Gynecomastia in National Harbor, MD

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?

Gynecomastia is the male condition of over-developed breast tissue that creates abnormally large breasts. It’s important to realize that gynecomastia is not simply a result of weight gain, but is a medical condition that can actually be caused by a number of other factors, including:

• Genetic disorders
• Medication
• Illness
• Puberty
• Aging

If you suffer from gynecomastia, it is highly likely that your male breasts will not respond to diet or exercise. Instead, as the rest of your body becomes toned, you may still experience an accumulation of stubborn, fatty tissue in your chest. Dr. Chiaramonte can remove the excess tissue that neither diet nor exercise can eliminate.

WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR A MALE BREAST REDUCTION?

If you are a man with enlarged breast tissue, you may be a great candidate for gynecomastia surgery in Maryland and DC! There are a few general traits that we like to see in patients who are interested in correcting gynecomastia. These include:

• Being within about 35 pounds of the ideal weight
• Being generally physically and emotionally healthy
• Having realistic expectations about the outcome
• Having relatively good tissue elasticity

To be a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery, you must not smoke. If you do, please quit well ahead of surgery. You must also be able to avoid the use of blood-thinning medication. 

Dr. Chiaramonte will carefully review your medical history, examine your breast tissue, listen to your concerns, and discuss what breast reduction may look like for you.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A MALE BREAST REDUCTION?

Gynecomastia surgery can sculpt your chest into the masculine form you’re meant to have. This is the whole purpose of the procedure. Beyond that benefit, though, are several others. 

With your masculine shape restored, you can stop wearing loose clothing or binders. You can feel comfortable with your shirt off, and you may even feel much more physically comfortable during workouts. 

Ultimately, having a male breast reduction can take away the burden of a feminine-looking chest once and for all.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE MALE BREAST REDUCTION PROCEDURE?

Male breast reduction surgery is tailored to your exact needs. For many men, the procedure involves small incisions and liposuction to remove excess fatty tissue, resulting in a more contoured chest. 

In cases where glandular tissue or significant excess skin is present, we may need to make larger incisions to remove the tissue and tighten the skin.

The exact technique used depends on the severity of the gynecomastia and your unique anatomy. During your consultation, Dr. Chiaramonte will discuss your goals and outline the best surgical approach for you.

HOW LONG AFTER SURGERY WILL I SEE MY RESULTS?

You can expect to see results as soon as you wake up from surgery. That said, your chest will be bandaged and will need to remain so for at least a few days. 

Swelling and inflammation are also common side effects of male breast reduction surgery, so while your breasts will look flatter, your chest will be swollen and puffy. 

As your surgical side effects diminish, the appearance of your chest will continue to improve. Full settling of your muscle and tissue can take up to six months. However, by that time, any changes that occur will be very subtle.

ARE MALE BREAST REDUCTION RESULTS PERMANENT?

We expect the results of your surgery to be permanent, and, in most cases, they are. However, there is a chance of recurrence depending on the factors that led you to have enlarged breast tissue. 

For example, if gynecomastia is caused by medication or a recreational drug, and the use continues after surgery, there is a chance that the breasts could harbor excess fat once again. The same thing can happen if you gain a significant amount of weight. In that case, your breasts may shrink again if you lose weight.

WHAT IS RECOVERY FROM GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY LIKE?

Your recovery from male breast reduction will take about two weeks. This is the timeline that we give to describe the general period in which swelling and bruising subside, and you can begin to resume some of your normal activities. 

In the bigger picture, it can take several months for the body to completely heal after surgery. The later improvements include tissue settling, building muscle once again, and scar maturation. The early improvements occur as a result of rest, hydration, pain management, and also simply being patient. 

Expect soreness and tenderness. Expect fatigue. Expect not to feel like your best self for a short time. It is very normal to have emotional highs and lows during gynecomastia surgery recovery!

After surgery, you will be given detailed care instructions regarding showering, changing your compression garment (and how to know if it’s too tight), walking (a must!), driving, and exercising. 

Being diligent in your aftercare will help you move through your recovery with much more ease and comfort. If you have questions at any time during your recovery, please contact our office without hesitation.

WHY CHOOSE BELLA COSMETIC SURGERY? 

At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, you’ll be in the care of Dr. Michael F. Chiaramonte, a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and a distinguished career. 

Dr. Chiaramonte brings decades of experience to every procedure, having completed his medical degree and surgical training at the University of Maryland and an elite fellowship in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. As the Medical Director, he combines technical precision with a deep understanding of each patient’s goals. 

Whether performing male breast reduction, facial rejuvenation, or body contouring, Dr. Chiaramonte prioritizes natural-looking results and a seamless recovery. The care we offer at Bella Cosmetic Surgery stands out in the entire region.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY

HOW MUCH DOES GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY COST?

The cost of male breast reduction surgery at Bella Cosmetic Surgery ranges from $5,500 to $8,500, depending on the specifics of your procedure. This price includes the surgeon’s fee, operating room costs, anesthesia, post-operative garments, and follow-up appointments. Unlike some practices, we are transparent about our pricing and strive to eliminate hidden fees.

It’s important to note that prescription medications, vitamins, lab work, or pre-operative medical clearance are not included in the surgical fee. We also offer flexible financing options, including no-interest and low-interest payment plans, to help make your procedure more accessible. We will provide a detailed breakdown of costs and financing options at your consultation.

ARE THERE FINANCING OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

Yes, Bella Cosmetic Surgery offers financing options to help make gynecomastia surgery more affordable. We work with Alphaeon Credit and CareCredit®, both of which provide flexible payment plans, including no-interest options for qualifying purchases. These programs allow you to proceed with your surgery and pay over time in a way that fits your budget. 

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES TO SURGERY FOR TREATING GYNECOMASTIA?

Non-surgical alternatives may include addressing underlying causes, such as adjusting medications, managing hormone levels, or losing weight. However, in most cases, surgery is the only effective treatment for reducing persistent glandular tissue or excess skin. A consultation with our team can help you explore all available options.

IS GYNECOMASTIA COMMON?

Yes. It is estimated that over 50% percent of men over the age of 44 have enlarged breast tissue. Hormones are a significant contributor to this condition. It may be seen in newborn boys who still have some extra estrogen from their mothers in their bodies. 

Adolescent boys also get gynecomastia sometimes. Usually, adolescent gynecomastia resolves once hormone levels have stabilized during early adulthood. After mid-life, it becomes much more challenging to sustain stable hormones, so we tend to see higher numbers of true gynecomastia in older males.