Daniel Krochmal Center for Plastic Surgery

   Hinsdale, IL

     The Krochmal Center + MedSpa

   Chicago, IL

     By Appointment

312.847.1230

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chicago gynecomastia man boobs

Gynecomastia (Man Boobs)

What is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia (AKA “Man Boobs”) is a condition where men have extra breast tissue that can give them an unwanted feminine appearance to their chest.  This can be a source of embarrassment for them, as they may avoid taking off their shirt at the beach or around swimming pools, and can affect their desire for intimacy.  Actually, the majority of men have gynecomastia around puberty, but the majority of these men have resolution of their gynecomastia.  However, for many guys, this breast tissue can remain.  There are additional medical conditions (and even some medications/drugs) that can contribute to gynecomastia formation, but this is less common than the typical formation from hormones around puberty. The surgery to treat gynecomastia involves removal of the actual breast tissue beneath the areola.  Many patients also have some excess fat in the chest that can be contoured to create a more muscular appearance.  

How is Gynecomastia Surgery Done?

Traditionally, the surgery involved an incision at the areola boundary and direct removal of the breast tissue.  While the majority of plastic surgeons still use this approach, other surgeons prefer a minimally invasive approach which involves an incision away from the areola (Dr. Krochmal prefers the minimally invasive approach for gynecomastia).  Dr. Krochmal strongly believes in keeping the scars off of the chest (why trade one thing you don’t like for another?) so he prefers to make a tiny incision in the armpit crease so it’s well-hidden when healed.  He uses liposuction to remove the excess fat in the breast.  He then uses a special grasper to pull out the glandular breast tissue piece by piece.  As a final step, he performs high-definition liposuction again to give a masculine, muscular contour to the chest.  The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia for patient comfort and takes only 1.5 hours.

Who is a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

A good candidate for gynecomastia surgery is any guy who is concerned about the size and shape of their chest.  If you’re self-conscious and embarrassed to take off your shirt, or even to wear certain types of shirts because they just don’t flatter your appearance, then consider minimally invasive gynecomastia surgery. 

What is the Recovery for Gynecomastia Surgery?

The recovery isn’t bad at all.  You’ll be a bit sore for a few days, the discomfort is easily controlled with medications.  Most patients are out to dinner the following day, and driving after several days.  You can shower the next day, but no soaking in water, heavy lifting, or strenuous activity for 1 month to allow for the tissue on the inside to heal properly.  With the minimally invasive gynecomastia technique, it’s very common to have drains in for 3-5 days to remove any oozing and swelling, and these are easily removed in the clinic.  You’ll also have a compression vest to wear to minimize swelling for a couple weeks, and then most guys transition to a very tight shirt (Under Armour, for instance) for 2-4 weeks after that. 

What About the Skin?

Excess skin is a big concern after the procedure for most guys, but that actually isn’t typically an issue!  The majority of patients for gynecomastia are younger, and have thicker, healthier skin that contracts down very well.  If, for some reason, you do have loose skin after the minimally invasive gynecomastia surgery, you can always perform a simple skin removal procedure at a later time to improve the shape even more (but again, this doesn’t happen often). 

Who is the Best Gynecomastia Surgeon in Chicago?

There is no “best” surgeon for any procedure. But, there are some qualifications and credentials that improve the chance that you will achieve your desired result safely.  Make sure your surgeon is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  Make sure they operate in a fully accredited facility.  If the procedure is not being done in a hospital, make sure they have privileges at a local hospital to do the procedure you are getting done.  Make sure they have completed an accredited residency or fellowship program.  Read their reviews to get a sense of what other patients have experienced.  Check out their before/after pictures to get a sense of their technical and artistic style, and see if they operate on patients that appear similar to you. And most importantly, schedule a consultation with that doctor to see if they are a good “fit” for you.  Every doctor has his or her own personality and approach to patient care, so you will want to see if you like that particular approach.  Do they inspire confidence and trust?  Are they calming and reassuring?  Do they take the time to answer your questions?  Do they discuss alternative approaches and say why those approaches may or may not work?  Do they seem like they will continue to care for you after the procedure? There is no “best Gynecomastia surgeon”, but there is a “best” surgeon for you.  You just may need to consult with several to find the right one.  Hopefully Dr. Krochmal is on your “short list” of Chicago and Oak Brook plastic surgeons to interview.  We’re happy to help Shape Your Future!

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