How Gynecomastia Before and After Photos Show a Surgeon’s Skill

Most surgeons take before and after pictures of their patients. Board-certified plastic surgeons receive special training in photography due to the importance of this documentation which assists them in surgical planning. Beyond surgical planning, photographs are a useful tool for surgeons to show prospective patients the quality of their work. Many patients appreciate being able to see their before pictures to compare them to their surgical results.

For a man with gynecomastia, also known as “man boobs”, searching for a gynecomastia specialist can be daunting. There are many aspects for the man to consider, including the following.

Seek Out a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

First, you need to be sure the surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery. This is because, along with years of extensive education, plastic surgeons who are board-certified have not only met demanding requirements to sit for their boards, but they have also passed a written 2-day oral exam. This ensures that they fully understand how to safely and effectively achieve multiple reconstructive and cosmetic challenges. 

Finding a board-certified plastic surgeon who also specializes in gynecomastia procedures is an extra bonus, as this surgeon will have ample experience with correcting enlarged male breasts specifically.

Learn About the Location of the Surgery

Second, you should check out where the surgery is to be performed (hospital or surgical center) and find out if it is accredited. If it is an accredited surgery center, you should ask for a tour and note if it is organized and clean. 

Ask Questions During A Consultation 

During a consultation, the gynecomastia patient needs to ask many questions. First, find out how many male breast reduction surgeries are performed by the surgeon each year. Ask the surgeon what method of surgery he or she plans to use. Unless the man has “pseudo-gynecomastia” (only fat and no excess breast tissue), the combination of liposuction and surgical excision is necessary. Liposuction alone will leave breast tissue behind, necessitating a secondary surgery to remove the breast tissue. To remember all your questions, it is advised to bring a list.

View Before and After Photos

Possibly one of the most important aspects to help a man determine the expertise of the gynecomastia surgeon is in the viewing of the surgeon’s before and after surgery pictures of actual patients.

In viewing the before and after pictures, there are a few things to note that will help determine the accuracy of what you are looking at. There should be different angles taken of each patient; front view, oblique, and side view. Almost anything can be made to look good from just one angle. The background should be consistent, a blank wall or a black drape works well. The person needs to be placed in the frame in the same position, with arms down at their sides, both before and after surgery. In addition, color saturation and lighting need to be the same or as close as possible, for easier comparison. All of these factors play a role in the presentation of clear and informative photos of the surgeon’s work. 

Schedule a Consultation 

Bearing all these things in mind, it is understandable how difficult it can be for a man to choose the best top plastic cosmetic gynecomastia surgeon he can find. The effort will be well worth it, to be able to avoid revision surgery. The single most common cause for the need for a secondary surgery is when the initial surgeon mistakenly thinks that liposuction alone will remove the male breasts of a man with “true gynecomastia”. As mentioned earlier, liposuction will work for the man who has “pseudo-gynecomastia” which is caused by fat alone.

If you are considering gynecomastia surgery to reduce male breast enlargement, contact Dr. Delgado in Novato or San Francisco today. As a board-certified surgeon with years of experience performing gynecomastia surgery and gynecomastia revision surgery, you can trust that you are in good hands.

Gynecomastia FAQs

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that causes enlarged breasts in males due to hormonal imbalances. This condition can affect one or both breasts and take a negative toll on a male’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Surgical intervention is often required to treat gynecomastia for long-term results. During gynecomastia surgery, excess glandular tissue and excess fat and skin are removed from the chest to achieve a more masculine chest contour.

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is most commonly caused by hormonal imbalances in the hormones testosterone and estrogen, but can also be caused by the use of certain illegal drugs, anabolic steroids, and certain medications.

What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?

Symptoms of gynecomastia may include enlarged breasts, breast tenderness, breast swelling, and a breast bud that is felt under the nipple. These symptoms can affect teens during puberty and older men and often cause them to feel self-conscious regarding their appearance. 

How do I know if male breast reduction is right for me?

Men who are experiencing enlarged male breasts due to gynecomastia and feel that their condition is taking a negative toll on their lives can often benefit from gynecomastia surgery. The best way to determine if this procedure is right for you is through a consultation appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in male breast reduction.

What is psuedo-gynecomastia?

Psuedo-gynecomastia occurs when enlarged breasts are caused mainly by fatty tissue rather than glandular tissue. This usually occurs in men who are overweight. Many men with this condition can often correct their “man boobs” through weight loss.