some cases, some skin removal or even a breast lift approach (for heavier patients with sagging of the breast) may be required. While healing entirely takes several weeks, most patients feel well within forty-eight hours.
We suggest avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a few weeks following the surgery.
Schedule Your gynecomastia surgery Consultation Today
Double board-certified plastic surgeon, Tim Sayed, MD, MBA,FACS, has helped countless women achieve the results and confidence they desire. Dr. Sayed and his expert team are committed to providing the best results and experience possible. To start your gynecomastia surgery journey in Newport Beach or San Diego, CA please call us at (858) 247-2933 or complete our online form.
gynecomastia surgery in Newport Beach FAQs
Most gynecomastia surgical reduction procedures are about 2.5 hours in duration, depending on the incision approach, size of the breasts, degree of asymmetry, and other considerations. Mild cases treated by liposuction alone may take less than 2 hours.
We don’t like to publish pricing as it is subject to market changes and dependent on the types of procedures you consider. Review our Pricing page to build a “wishlist” and get estimated pricing on male breast reduction or a combination of procedures. We also have a fee schedule available in the office after your consultation. Feel free to contact our San Diego office for a pre-consultation and we are happy to provide more information. For gynecomastia patients, the main considerations are whether you need liposuction alone or in combination with direct excision, the size of the breasts and your weight (which impact how long you may be under anesthesia), and whether we need to send tissue to a pathology laboratory for testing after surgical removal.
Technically speaking, gynecomastia surgery is called male reduction mammaplasty. Most commonly, gynecomastia surgery is referred to as male breast reduction surgery.
Because the gynecomastia surgery involves small incisions, there will be one or more tiny scars after the surgery. However, this will heal and likely become more inconspicuous over time, particularly if the patient applies vitamin E gel and other scar products as directed to the area. If a breast lift or skin removal is required, there will be longer scars and wound healing will take a bit longer.
The type of anesthesia depends on the patient’s health. In most cases the gynecomastia procedure is done as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.
Doubling-up on aesthetic procedures is becoming increasingly common. Many men choose to get liposuction on the abdomen done in the same sitting as their male breast reduction, as it is time-efficient and offers a revamped appearance. Other options include male body contouring like hi-definition abdominal etching. Dr. Sayed will help you determine the best options to reach your goals in the best and most efficient manner.
