Stages of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the medical name for the appearance of larger breasts on male chests. Derived from Latin and Greek, gynecomastia literally means “female breasts” and the condition is often both embarrassing and emasculating. Fortunately, if you suffer from gynecomastia, male breast reduction can be used to eliminate excess fat and tissue, restoring a firm, toned, and masculine look to the chest.

What are the Stages of Gynecomastia?

There are four grades of gynecomastia. These are:

• Grade I – Minimal enlargement without excess skin
• Grade IIa – Moderate enlargement without excess skin
• Grade IIb – Moderate enlargement with excess skin
• Grade III – Marked enlargement with excess skin

Not each stage of gynecomastia will demand surgical intervention – and those that do are not always served by the same procedure. For example, men experiencing Grade I gynecomastia may find success through enhanced exercise and a sensible diet, both of which may improve conditions in men with Grade IIa gynecomastia as well. However, Grade IIa can also be addressed with liposuction in cases where fat fails to respond to diet and exercise.

Liposuction may not encourage enough skin tightening for Grades IIb and III. In these cases, tissue and skin excision may be necessary for a complete restoration of form. This is entirely dependent on factors unique to your body and desires and can be discussed in greater detail during your time in our care.

Is Male Breast Reduction Permanent?

Male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia is permanent. Once removed, fat cannot grow back. New accumulations, however, can amass if proper care isn’t taken.

To maintain your gynecomastia surgery results, you will need to commit to a healthy diet and active lifestyle. This needn’t be prohibitive or extreme, but it does need to be consistent. If you have difficulties establishing healthy habits on your own, it can be helpful to work with a nutritionist and personal trainer following your recovery. We can talk more about this as the time nears.

Contact Us to Learn More

Please call Advanced Cosmetic Surgery at 913-341-2188 to schedule a consultation today. Dr. Levi Young is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Kansas City, Leawood, and all surrounding areas of Kansas and Missouri.