Most gynecomastia is idiopathic, meaning that no cause for the condition can be isolated. Enlarged male breast tissue typically starts early in life and persists. Most men do not get treatment until later in life when they are financially independent, as the majority of insurance plans do not cover male breast reduction.
All men have glandular tissue, which is supposed to involute (gland cell death and tissue remodeling). In gynecomastia, this male glandular tissue persists and even grows. Ultrasounds to confirm the presence of glandular tissue as well as some hormonal tests may be necessary, but in many cases, a clinical diagnosis involving palpation and history is sufficient.
In cases where the condition has not changed for years, and the treatment is for cosmetic and confidence concerns, a medical workup may not be necessary. There are two forms of gynecomastia affecting the appearance of male breasts:
Gynecomastia may be caused by hormonal imbalances, including natural hormone changes, medications, prescription drugs, recreational drugs, and alcohol.
For moderate to severe cases of gynecomastia, Dr. Khalifeh favors a combination of liposuction combined with direct excision of the glandular tissue via a crescent-shaped incision for direct access to raise the skin uniformly, separating it from the glandular tissue to visualize the pectoralis muscle, and remove the glandular tissue. We offer both procedures under anesthesia and performed while you are awake under local anesthesia (numbing medication). Dr. Khalifeh does the majority of the cases under local anesthesia with mild oral sedation. The procedure takes typically around three to four hours to perform.
Dr. Khalifeh is one of the leading national providers of body contouring with Smartlipo, or laser-assisted liposuction. For men with an excess of fat, Smartlipo may be performed to produce a structured, masculine look to the upper chest. Other men may require both Smartlipo along with surgical excision of glandular tissue.
For the majority of cases, the pricing will range between $6500-$8500 when done under local anesthesia in the office.
Many gynecomastia patients have been embarrassed about having larger breasts. Gynecomastia surgery is very rewarding to perform, as the procedure leaves men feeling far more confident, even shirtless. We have treated many men that finally sought treatment when they felt that the condition was inhibiting their self-confidence. Men often delay treatment because they aren’t used to thinking about getting “cosmetic surgery,” but male breast reduction is a simple procedure that can be life-changing.
For cases when the majority of pinchable chest tissue consists of fat, we may be able to perform a full treatment using laser liposuction alone. Laser liposuction is only effective in mild cases, and we recommend it only in select instances in which Dr. Khalifeh believes it will accomplish the needed results.
For moderate to severe cases of gynecomastia, Dr. Khalifeh favors a combination of liposuction combined with direct removal of the glandular tissue via a small incision and surgical removal. Both the liposuction and tissue removal can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia (numbing medication) based on patient preference and an evaluation of your condition. Most patients prefer local anesthesia with mild oral sedation. The entire procedure can take anywhere from three to four hours to complete.
Following a male breast reduction procedure in Washington DC, you will have a flatter, firmer chest. During a male breast reduction procedure, Dr. Khalifeh removes the excess breast tissue and sculpts your remaining tissue, creating a more masculine appearance.
You should consider male breast reduction if you:
Before undergoing gynecomastia treatment, you will have an in-depth consultation with Dr. Khalifeh to ensure the procedure is right for you. You will need to provide him with your entire medical history and be candid about your lifestyle choices, as Dr. Khalifeh may be able to identify a possible cause for your excessive breast tissue.
Medications that can cause gynecomastia include anabolic steroids and estrogen. Lifestyle choices such as smoking marijuana and excessive alcohol consumption can also cause gynecomastia. If Dr. Khalifeh determines that one of your existing medical conditions, medications, or lifestyle choices is causing your gynecomastia, he may recommend a lifestyle change before undergoing male breast reduction surgery.
Following your gynecomastia treatment at our office, you may experience:
Following your gynecomastia treatment, you can expect mild swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness in your chest. These effects usually subside within a week, though numbness can last up to six months.
You can expect to resume your usual activities within two to three days after surgery, and you will likely be able to return to exercise within two weeks.
Dr. Khalifeh will give you a compression garment to wear following your surgery, to be worn from one to two weeks after surgery. This garment supports your chest tissue while it heals and helps your skin adjust to the new contours of your chest.
Dr. Khalifeh is widely considered one of the most talented and skilled gynecomastia surgeons in the Washington DC area and surrounding states. His roster of clients includes professional athletes, socialites, politicians, celebrities, and other public figures who want to look their very best while maintaining discretion. And that’s precisely why you should choose Dr. Khalifeh for your gynecomastia treatment—he provides personalized treatments that look completely natural, betraying no signs of cosmetic work.
Dr. Khalifeh has an exceptional track record and training background, having graduated from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Plastic Surgery Program. He has also won numerous awards and laurels for his contributions to plastic surgery, such as the Top Spear Award and Alpha Omega Alpha distinctions at Vanderbilt University. Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Khalifeh to discuss your gynecomastia treatment options today.
If you wish to learn more, contact us today at (301) 244-0148 to schedule your consultation for arguably the best treatment for gynecomastia. We have offices in Columbia, MD, McLean, VA.
When excess glandular tissue is surgically removed, it requires incisions. The incisions are carefully placed so the surgical scars, once healed, are almost invisible.
We recommend waiting until you are at least 18 years old, and the hormonal changes of puberty have ended, though in some cases it may make sense to undergo this procedure at a younger age.
Because gynecomastia treatment is considered cosmetic, most health insurance policies will not cover it.
Great doctor. I have no complaints about my entire experience from consult to surgery to follow ups. Very friendly and welcoming staff. I had gynecomastia, whic...
Dr. Khalifeh and his staff were wonderful to work with throughout the gynecomastia surgery process and the results, even years later, have held up really well. ...
Great doctor. I have no complaints about my entire experience from consult to surgery to follow ups. Very friendly and welcoming staff. I had gynecomastia, whic...
Dr. Khalifeh and his staff were wonderful to work with throughout the gynecomastia surgery process and the results, even years later, have held up really well. ...
Great doctor. I have no complaints about my entire experience from consult to surgery to follow ups. Very friendly and welcoming staff. I had gynecomastia, whic...
