Gynecomastia is a medical condition of the body that causes the development of man boobs and puffy nipples on a male. Usually, gynecomastia occurs in older adult men because of an imbalance in hormone levels. But it can also occur in male babies and teenagers.

While gynecomastia doesn't usually cause any serious health risks, it is often highly embarrassing, especially whenever a man has to be in a situation where his shirt has to be off. Other men and women who see the gynecomastia, sometimes referred to as moobs, may laugh or make jokes about the condition, which can end up badly damaging one's self-esteem. As a result, many men turn to gynecomastia surgery. Surgery for gynecomastia has a lot of serious risks associated with. Because of this, it is important that anyone who is considering the procedure do their own due diligence before moving forward. We believe the following information is a good place to start:

Who Are the Best Candidates for Surgery?

Because of the risks associated with male breast reduction surgery, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure. Surgery isn't safe for those who have blood clots because they could break off and end up causing a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Men with high blood pressure or medical conditions that make it difficult to heal should avoid surgery since recovering from surgery may be difficult. Age is another concern because the condition often resolves itself in young men who have an enlarged chest because they are still going through puberty. Doctors may advise young adults to wait until they are older to have surgery .

Average Cost of Gynecomastia Surgery

Male breast reduction surgery can cost over $7,500. The price can increase if both breasts are affected. The cost is sometimes less if a man only needs one area of his male breast tissue removed. It can increase further if part of the nipples have to be removed. One of the common methods that some medical facilities use to flatten chest tissue in men is liposuction, which is different than the traditional surgery for gynecomastia. The cost is about $2,500 for only liposuction. It is important to mention that liposuction doesn't help improve the appearance of puffy nipples. Liposuction focuses solely on removing the fatty deposits. Liposuction is done via suction through small incisions made in the skin.

There are also additional costs associated with anesthesia.

Does Medical Insurance Cover the Cost of Surgery?

Insurance coverage for gynecomastia surgery is sometimes available if the insurance company deems gynecomastia surgery to be medically necessary. An insurance company will likely approve the surgery if gynecomastia is caused by breast cancer or some type of tumor. It is unlikely that most insurance companies will pay for surgery to be done for purely cosmetic purposes.

Most patients are forced to cover the costs of gynecomastia treatment. It is also important to mention that it takes a few weeks to heal from the surgery, which means that not all men will be able to return to work right away. To help cover this recovery period, it helps to have extra funds set aside to pay for food, housing costs, car payments, and other expenses.

What Are the Risks and Safety Issues of Gynecomastia Surgery?

In order to flatten chest tissue in a man, a surgeon has to make wide incisions directly underneath both of the nipples. The extra fat that has developed in the regions is the cut and pulled out. Sutures hold the flaps of skin together. This allows the wounds to heal. There are many nerves and blood vessels in the chest region. serious side effects can occur if the procedure isn't done correctly. Uncontrollable bleeding is the most common, especially if a man forgets to mention to the surgeon that he is taking any type of blood thinners. Blood clots, bruising, swelling, and pain are also possible.

Since a man has to undergo general anesthesia for gynecomastia treatment, he may experience health issues from it, such as a dangerous drop in his blood pressure. There are important cosmetic considerations as well. For example, some men may notice that their chest is asymmetrical after surgery. This might mean that they may have one flat side while the other one is noticeably larger. Surgery can result in the nipples looking much different too. Lastly, it is common for men who undergo this surgery to experience a loss of sensation in their chest region. Usually, it is temporary. If nerves are damaged during the procedure there is a chance that it could become permanent.

Can Gynecomastia Return After the Surgery?

Gynecomastia recurrence is more common than most people think. Of course, this usually happens if a man does not have his hormonal imbalance corrected. The extra estrogen that is responsible for the development of this condition will cause fat deposits to build up in the region again. The same thing can happen if a man gains too much weight.

Are There Any Alternatives to Surgery for Gynecomastia?

Luckily, men who want to hide gynecomastia have some safer options, such as wearing a compression shirt by Confidence Bodywear. Compression shirts help to conceal gynecomastia. They are made out of a breathable fabric that is form-fitting and very comfortable to wear. They have recently become more common for athlete and bodybuilders.

To reduce the appearance of puffy nipples, one solution is wearing Areola Covers by Confidence Bodywear. They are made with medical-grade adhesive and polyethylene. And go on easily and discreetly to instantly flatten the nipple area and provide a more natural look. The materials are hypoallergenic and breathable and form to your chest and your movements.

If you have any further questions about surgery for gynecomastia, you should consult a physician and/or surgeon who specializes in it.