Gynecomastia

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, TX

Gynecomastia is a condition where enlarged male breast tissue becomes prevalent. This condition can affect men of all ages, but it primarily develops during hormonal changes, like those that occur during adolescence or late adulthood. (1) While this condition is benign, it can cause personal discomfort or social embarrassment, and often persists regardless of diet or exercise. With gynecomastia treatment, you can restore masculinity and the natural definition of your chest.

Dr. Mark Hennessy is a cosmetic surgeon and specialist in liposuction at the Downsize Liposuction Center of Houston. He is a Diplomat of the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons and has amassed more than 35 years of experience. He performs thousands of liposuction procedures each year and continues to be one of the most sought-after specialists in Houston.

If you are interested in meeting with Dr. Hennessy to start discussing gynecomastia treatment, please schedule a consultation online. You may also call our Houston office directly at (832) 278-1147.

About Gynecomastia Treatments

Gynecomastia treatment surgically addresses excessively enlarged male breasts. Dr. Hennessy uses liposuction to remove fat from various areas of the breasts, resculpting the chest to a strong, defined masculine shape. He specifically performs power-assisted liposuction, which uses a motorized cannula to emulsify and aspirate fat, leaving the chest flatter. (2)

About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is relatively common, with the incidence increasing for men above the age of 65. Gynecomastia is primarily considered idiopathic (spontaneous without a singular known cause), but it is often linked to imbalances with testosterone and estrogen. (3) However, gynecomastia may also be impacted by factors such as obesity, medication use, lifestyle habits, and certain medical conditions. (1) Specialists often recommend surgery as a last resort gynecomastia treatment if lifestyle changes and hormone therapies do not yield significant results.

Benefits

Gynecomastia treatments are highly beneficial, offering advantages such as:

  • A More Masculine Appearance: The primary benefit of gynecomastia treatment is its ability to restore a flatter, smoother chest.
  • Minimally Invasive: Dr. Hennessy performs this procedure with advanced liposuction techniques—you will not need to worry about the side effects of general anesthesia or significant scarring.
  • Lasting Results: The results of this procedure are essentially permanent, as the fat cells cannot return after removal. Results may be affected by significant changes in weight.
  • Boosted Self-Esteem: Addressing enlarged male breasts can improve how you feel about yourself and your appearance. After treatment, many patients feel more confident taking their shirt off at the beach or pool.

Candidates for Gynecomastia Treatment

You may want to explore gynecomastia treatment if you have been unable to reduce the excess tissue through lifestyle changes, such as:

  • Regularly exercising
  • Maintaining a healthy diet
  • Adjusting your medication regimen,
  • Undergoing hormone replacement therapy

To qualify for your procedure, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. You should be nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine for safety purposes. It is also important that you are at a maintainable weight and have good skin elasticity, as this will allow your skin to retract to its new contours. Dr. Hennessy will finalize your candidacy during your personal consultation, once he has met with you in person.

Personal Consultation

We ask that you attend a personal consultation before undergoing your gynecomastia treatment, as this meeting will ensure that we tailor your treatment plan to your unique concerns. During your consultation, Dr. Hennessy will meet with you to learn more about your medical history, understand your personal concerns, and discuss your ideal aesthetic. He will also perform a physical examination of your natural anatomy and breast composition.

Dr. Hennessy will use this information to determine the most appropriate approach for your treatment plan. He will thoroughly explain each step and answer any questions you may have, allowing you to leave this consultation with a clear understanding of what to expect.

To schedule this consultation and start transforming your chest, please submit our online contact form or call (832) 278-1147.

Preparation

After scheduling your procedure, Dr. Hennessy will let you know how you can best prepare. Steps may include:

  • Discontinue using any medications or supplements that contain blood-thinning or antiplatelet properties.
  • Ask a trusted friend or relative to transport you home after your procedure.
  • Prepare to take a step away from your responsibilities and commitments to focus on your recovery.
  • Pick up any medications you may need for your recovery.
  • Refrain from consuming any alcohol or nicotine well before your procedure, as both substances can increase the risk of complications.

Procedure

Upon your arrival at the office on the day of your appointment, a member of Dr. Hennessy’s team will lead you to a private suite where you will meet with Dr. Hennessy again.

Dr. Hennessy will confirm your treatment goals, and then team members will cleanse your skin and prepare the treatment area. Before beginning the liposuction process, Dr. Hennessy will administer a local anesthetic and tumescent fluid. This solution contains lidocaine and saline to further numb the treatment area, minimize bleeding, and swell your fat cells. This also makes the fat cells easier to remove, making treatment more efficient. Dr. Hennessy’s no-general-anesthesia approach is designed to enhance patient comfort and safety.

Through the same incision that Dr. Hennessy injected the tumescent fluid through, he will insert a small, power-assisted cannula to gently remove the local fat. He will oscillate the cannula back and forth throughout your chest to break down and remove the targeted fat. After sculpting a stronger-looking, more masculine chest, Dr. Hennessy will meticulously close the incisions.

Recovery

After your gynecomastia treatment, you will need to take some time away from your normal responsibilities to focus on healing. Throughout your initial recovery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or soreness around the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will subside on their own, but you may also manage them with a cold compress, medications prescribed by Dr. Hennessy, and plenty of rest. You may also be directed to wear a compression garment during this time, which is designed to minimize swelling and protect the shape of the treated area.

You will likely be able to return to light desk work after resting for several days. However, you should refrain from engaging in any physically demanding activities for at least one week, or until Dr. Hennessy lets you know it is okay to resume.

You will attend follow-up appointments so that Dr. Hennessy can monitor both your recovery progress and developing results.

Results of Gynecomastia treatment

You will be able to see improvements in your chest immediately after your procedure, but you can enjoy your refined results as soon as any residual swelling subsides. You can expect to experience a flatter and smoother chest, enhanced symmetry, and improved proportions—each of which can contribute to an overall greater sense of confidence and more masculine appearance. Because liposuction permanently removes fat cells from your chest, you can enjoy long-lasting improvements in your figure when you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits.

Cost of Gynecomastia Treatment in Houston, TX

Dr. Hennessy tailors each gynecomastia treatment to your anatomy and goals, which means the cost of your procedure will vary. Once he has met with you to plan your treatment, he will give you a comprehensive cost estimate. We additionally offer financing through our trusted, reputable partners.

To learn more about the cost of your procedure, please contact us online or call (832) 278-1147 to schedule a consultation.

FAQ

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is primarily idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is often not known. However, an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen contributes to this condition in many cases.

How much fat will Dr. Hennessy remove during my gynecomastia treatment?

The amount of fat Dr. Hennessy removes will vary depending on the extent of your condition, your natural anatomy, and your desired results. Once he has met with you in person, he will let you know what to expect.

How long will it take for me to recover after my gynecomastia treatment?

Your recovery timeline will vary, but you can generally expect to return to most of your daily activities after resting for approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to avoid engaging in any strenuous activities until Dr. Hennessy approves.

How long will the results of my gynecomastia treatment last?

You will be able to enjoy the results of your gynecomastia treatment for several years to come, especially when you maintain them with a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Will my gynecomastia return after undergoing this procedure?

Your gynecomastia may return later in life if you gain a significant amount of weight or continue experiencing hormonal changes.

References

  1. Vandeven HA, Pensler JM. Gynecomastia. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/
  2. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
  3. Polat S, Cuhaci N, Evranos B, Ersoy R, Cakir B. Gynecomastia: Clinical evaluation and management. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014;18(2):150. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.129104