What causes “man boobs”? When it comes to gynecomastia Houston men can develop it in any phase of life—in fact, most men are born with excess tissue due to increased estrogen from their mother. However, this tends to decrease naturally a few weeks after birth. At the root, hormone imbalance is the cause of gynecomastia, whether that imbalance happens during puberty or is caused by certain medications, health conditions, or other lifestyle factors. Of all men in Houston and across the country, about half of them will experience enlarged breasts during their lifetime. Though sometimes the appearance of “man boobs” resolves on its own, oftentimes prescription medication and/or male breast reduction surgery will be the most effective treatment.
How much does gynecomastia surgery cost in Houston? The average cost of gynecomastia surgery in Houston typically ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. The total cost for your breast lift will depend on factors such as your surgeon’s fee, the location of your procedure, and other miscellaneous medical expenses. At Heights Plastic Surgery, we accept cash and all major credit cards. We are also happy to offer financing through CareCredit® for patients.
Can I get a male breast reduction in Houston even though I don’t have severe gynecomastia? Yes! The highly skilled surgeons at Heights Plastic Surgery, Dr. Downey and Dr. Bullocks, have decades of combined experience in helping men of every shape and size feel more confident in their bodies.
Are all gynecomastia surgeries considered “bilateral”? Bilateral gynecomastia refers to excess breast tissue in both breasts. Not all men need tissue removed from both sides of their chest; oftentimes, gynecomastia can only affect one side, causing an asymmetrical appearance. When looking for a male breast reduction surgeon in Houston, it’s important that you find a surgeon willing to provide you with an educational, consultative approach to your treatment plan so you can make the best decision for your unique body type and aesthetic goals.
What does recovery after male breast reduction surgery look like? Patients often experience mild swelling and bruising for the first seven to 10 days following their male breast reduction procedure. During this time, we will fit you with a compression garment to help reduce swelling and promote your healing process. Dr. Downey or Dr. Bullocks may also provide you with prescription medication that can help manage your pain. Patients can typically return to work and regular daily activities about one to two weeks following their breast reduction. While scarring from male breast reduction is already minimal, any remaining signs of surgery will be reduced to thin, easily hidden white lines after about six weeks, at which time you may resume more vigorous physical activities and workout routines. While you will be able to see some results of your breast reduction immediately following surgery, ultimate results will appear once all incisions have healed and the swelling subsides.
What’s the difference between gynecomastia and “pseudogynecomastia”? Are these conditions treated differently? Gynecomastia is the presence of excess tissue above the breast gland that causes unwanted volume, whereas pseudogynecomastia is caused by the presence of fat cells in the breast. Typically, most patients who have unwanted “man boobs” have a combination of both. Depending on the type of tissue you have, our surgeons will design a custom treatment plan to achieve your desired results.
