Severe gynecomastia, stretch marks, and 'tummy tuck' belly. Any suggestions? (photos)

Question

I'm a 23 year old male with severe social anxiety due to my problems. I'm obese and have gynecomastia, big belly with excess skin, and severe stretch marks. I've always been obese since birth despite being a vegetarian and avoiding junk food as much as possible. I'd like to know if there's anything that I can do to completely get rid of all the 3 main problems that I've mentioned above. If possible, I'd like to know approximately how much will it cost me in total for all 3 treatments.

Tim Neavin, MD · Answer

Thanks for photos.  Weight loss is tough.  To do it right, it often helps to have a professional guide you with the right program.  Once you get control of your weight (ie. stable for 6 months) within a reasonable goal, then I'd tackle the gynecomastia and abdomen with one of two approaches: 1) Aggressive liposuction to decompress fat in stage one, then return in 3 to 6 months to remove skin, or, 2) one stage gynecomastia corrective surgery combined with abdominoplasty/panniculecomty.   If you think weight loss is unrealistic or too difficult, then you could probably proceed with both surgeries understanding that your outcome will suboptimal (that is, not as good as it could be with weight loss).  Be sure to be off all cigarettes or you won't heal.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Your tummy is not ready yet for the surgery, keep on your diet plan and when you settle in a normal BMI you can discuss options with your surgeon.Notwithstanding, you are currently a real case in need of full gynecomasty mastectomy, with horizontal scar and nipple grafting to lift it up. Go ahead with it, considering the serious downside of the massive scarring mentioned.

Paul M. Steinwald, MD · Answer

. . . means that you are looking at excisional surgery (as opposed to liposuction) to manage these issues as best possible, which also means some extensive incisions (but usually well-worth the trade-off for much-improved shape . . . )  In my mind your abdomen may be more challenging, as you may have more intra-(inside) abdominal girth, but if mostly external, that can be managed with a fairly aggressive abdominoplasty.  I have a fair amount of experience managing severe gynecomastia, but that usually results in anchor scars that may be reasonably well-hidden with the chest hair you have.  The skin is what it is with respect to stretch marks, but if they can be incorporated into the skin to be removed, you'll lose much of them; the remaining ones will also usually look better when (ironically) put back on stretch.  A rough estimate is $8-10K for the abdomen (including OR time), $6-8K for the chest (and possibly less if combined).  Hope this was helpful!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You did not list your height or weight.  If you are actively losing weight, then I suggest you get down to the goal weight or close and then get evaluated. Your chest will likely require a skin excision procedure.

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I believe your situation requires surgery, however, once completed you stand a good chance of overcoming your social anxiety issues---at age 23, it is likely these issues have already affected your psychological development. Is your weight stable? If so for how long? Are you on an medicines? Have you ever had a comprehensive medical/endocrinological evalaution?Surgery and non invasive skin reconditioning, properly performed, may be a game changer.Best of luck

Severe gynecomastia, stretch marks, and 'tummy tuck' belly. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Gyencomastia

Answer: Gyencomastia

Answer: Severe gynecomastia, stretch marks and large abdomen

Answer: Severe gynecomastia, stretch marks and large abdomen

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Severe gynecomastia, stretch marks, and 'tummy tuck' belly. Any suggestions? (photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Gyencomastia

Answer: Gyencomastia

Answer: Severe gynecomastia, stretch marks and large abdomen

Answer: Severe gynecomastia, stretch marks and large abdomen

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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.