MALE MASTECTOMY FOR GYNECOMASTIA | CHICAGO ILLINIOIS

Male Mastectomy for Severe Gynecomastia

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A double male mastectomy is essentially a mastectomy that is done on both sides. For treatment of type 4 gynecomastia, a double mastectomy is almost always done. Examples when a single male mastectomy would be done would be for one-sided type 4 gynecomastia and for treatment for male breast cancer.

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WHAT IS A MALE MASTECTOMY?

A double male mastectomy is a surgical procedure performed by a surgeon removing breasts in men. This procedure is usually recommended for severe cases of gynecomastia, or grade 4 gynecomastia. In some cases, a male mastectomy is performed to treat breast cancer in men.

HOW IS A male mastectomy PERFORMED?

The goal of surgery in type 4 or grade 4 gynecomastia is to obtain a flat chest by removing the breast gland, breast fat, and the skin of the breast. Removing only the breast gland and fat without the skin will result in loose, floppy skin that hangs down from the chest onto the upper abdomen. Therefore, skin excision is necessary to prevent this.

The procedure itself begins with excising the breast gland, fat, and skin with an elliptical incision that starts at the middle of the chest and extends to the sides of the chest. The breast gland, fat, and skin is then removed off the underlying muscle. Several layers of dissolving sutures are used to bring together the skin around the area left by removing the breast. Sometimes drains are placed underneath the skin to remove any excessive buildup of fluid or blood that can affect the healing process after the surgery. These drains are small tubes that exit the skin underneath the armpit and collect fluid into bulbs that are connected to the end of the tubes. These bulbs are emptied daily. The drains are removed within 7 days after the procedure. The procedure of removing the entire breast is called a “mastectomy.”

Once the mastectomy is done on both sides, the nipples are placed back onto the newly formed flat chest from the breasts that were removed. The nipple is gently cut off from the old breast and sutured onto the new chest. The nipple is then covered with a protective dressing that stays in place for a couple of weeks as it heals onto the new chest. Once the protective dressings are removed after several weeks, the nipples have healed onto their new home. This portion of the procedure is called “nipple grafting.”

The formal name of this entire procedure is called a bilateral mastectomy with free nipple grafting. The term “male breast reduction surgery” is often used to describe this procedure, however any surgery that treats gynecomastia can be considered a male breast reduction surgery.

IS A MALE MASTECTOMY PAINFUL?

The male mastectomy does require the surgical removal of a considerable amount of skin and fat, so the procedure can cause some discomfort. The most discomfort will be felt within 3 days after surgery with improvements each day. Most men do very well by 5 days after surgery.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FOR A MALE MASTECTOMY?

After surgery, a compression vest is worn for several weeks to limit swelling associated with surgery, protect the surgical area, and to keep pressure on the newly placed nipples. The drains (if used) are removed within 7 days. No exercise is recommended for the first several weeks to prevent any sutures from breaking and to allow the nipples to heal properly. After several weeks once the incisions and nipples have healed, the dressings on the nipples and incisions are removed. The compression vest can be stopped at this point and replaced with a compression shirt for a couple of weeks as extra support during the final phases of healing. After 6-8 weeks after surgery, exercise can be resumed. Restrictions are minimal after 2 months after surgery.

It can take several months to reach the final result as the skin, nipples, and incisions completely heal from the surgery. However, the improved appearance of the chest is immediately seen. Instead of prominent female-appearing breasts, the patient will have thin lines at the bottom of the chest underneath the pectoral muscles. The nipples will be smaller and sit on a flat surface. Tighter, form-fitting clothes can be proudly worn and self-confidence regained.

how long will it take to see my results?

Results will vary from patient to patient. Swelling and bruising is common in the beginning, but usually goes away after a couple of weeks.

As the healing process continues, you will see a flatter, more defined chest. The healing process does take time and the final result will likely be most appreciated 2 to 3 months after surgery.

*Combined with a program of a healthy diet with exercise, many patients may continue to see positive results 6 to 12 months after surgery.

male mastectomy before and after grade 4 gynecomastia by Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong XSCULPT

WILL I HAVE BAD SCARS AFTER A MALE MASTECTOMY?

Scarring is your body's natural response after surgery. There will be a long incision where the breast used to be on the chest. Immediately after surgery, we recommend keeping your incision clean to help the healing process. This incision heals well over time and often results in a thin line. To help minimize the scar's appearance, the use of scar creams and silicone strips after surgery can be used.

HOW MUCH DOES A MALE MASTECTOMY COST?

Because a male mastectomy is considered a reconstructive procedure and is a severe case of gynecomastia, the cost for this procedure can generally range from $11,000 to $15,000 or more in Chicago, Illinois. At XSculpt, our cost includes anesthesia fees, facility use, all doctor visits, and any immediate interventions that may be required after surgery.

XSculpt is a cosmetic men-focused surgical practice specializing in the male physique. Since gynecomastia affects 6 out of every 10 men, XSculpt surgeons are the leading experts in severe gynecomastia cases (including Type 4 gynecomastia).