For many men, taking off their shirt at the pool or wearing a tight-fitting shirt is not an option. They are plagued (and many since childhood) with embarrassment because they have a condition called gynecomastia or “man boobs” as it is often called. People often think it amusing to joke about man boobs but it is no laughing matter if you are the afflicted. If you or someone you know is dealing with gynecomastia, there is good news! Keep reading to find out about treatment options and the cost of gynecomastia surgery and treatments.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that affects about 30% of the male population where either one or both of their breasts are abnormally large.
It often manifests during puberty in boys between the ages of 10-14 and will normally resolve by the time they reach adulthood when the hormones all kick in.
What Causes Male Breasts?
- Puberty – during early adolescence when a boy’s hormones are surging, both testosterone and estrogen are present. Higher estrogen levels can cause growth in the male breast tissue. This imbalance is often reversed as puberty progresses and more testosterone enters his system. In more than 90% of cases, gynecomastia resolves without any medical intervention.
- Medications & drugs – certain medicines, recreational drugs, and anabolic steroids can cause male breast enlargement.
- Age – as men begin to age and approach their sixties, their level of testosterone gradually begins to decrease and male breast development may be a result. Often referred to as “Andropause” this decline in testosterone production is similar to menopause in women.
Gynecomastia Surgery to Eliminate Male Breasts
Surgery is often used to correct gynecomastia and could be compared to a mini breast reduction for a woman. Gynecomastia surgery would create a flatter chest with more masculine chest contours. Gynecomastia surgery usually involves a combination of excision and liposuction to achieve the best results.
Usually, an incision about an inch in length is placed along the bottom curve of the areola, the surgeon removes the excess glandular tissue (normally located right under and around the nipple), liposuction is also done to remove any excess fat, and then the incisions are closed with sutures.
Non-Surgical Treatments to Eliminate Man Boobs
Cosmetic procedures and treatments have evolved tremendously in the past decade. Today we have many non-invasive or minimally-invasive procedures available to us that provide results that were once only achieved through surgery. Depending on the cause and severity of enlarged male breasts, it may be possible to address the condition without surgery.
Often a combination of vaser liposuction and BodyTite can be used to eliminate the enlarged breast area and create a more masculine-looking chest.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Worth It?
Gynecomastia is a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness for the men who suffer from it. Many have spent their lives hiding their affliction and retreating from social situations that would bring it to light.
To these men, surgery to eliminate gynecomastia is worth every penny! According to a survey published on RealSelf, 96% of men said gynecomastia surgery was worth it. Among the comments listed in the survey one man related “Thank you for changing my life, help boost my confidence and self-esteem”.
Another case study that looked at the impact of life quality after gynecomastia surgery revealed that the procedure significantly improved all aspects of the men’s quality of life with an emphasis on social and psychological areas.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost?
The average cost of gynecomastia surgery (cost to eliminate man boobs) is approximately $4,239 according to 2020 statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
This published cost is only an average and is not all-inclusive. There are other fees and costs that must be considered when calculating the final surgery cost including:
- Costs associated with anesthesia;
- Medical specialists;
- Operating room or facility fees;
- Consultation or follow-up appointment fees;
- Other related expenses.
Is Gynecomastia Surgery Covered by Insurance?
Normally, the primary factor in determining if a procedure is eligible for insurance coverage is whether it is for cosmetic purposes or deemed ‘medically necessary’ by the surgeon. Next, the insurance company must agree to the circumstances.
Historically, surgery for gynecomastia has not been eligible for coverage however, in recent years some extenuating circumstances have been considered. Insurance companies’ definition of “extenuating circumstances” will vary but it is worth checking out. In some cases, patients under 18 who meet certain criteria may be eligible as well as patients with glandular gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Surgery In Atlanta, Georgia
If you are a man who is self-conscious about removing your shirt in social situations due to enlarged breasts, you are not alone! The source of your embarrassment can be eliminated in just one day. At SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics, the price of gynecomastia surgery is all-inclusive (unlike at many other clinics), and we offer flexible financing options to all patients. Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon who is very experienced at this procedure. You will be in good hands that is very important to achieve optimal results.
To learn more about male breast reduction, contact SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics to schedule a consultation. SurgiCare Arts offers gynecomastia surgery as well as non-surgical options for qualifying patients for the removal of excess male breast tissue.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple-board certified plastic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer gynecomastia surgery for men in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Buckhead, Duluth, and the surrounding areas of Georgia, and Florida (Hudson or Tampa areas).
