Gynecomastia is the technical medical term that describes a condition in which a man's chest looks flaccid or drooping, and, in some cases, has a feminine appearance. The problem is usually caused by a combination of excessive skin, fat, and glandular tissue. Although rarely discussed, it's actually quite common, affecting an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men at one time or another. Some cases can be traced to endocrine imbalances or drug side effects, but in the majority of cases a cause is unknown.

Many men with this condition find it extremely embarrassing to remove their shirts. For those who feel self-conscious about their appearance, surgery can help. Gynecomastia surgery can remove fat and glandular tissue from the chest and, in extreme cases excess skin, depending on what is required to result in a more natural and masculine appearance.

Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it may not change your looks to match your ideal. The best candidates for surgery are of relatively normal weight and healthy. The best candidates to correct gynecomastia are healthy men of relatively normal weight with firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink alcoholic beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia.

While this web site can give you some basic information about gynecomastia surgery, you are invited to contact Dr. Bartell's office for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the procedure in more detail, view many pre- and post-operative examples, and address your particular needs.

Potential Surgical Risks and Problems

Thousands of gynecomastia surgeries are performed successfully every year. While most operations go very smoothly, and complications are extremely unusual, all patients considering gynecomastia surgery should be fully informed of the risks prior to surgery. Dr. Bartell would be happy to discuss any concern you may have concerning gynecomastia surgery.

Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be removed surgically), contour irregularities, infection, and a reaction to the anesthetic. The scars are a little red initially, but are small, well-hidden and should fade with time. One of the temporary effects of gynecomastia corrective surgery include loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.

While the vast majority of patients experience no complications, feel free to discuss each of them with Dr. Bartell to make sure you understand the risks and consequences of gynecomastia surgery. You can decrease your risk of any complications by consulting a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who performs this type of surgery on a regular basis, like Dr. Bartell.

Planning Your Surgery

There is no charge nor obligation for consultations for gynecomastia. At your initial consultation, Dr. Bartell will listen to your concerns, describe the procedure, and show you numerous "before" and "after" photographs of previous patients. You will receive a firm price quote for the procedure which includes the fees for the surgery and anesthesia. Once the decision to undergo surgery has been made, Dr. Bartell will meet with you to perform a history and physical examination. Be sure to inform Dr. Bartell if you have any allergies; if you're taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and if you smoke. He will also give you prescriptions for any medications you may need for before and after the surgery. You will receive a printed set of pre- and post-operative instructions which will answer most of your questions regarding what you should do prior to your surgery date, what to have on hand at home for after your procedure, and what to do on the day of your surgery. Dr. Bartell will review these instructions with you but it is important to read these instructions carefully on your own and keep them accessible for easy reference.

The Surgery

Dr. Bartell performs gynecomastia surgeries in his private surgery suite contained within his Westside medical offices. Working with him in the operating room is his top-notch support team of surgical specialists. Many patients don't realize that when surgical procedures are performed in hospitals, the surgeon is assigned members of his/her support team for each surgery by the hospital. Surgeons never know with whom they'll be working until the day of the operation. Because Dr. Bartell is an independent practitioner utilizing his own in-house surgical facility, he can hand-pick his surgical support group from among the large local pool of medical professionals. Consistently using the same core group of exceptional surgical specialists provides Dr. Bartell maximum operational control and efficacy, while assuring his surgical patients a consistent level of superior care and technical expertise.

The gynecomastia procedure is performed using a general anesthetic, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. Surgery usually lasts between one and two hours. Dr. Bartell often begins the procedure with some liposuction. Once you're asleep, Dr. Bartell makes a few small incisions where the scars won't be seen. Fluid is introduced into the areas to be treated. This is done to decrease any bleeding and to aid in the sculpting of the fat. Next, Dr. Bartell uses a variety of cannulas (hollow tube instruments) to vacuum the fat layers under the skin. Then, glandular tissue is removed through a small incision made at the border of the areolas. If excessive skin exists, this is removed as well. Afterwards, the incisions are closed with sutures, and an elastic compression garment is placed. This will help the swelling resolve as quickly as possible. Most patients spend a short time in the recovery area and go home after only a few hours. You will need to arrange a ride home from the surgery center, and make sure you have someone stay with, or watch over you at home for at least 24 hours after completion of the procedure.

After Surgery

After your surgery, you will feel some discomfort for a few days which can easily be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Bartell. You'll also be swollen and bruised for a while and will need to wear a compression garment as much as possible for about three weeks. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.

In the meanwhile, you'll be encouraged to begin walking around on the day of the surgery, and can return to work when you feel well enough, which could be as early as a day or two after the surgery. Any stitches will generally be removed about one week following the procedure.

You'll be advised to avoid any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least three weeks. In general, it will take about a month before you're back to all of your normal activities. You should also avoid exposing the resulting scars to the sun for at least six months. Sunlight can permanently affect your skin's pigmentation, causing the scar to turn dark. If sun exposure is unavoidable, use a strong sunblock.

Most patients are extremely pleased with their decision to undergo surgery. Your decision to have gynecomastia surgery is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If the procedure results meet your pre-operative goals, then your surgery is truly a success.

For More Information

If you would like more information about Dr. Bartell or any cosmetic surgical procedure or to make an appointment, you may contact us by mail, phone, fax or E-mail:

By mail: 6418 Normandy Lane, Suite 210 Madison, WI 53719

By phone: 608-271-0500

By fax: 608-271-0502

By E-mail: bartell@execpc.com

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