FAQs Gynecomastia Sacramento, CA

Dr. Delgado answers the most popular FAQs. He is a top-rated board certified plastic surgeon, with offices throughout California, including San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, and Los Angeles. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery.

1. Is male breast growth (gynecomastia) a dangerous medical condition?

No, gynecomastia is not an indication of a serious illness, nor is it a life threatening condition. Although the tissue growth is benign, it can be disconcerting. Gynecomastia can have a serious psychological effect on those who live with enlarged male breasts. Many individuals consider “man boob surgery” in Sacramento to address the problem.

2. Can gynecomastia be treated with medication?

When researching treatments, it is easy to find products that promise to reduce male breasts. Unfortunately, the efficacy of over-the-counter medications and creams is not well established. These products should be viewed with skepticism. Surgery is the only proven way to treat the condition.

3. Will a fat removal procedure correct gynecomastia?

While a fat removal procedure can address cases where stubborn fat is responsible for prominent male breasts (pseudo-gynecomastia), such a procedure cannot address the cause of true gynecomastia: excess breast gland tissue. Surgical excision of the gland tissue is the only way to correct the concern. An gynecomastia expert can determine whether liposuction or another fat reduction procedures can improve the appearance of the chest, or whether surgery is the best option.

4. How much breast tissue is removed during a male breast reduction procedure?

During a male breast reduction surgery, enough of the gland is removed to reduce the size the breast and achieve a well proportioned chest. In most cases the entire breast gland is not removed. This is because too great of an excision can lead to an irregular shape, a complication that can be very challenging to correct.

5. What is the recovery period like after a male breast reduction surgery?

The recovery experience will vary from individual to individual, but most patients do not report serious pain after the procedure unless there has been a complication. To help minimize complications and promote healing, plastic drains are inserted to help prevent fluid from accumulating. Tenderness and bruising is normal, particularly where the drains have been placed. These drains are left in place for a few days after surgery.

6. When can I return to work?

Most patients can drive a car and return to work by the end of the first week. If the work involves physical labor, the patient should allow two weeks for healing before returning to work. Exercise can start about the fourth week. The compression vest should be worn for six weeks, though it is easily concealed by clothing.

7. Does Dr. Delgado’s perform breast reduction surgery for out-of-town patients?

Yes, Dr. Delgado regularly sees patients from all over the globe, including Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. To facilitate a pleasant experience, he has established a special protocol for patients traveling to Sacramento for their surgery. The process starts with a Skype consultation, during which Dr. Delgado will discuss the procedure. Pre-procedure planning and any necessary lab tests will be done before the patient travels to Sacramento. The patient should plan to stay near Dr. Delgado’s office for about 5 days after the procedure. His office will gladly assist with recommendations for accommodation and local transportation.

8. What is the cost of a male breast reduction surgery with Dr. Delgado?

A male breast reduction surgery costs about $8,000-$15,000 in total. This estimate includes all medical fees, including those for the surgical facility in Marin County and a board-certified anesthesiologist.

9 . Is a male breast reduction surgery covered by insurance?

In most cases, no. A male breast reduction surgery is typically considered a cosmetic procedure, unless the gynecomastia is associated with an identified medical condition.