Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia treatment is a procedure that corrects enlarged male breasts. Gynecomastia can derive from many causes and can manifest in multiple ways but Dr. Bonillas can treat all cases of gynecomastia with one comprehensive procedure.

Male Breast Reduction Promotes Greater Self-Esteem

Male breasts can be a source of both pain and embarrassment. It’s not considered desirable for a man to have female looking breasts. Plus, it can cause pain and swelling. Both the physical and psychological effects can negatively affect the self-esteem of men with this condition. For many men and boys, treating this condition can dramatically increase their quality of life and remove the associated psychological trauma and social stigma.

Board-Certified plastic surgeon Robert G. Bonillas M.D., of Scottsdale Plastics, looks forward to becoming your partner in your journey to achieve the body you want and deserve. Published in peer-reviewed journals for his research in tissue engineering, Dr. Bonillas has established himself as an expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He understands the causes of gynecomastia and how to best treat different cases. A natural teacher and family man, he seeks to understand his patients’ needs and aesthetic goals. You can learn more about gynecomastia treatment by contacting Scottsdale Plastics either online or by phone at (480) 245-6380. If you are on Instagram, follow Dr. Bonillas’ feed where you can view more before-and-after photos and stay updated.

About Gynecomastia in Scottsdale, Arizona

Gynecomastia appears in about 10-12% of adolescents. It can persist into adulthood for many young men. Certain drugs, both prescription and recreational, can increase the risk of developing gynecomastia. Sometimes gynecomastia can affect both breasts asymmetrically, which requires a nuanced treatment to balance both sides of the chest. Adolescents that are overweight may require surgical treatment for male breasts.^[1]

How is Gynecomastia Treated?

Several factors can contribute to enlarged male breasts. It’s important to speak with a surgeon who has the expertise and experience to accurately diagnose the cause of gynecomastia. An imprecise diagnosis and treatment can lead to recurring issues that will persist until corrected.

Since gynecomastia doesn’t always resolve with diet and exercise, even healthy men who maintain a great physique can experience issues with gynecomastia.^[2]

How to treat gynecomastia depends on the three aspects that might require a remedy: adipose or fat tissue, glandular tissue, and excess skin. Each issue will require a different technique to achieve optimal results. Each patient will need a combination of treatments to resolve the condition. Liposuction can remove the fat tissue using its unique suction method for extracting the fat deposits. For issues with glandular tissue, Dr. Bonillas will use surgical extraction. Some patients that are overweight may also require removal of the excess skin that contributes to gynecomastia.

Meaningful Benefits

Surgery for gynecomastia comes with two distinct types of benefits: physical and psychological. Physically, gynecomastia treatment will reduce the unwanted male breast and recontour the male chest for a more masculine physique. The psychological benefits of this procedure can be profound. In adolescents, male breasts often become a source of teasing and embarrassment. In adults, enlarged breasts can create self-esteem issues in otherwise healthy men with a great physique. Gynecomastia treatment helps men regain their confidence and feel comfortable taking off their shirts in public.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation

The most important step in treating gynecomastia is a careful examination of medical history coupled with a thorough physical examination. Dr. Bonillas will discuss any concerns you have, listen to your aesthetic goals, and answer any questions. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he can communicate with you in whichever language you feel the most comfortable. Dr. Bonillas doesn’t rush patients through appointments. He wants you to feel comfortable discussing everything related to your condition and treatment. At the end of your conversation, Dr. Bonillas will develop a strategic plan for treatment. 

With Dr. Bonillas, you aren’t just meeting with an empathetic listener, but an expert who has completed extensive training to provide you with the highest quality of care.

He completed two post-doctoral fellowships in plastic surgery at highly respected institutions: Stanford University Medical Center and New York University Medical Center. After his fellowship training, he completed specialty training in plastic surgery in Galveston, Texas at the University of Texas’ Medical Branch. He has earned membership in many surgeon societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has made presentations at society conferences.

Thorough Preparation

After your initial consultation, a preoperative appointment will be scheduled with Scottsdale Plastics. You will be given complete, individualized instructions on how to prepare for your specific procedure. Be sure to make arrangements for the day of your surgery. You won’t be able to drive home, so please enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend. You should shower thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap before going in for surgery. Make sure you take any prescription medication as instructed. Wear loose-fitting clothing and please leave any jewelry at home.

What to Expect During the Procedure

1. Chest Markings – When you arrive, Dr. Bonillas will use a surgical marker to draw guidelines for surgery on your chest. These markings help ensure precise and accurate incisions.
2. Anesthesia – Next, you will be put under the appropriate anesthesia for the procedure. Usually, this procedure requires general anesthesia but in some cases, a local anesthetic with sedation may be used. With local anesthesia, there is less downtime and quicker recovery.
3. Incision Placement – Dr. Bonillas makes strategic incisions in subtle locations to minimize and hide any scarring. Surgeons usually place incisions around the areola or underneath the breast. 
4. Extraction – The problematic tissue, fat, glandular, and in some cases, excess skin will be removed using the appropriate techniques discussed during your consultation. Tissue removal will contribute to recontouring of the chest for a more masculine form. 
5. Closing Incisions – Dr. Bonillas employs both external and internal sutures to close the incisions. A small dressing will cover the incisions and drain tubes will be installed, if necessary.
6. Postoperative Recovery – After the incisions are closed, the patient will be moved to a postoperative recovery room where Dr. Bonillas and his team of medical professionals can monitor the immediate recovery. They will ensure the procedure went smoothly without any complications. Dr. Bonillas considers the safety of his patients paramount and will ensure nothing jeopardizes their health and wellbeing. 
7. Follow-ups – After surgery, Scottsdale Plastics will schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress and provide any additional care that you need.

Recovery

Make sure to follow any aftercare instructions provided by Scottsdale Plastics. You should expect some swelling and bruises for two weeks following the procedure. For the first few days, you should expect to use surgical drains. You may be instructed to wear a compression vest for the first few weeks, then for 12 hours a day for an additional month or two. Refrain from any upper body workouts for at least 4-6 weeks or as long as Dr. Bonillas recommends.  

Results

Gynecomastia surgery can produce profound and life-changing results. Surveys show an increase in quality of life as well as significant social benefits.^[3] Don’t let enlarged breasts deter you from living the life you want to live. Contact Dr. Bonillas and find out how gynecomastia treatment can help you.

FAQ

References 

1. Rosen, H., Webb, M. L., Divasta, A. D., Greene, A. K., Weldon, C. B., Kozakewich, H., . . . Labow, B. I. (2010). Adolescent Gynecomastia. Annals of Plastic Surgery, 1. doi:10.1097/sap.0b013e3181dba827
2. Blau M, Hazani R. (2015). Correction of gynecomastia in body builders and patients with good physique. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 135(2):425-432. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000000887
3. Kasielska-Trojan, Anna MD, PhD; Antoszewski, Bogusław MD, PhD. (2017) Gynecomastia Surgery—Impact on Life Quality. Annals of Plastic Surgery. March – Volume 78 – Issue 3 – p 264-268 doi: 10.1097/SAP.0000000000000860