Frequently Asked Questions

• What exactly is gynecomastia and how do I know if I have it?
• Can I determine if I have gynecomastia simply by feeling my chest?
• Can I treat my gynecomastia with diet and exercise?
• At what age can surgery be done? Can a youngster or a teenager qualify for surgery? Is there an upper age limit for surgery?
• Are there any other methods of treatment of gynecomastia?
• Do I have an increased risk of cancer if I have gynecomastia?
• What should I know about male breast cancer?
• Is gynecomastia more common in any particular race or ethnic group?
• I have only one enlarged breast — what can be done?
• Is there a relationship between gynecomastia and drugs or medications?
• Is a complete hormonal workup by an endocrinologist required prior to surgery?
• I have an underlying medical condition (HIV positive, prostate cancer, heart disease, etc.). Can surgery for gynecomastia still be done?
• What are “bitch tits” in body builders?
• I am taking Propecia (Finasteride) to prevent hair loss. What are the implications of this?
• Does insurance cover the cost of gynecomastia surgery?
• What do the scars look like after surgery?
• What are drains and when are they used?
• What are the most common complications after gynecomastia surgery?
• If surgery is performed, will the results be permanent? What if I gain weight after the surgery?
• Can liposuction be performed on other areas of the body (for example, abdomen or love handles) at the same time as the gynecomastia surgery?
• I have very large areolas — what can be done to reduce the size?
• What can be done for “puffy nipples?
• What can be done for very large, female-type nipples (not the areolas)?
• I have very long, narrow, pendulous breasts. What can be done for this?
• What can be done for scarred nipples after nipple rings have been removed?
• Why do I have post-operative diminished feeling of the skin and nipples?
• Why is it necessary to wear a compression garment after surgery?
• Will my chest be symmetric after surgery?
• When should I massage my chest after surgery?
• What is done with the tissue removed during surgery?
• When can I return to my usual exercise routine after gynecomastia surgery?
• What will happen to my chest if I lose weight after surgery?
• Will the presence of chest acne affect my eligibility for gynecomastia surgery?
• What is skin elasticity and why is it so important in consideration for gynecomastia surgery?
• Am I more prone to develop gynecomastia if I am overweight?
• How will I view myself after gynecomastia surgery?
• I have had prior surgery for gynecomastia by another surgeon and I am not pleased with the results. Can anything be done?
• What is a prolactinoma?
• Should I lose weight in preparation for surgery?
• I am a vegetarian – am I still eligible for gynecomastia surgery?
• Should I work out and build up my chest muscles prior to surgery?
• How does smoking affect gynecomastia surgery?
• I have gynecomastia but am afraid of surgery. What can I do?
• What exactly is gynecomastia and how do I know if I have it?
• Can I determine if I have gynecomastia simply by feeling my chest?
• Can I treat my gynecomastia with diet and exercise?
• At what age can surgery be done? Can a youngster or a teenager qualify for surgery? Is there an upper age limit for surgery?
• Are there any other methods of treatment of gynecomastia?
• Do I have an increased risk of cancer if I have gynecomastia?