Should I lose weight before or after gynecomastia surgery? (Photos)

Question

My goal is to basically be comfortable with how my chest looks at 180 lbs. my normal weight should be around 160-165. But I always fluctuate up to 180 during winter months. Basically I'm trying to figure out if it would be better to get to the lower end of my weight or the higher end before my gynecomatia surgery? My goal is to be comfortable with how my chest looks even at my heavier weight. Any answers would be greatly appreciated thanks! Oh and I'm 5-8 and about 178 in the pics below

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is recommended that you try to get to your goal weight that you can maintain before surgery. Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia surgery. Good luck!

Anthony Barabas, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is best to have lost any weight that you think you are going to loose, and then remain stable at that weight. This is less likely to result in any asymmetry.

Elizabeth S. Harris, MD · Answer

The results of any cosmetic surgery are more ideal with patients being close to their ideal body weight.  If patients are in the process of losing weight with diet and exercise, continued safe weight loss is suggested.   Weight loss allows for tightening of the skin and more localized accumulations of fat that can be more precisely treated at the time of surgery.  A good preoperative diet and exercise program also allows for patients to have more optimal health at the time of surgery which improves safety.

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

It is always best to be at a maintainable goal weight before any kind of surgery. Especially gynecomastia surgery where excess weight can make your issues worse. So, lose the weight now. Then get surgery. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Leo McCafferty, MD · Answer

I would suggest you lose weight before surgery.  Your pictures show fullness in the breast and abdominal area and some of the abdominal fullness is secondary to that 'bad fat' which is visceral fat around your organs.  Losing this weight will not only be better for your overall health but will also allow a more precise and better result regarding the gynecomastia.

Robert Caridi, MD · Answer

As a general rule, you should be at your ideal weight (BMI) before any surgical procedure. In the case of gynecomastia, those who are well outside their ideal weight could end up with a significant body disproportion if the upper thorax/chest is treated and then the abdomen can look quite large. Men are more used to having bellies than breasts so this isn't the worst issue in the world but it can look strange. Therefore, being close to your ideal weight is a good idea. Many patients will lose weight after gynecomastia treatment because they are liberated from the breast appearance and they want to get into the best shape ever!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Get to your goal weight and then decide if you want surgery to correct any fullness in the chest....

Thomas C. Wiener, MD (retired) · Answer

It is always best to lose the weight prior to surgery and strive to maintain the weight loss so that you do not put fat back on the chest. A consistent exercise and diet plan is essential. 
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Wiener, MD
Houston
this information is not a substitute for a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon

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