Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Serving Baltimore, Columbia, Owings Mills, Towson, Nearby Maryland & Lower Pennsylvania
If you're looking for a discrete, trusted provider of surgery for gynecomastia in Baltimore, look no further. Dr. Adam Basner is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in this procedure.
Many men are embarrassed by the development of excess breast tissue. According to some estimates, this condition, called gynecomastia, affects at least 30% of men at some point in life.
Thankfully, there is a way to restore your confidence in your body. Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction, reduces breast size for a flatter, firmer, and more masculine chest. It's a common procedure, with over 18,000 reductions performed annually.
What is Gynecomastia?
When you visit our Baltimore gynecomastia surgery office, Dr. Basner will answer all your questions. He'll explain that gynecomastia is a very common condition that results in swollen or overdeveloped breast tissue in men. It is typically not a serious medical concern, but it can cause significant emotional distress, especially if it does not go away on its own. One of the most frustrating things about this condition is that it can affect you even if you eat well and exercise, preventing you from achieving your fitness goals.
Gynecomastia often presents the following signs and symptoms:
- Excess breast fat and skin
- Overdeveloped glandular tissue which may feel firm under the nipple
- Low nipple position and enlarged areolas due to breast development
High or imbalanced male estrogen levels are often responsible for gynecomastia. Baltimore surgeon Dr. Basner explains that these hormonal changes may be natural — especially during puberty — or the result of certain medications, drugs, health conditions, or alcohol. It is essential to see your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your gynecomastia.
Candidates for Male Breast Reduction in Baltimore
If you're considering male breast reduction surgery in Baltimore, you may be an ideal candidate if:
- You are physically healthy
- You are at a relatively normal weight
- Your breasts have stopped developing
- Your condition cannot be corrected through alternative treatments
- You have realistic expectations
You may feel embarrassed by your chest, perhaps even to the point of avoiding situations in which you have to remove your shirt. It may even be difficult for you to conceal the condition beneath your clothes. These are signs that you should visit our Baltimore male breast reduction surgery office.
Restoring a Masculine Chest with Gynecomastia Surgery
At our Baltimore gynecomastia surgery practice, Dr. Basner can remove unwanted male breast tissue to give you the flatter chest you want. Typically, your chest can be sculpted and reshaped through a small bilateral or unilateral incision on each side of your chest. In less typical cases, an incision across the chest needs to be made. Sometimes, a small incision is made under the nipple.
There are some different ways this procedure can be performed:
- Liposuction technique: If you have extra fat in your chest but not a lot of extra skin, Dr. Basner may use liposuction, which removes fat cells to flatten out the chest area.
- Excision technique: If you have excess, sagging skin that is also lending to the appearance of male breasts, Dr. Basner may use an "excision" technique to remove the extra skin, fat, and glandular tissue.
- Combination technique: In most cases, Dr. Basner recommends a combined approach. Many of our gynecomastia patients have both excess fat and glandular tissue, so Dr. Basner will use liposuction along with techniques to surgically remove the extra tissue. Typically, the incisions are virtually unnoticeable once they heal.
What to Expect During Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation
During your consultation at our gynecomastia surgery office in Baltimore, Dr. Basner will ask a variety of questions concerning your:
- Health history
- Current medications, supplements, and vitamins
- Alcohol and recreational drug use
- Goals and expectations for the procedure
He may take photographs and measurements and examine your chest. This is also your chance to ask questions and get the answers you need about gynecomastia surgery and recovery.
Preparing for Male Breast Reduction Surgery
You should stop smoking before your male breast reduction surgery since smoking inhibits the healing process. You also should follow Dr. Basner's recommendations about any medication adjustments that are required. Make sure you have someone to drive you home after the surgery and to help around the house as you heal.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
After your gynecomastia surgery, you may want to take some time off work. Dr. Basner will make an individualized recommendation at your consultation. You must also limit your physical activity for two to four weeks while your chest heals. Our staff will provide detailed guidelines for when you can begin incorporating intensive activities like heavy lifting, running and swimming.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery Risks
Male breast reduction surgery in Baltimore is generally safe, but some risks are present. They may include complications like:
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Poor wound healing
- Reactions to medications or materials like tape or sutures
There's also the possibility that patients may experience changes in breast or nipple sensation after their surgery. Carefully following Dr. Basner's instructions throughout your recovery will decrease the likelihood of complications.
The Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Once you fully recover from gynecomastia surgery, you'll experience several benefits, such as:
- Improved physical appearance: The main benefit of this surgery is the removal of excess breast tissue, resulting in a flatter, firmer, and more contoured chest.
- Enhanced self-esteem: Many men report feeling more confident and less self-conscious after undergoing the procedure.
- Expanded wardrobe choices: Post-surgery, many men find they can wear tighter shirts or go shirtless without feeling self-conscious.
Gynecomastia Surgery Cost
Gynecomastia surgery costs can vary depending on whether liposuction, excision, or both techniques are performed. Other factors may influence the final gynecomastia cost as well. Call us today to schedule a consultation, where you will receive a customized quote for the procedure. Our staff also can help you explore financing and payment options.
Beyond Gynecomastia Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery is just one example of the male plastic surgery Dr. Basner performs. Our male patients opt for a wide array of procedures, ranging from liposuction and tummy tucks to facelifts and rhinoplasty.
Gynecomastia Surgery Baltimore Office Consultation
If you are a man who suffers from gynecomastia and wants to restore a firmer, more masculine chest, please contact The Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland at 410-593-3064 to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Basner. We proudly serve men in and around greater Baltimore, Towson, Owings Mills, and Columbia, as well as lower Pennsylvania.
Schedule My ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia Surgery
Dr. Basner is recognized as a Top Doctor by Baltimore Magazine and as one of the best plastic surgeons in America by Newsweek Magazine. He is uniquely situated to answer your questions about gynecomastia surgery in Baltimore. Read on for the information you want.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in Maryland?
The cost of gynecomastia surgery in Maryland varies based on a number of factors, such as the type of technique and anesthesia required.
Is Male Gynecomastia Covered by Insurance?
Medical insurance generally does not cover gynecomastia surgery. But financing and payment options are available to help you manage the cost.
Which Doctor Is Best for Gynecomastia?
A board-certified plastic surgeon is the best doctor to consult with concerning gynecomastia surgery.
Does Gynecomastia Surgery Last?
Gynecomastia surgery results are generally permanent, although excessive weight gain or other conditions may have some adverse effects.