Unilateral gynecomastia on the left side of my chest. Which surgical procedures would be best for removal and what cost? (Photo)

Question

I developed gynecomastia about 3 years ago and the doctor thinks it unlikely to recede on its own, during my last visit he discussed with me the likely options for removal including estrogen blockers and surgery. He did not seem too optimistic about the estrogen blocker approach so I'm more interested in the surgery option. Given my case, where the gynecomastia is unilateral and I'm of relatively low body fat, I was hoping for a general idea of surgery costs and procedures necessary for removal.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture. In most cases, gynecomastia is treated with direct resection of the excess breast tissue.  When it comes to costs of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure (quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider… are some of the potential variables involved.  You will find some average costs of surgery on this website and on individual plastic surgeons' websites as well.
In regards to outcome of the planned procedure, more important than costs of the procedures will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. Ask to SEE lots of examples of their work AND preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  I would also suggest that you do not base your selection of plastic surgeon primarily on costs of surgery; keep in mind that revisionary surgery may be more costly in many ways.  I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast #asymmetry is the condition when both breasts are not equal in size. In men, gynecomastia can include only one or both breasts. #Unilateral gynecomastia occurs when only one breast is larger due to gynecomastia, while the other breast is typically normal in both size and shape. #Bilateral asymmetry occurs when gynecomastia is present in both breasts, although each to a different degree. The amount of glandular tissue can affect the size, shape, and location on the chest wall of the enlarged area, the size of the areolas, and protrusion and diameter of the nipples.Unequal or unilateral gynecomastia is not an uncommon condition. It is more significant when there are very noticeable differences between the two breasts. Usually, the degree of difference between the two breasts is not severe. Through a study of his patients, however, more than 80% of male breasts are not symmetrical, but the severity varies greatly from patient to patient. Patients should take this into consideration while examining their chests prior to surgery.In addition to correcting the difference between breast sizes, the #areola often shrinks when #gynecomastia excision is performed. In more pronounced cases, the areola may even be larger. When the glandular tissue is removed, the areola #symmetry may improve.The conditions that make up #asymmetry can often be corrected to some degree. It is very individual and varies for each patient. Every prospective surgical candidate should discuss this condition with an experienced plastic surgeon prior to surgery. The plastic surgeon’s role is to educate each individual patient as to the possible degree of improvement that can be realistically achieved in his particular case.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Gynecomastia reduction cost factors vary significantly for a number of good reasons: Prices vary greatly because the surgery itself encompasses a wide range of techniques that can be performed to different extents. My recommendation is to first find the most qualified surgeons where you want the surgery performed that are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery you trust, then compare prices between them. See the below link on suggestions on how to find the most qualified plastic surgeon for your procedure. General Factors that influence the price of plastic surgery include:1. Location - Will it be performed in a hospital with an overnight stay, an independent out- patient facility or a doctor’s office? Geographical location also has a significant influence. RealSelf has average charges for most areas of the USA and Canada.2. Type of Anesthesia - local, IV sedation or General Anesthesia? Will a board certified anesthesiologist, nurse anesthetist, or an RN be used?3. Experience and training of your surgeon. The best and longest trained is most often a plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery4. Length and Complexity of Surgery - how difficult will your surgery be and how long it will take, etc. Will other complementary procedures such as lipo also be also performed during the same surgery?#UnilateralGynecomastiaCost

Babak Dadvand, MD · Answer

Hi Surtic,Thanks for the post and the photo. I agree that you have unilateral gynecomastia with excess glandular tissue under the areola. The best treatment is surgery and will require excision. I prefer an incision along the lower border of the areola. This incision heals very well and is camouflaged by the color difference between your areola and your skin.  The cost of the procedure is based on several things, such as the experience of the surgeon, the type of procedure, and the geographic location. I recommend you visit with plastic surgeons who specialize in this procedure. It is not unusual to travel to have this procedure done, especially if there isn't a specialist in your area. Sincerely,Dr. Dadvand

Unilateral gynecomastia on the left side of my chest. Which surgical procedures would be best for removal and what cost? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Unilateral Gynecomastia

Answer: Unilateral Gynecomastia

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Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

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Unilateral gynecomastia on the left side of my chest. Which surgical procedures would be best for removal and what cost? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Unilateral Gynecomastia

Answer: Unilateral Gynecomastia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Gynecomastia Surgery

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.