Cosmetic And Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Book your Consultation

Gynecomastia Surgery in Toronto

Gynecomastia Treatment

What is Gynecomastia surgery?

This is surgery for men who have excess skin, fat, or glandular breast tissue. The most challenging aspect of this surgery is the presence of excess skin, as avoidance of a long scar from skin excision is often a priority.

Who is a good candidate?

We often see 14 – 16-year-old boys with true (glandular) gynecomastia. Most often this problem resolves over one to two years once the hormonal transition of puberty is complete. Occasionally we will be asked to assess a boy who is psychologically and socially handicapped by their gynecomastia, and with the endorsement of a pediatrician we will offer surgery.

We see many men with gynecomastia secondary to use of anabolic steroids. We would not want to offer surgery to someone who remains on steroids, as they are more likely to have surgical complications from bleeding, they are likely to form further gland if they continue supplements, and it is difficult to predict the changes in breast development that will occur with discontinuation of the drug.

Pseudo-gynecomastia describes breast enlargement from fat excess. If you are somewhat over-weight, or previously were over-weight, excess skin and fat will be present. Special techniques are necessary to correct problematic gland, fat and skin excess.

Consultation essentials

It is important to bring your complete medical and surgical history to the consultation, especially drug history and any history of urology or endocrinology consultations. We will need to be sure you do not have an underlying hormonal abnormality to account for your gynecomastia. Previous imaging or biopsy reports are also helpful, especially if only one breast is involved (we would need to rule out breast cancer).

Alternatives to Surgery

Vests are available that will hide breast enlargement. Drug therapy (e.g. Tamoxifen) has been described, but does not seem to work once breast tissue is established.

Costs of Gynecomastia Surgery

Fees for gynecomastia surgery at our Toronto Cosmetic Plastic Surgery office (including facility and anesthetist) range from $3000 for ‘puffy areola surgery’ to $11,000 for mastopexy in massive weight-loss patients. A fee of $6500-7500 should be anticipated for most patients to cover liposuction, a necessary component for safe and effective gynecomastia surgery. Gland excision if necessary in addition to liposuction is covered by OHIP.

Preparation for surgery

We need you to be healthy and at a stable weight before surgery. We will provide written instructions on all necessary steps, supplies to obtain, etc. Dressings and compression vests are easy to apply by yourself.

The Operation

Small procedures can be performed under local anesthetic. Liposuction is used to reduce excess fat, and tunneling with the cannula is very effective for triggering a contraction of the skin of the upper chest to correct for loose skin. Gland is excised through a 1-2 cm incision that is hidden at the edge of the areola.

Rarely, if there is dramatic excess skin, this can be excised (mastopexy- see figure below).

Gynecomastia Surgery

Safety and Risks

Bleeding is a concern after gland excision, so chest movement should be limited (no arm or chest exercise) for 10 days following surgery.

Recovery process

Rarely is pain a problem after surgery. Dressings are easy to apply, and consist of pads secured by a compression vest. Most people will return to work within four days, and sports may be resumed at three weeks.

Results

You can expect to see positive effects from your surgery immediately post-op, but a final cosmetic result may not be evident until a year after surgery, once contraction is complete and scar redness has fully settled. Gynecomastia surgery is one of our most effective and gratifying surgical procedures.

Bottom Line

We offer a complete armamentarium to correct your gynecomastia, and offer hospital surgery for patients with medical problems or other complexities that would benefit from over-night stay. Our expertise in managing major weight-loss patients has provided us great insight into managing excess skin problems. Come in for a consultation, and you will leave wiser, and perhaps scheduled for a rewarding transformation.



Our Professional Affiliations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gynecomastia caused by hormones?

Hormone imbalance is the main cause of gynecomastia. Hormones may be produced by the body in a combination that favours breast development, or drugs and supplements may be ingested that have a direct or indirect effect on hormones that cause gynecomastia.

Is gynecomastia dangerous?

The presence of gynecomastia requires investigation for causes of hormonal imbalance, and one-sided breast enlargement should be investigated to rule-out breast cancer.

Can gynecomastia go away with exercise?

Efforts to reduce breast gland, fat, and skin with local exercise will not succeed, and may even exaggerate breast prominence because enlarged pectoral muscles will make your breasts look bigger. Weight-loss will improve pseudogynecomastia if it is caused by excess body fat.

What kind of doctor does gynecomastia surgery?

Once a Family Doctor, Pediatrician or Endocrinologist has determined that there is no medical treatment that will correct gynecomastia, you should see a Plastic Surgeon with expertise in treating gynecomastia.

What does gynecomastia mean?

Gynecomastia is the over-development of glandular breast tissue in a male. Pseudogynecomastia, the presence of excess fat in the male breast, can exist alone or in combination with true gynecomastia.

sahand davari
sahand davari
2024-01-15
Amazing experience. The doctor and staff were readily available at a moment's notice and always willing to answer any questions day or night. Everything went smooth from start to finish, and I would proudly recommend Dr Kreidstein to a friend.
K yaldo
K yaldo
2024-01-06
It's been 8 months since I did my gynecomastia surgery here and the results are amazing. Dr. Kreidstein treated post op scar tissue and made sure I was happy with the results, and honestly you can't even tell there has been in incision around the areola.
Christine Jehlickova
Christine Jehlickova
2024-01-05
Dr Kreidstein stepped up and helped my son. He was amazing at giving us confidence we were making the best decisions and the results have been life changing.
Anne Wright
Anne Wright
2023-11-22
I had a very positive experience with Dr Kreidstein and his staff. The results were exactly what I wanted. I am very happy with Dr Kreidstein’s work and would willingly recommend him to others.
Ashley M
Ashley M
2023-11-10
Love , love , love my results- Dr Kreidstein and his staff are terrific . His gifted hands ,eyes of an artist , skill , calm and experience is unmatched. It’s all about u from the moment u see him . He listens and ensures you get what u want . Your happiness makes him happy . I would recommend Dr Kreidstein 💯.
Jane D
Jane D
2023-11-07
Intelligent, compassionate, professional, conscientious and creative are all words I would use to describe Dr. Michael Kreidstein. This surgeon has extensive experience and it is very evident. Recently, I underwent a breast lift/reduction and abdominoplasty with fascial plication. Each team member at this clinic go above and beyond to ensure that every patient has a great experience. I was very nervous the day of my surgery but after meeting with the surgical team I felt more relaxed and knew I was in good hands. After I woke up from surgery, I had the most lovely, young RN looking after me in recovery. I could not have had a better surgical experience. I am now three weeks post op and I can honestly say that the results of my surgery have exceeded my expectations. Plastic Surgery is not just a science, it is an art too. Dr. Kreidstein has a very good sense of what is aesthetically pleasing and is able to work his magic on his canvas, the patient. The team at this clinic are committed to excellence. I would highly recommend this surgeon to anyone.
Tom Murray
Tom Murray
2023-10-24
Dr Kreidstein and his staff were polite, professional and fully attentive to my needs from Day 1. I was tentative about cosmetic surgery (and getting umbilical hernias fixed as well). This doctor's caring and thorough approach made me feel relaxed and confident that he was the best person for the job. Everything gets done in his own 'in-house' clinic, so organization, familiarity and reasonable work is all a given. I completely recommend Michael Kreidstein to anybody in need of surgery.
John Uselton
John Uselton
2023-10-04
Dr. Michael Kreidstein is a plastic surgeon extraordinaire! His expertise and meticulous approach left me in awe of the results. Such an ultimate choice for natural and stunning transformations.
Livia Mattacchione
Livia Mattacchione
2023-09-28
Dr. Kreidstein was able to allay all my concerns of the abdominoplasty procedure I needed. I had thought about it for many years, postponing it because of life and living. I felt I could live with the old scars and some discomfort that evolved over time. It was not an easy decision for me. Once meeting with Dr. Kreidstein, he asked me the questions I needed to answer not only to him but for myself. He answered all my questions, and he thoroughly discussed the procedure. I knew I was in good hands with Dr. Kreidstein and his team, and staff. I will say Thank You to all of you, though the words will never express the relief and satisfaction I feel of having followed through the with procedure. Thank You, Dr. Kreidstein, Team, Staff :)
Newsletter signup
Subscribe
Follow Us On:
Top