Gynecomastia Surgery Vs. Nipple Reduction

[DylanJa]

I've been reading about a more simple procedure involving nipple reduction. I'm wondering what the cost and results would be. I've asked a few questions in the past and this I think is my final before making my decision on surgery. I think my nipples are more of an issue than my actual chest. They are very large and pointy. Any thoughts on the procedure, it's cost, and effectiveness vs. full gyno surgery?

[Litlriki]

Nipple reduction is not an adequate treatment for gynecomastia, so it really depends on what your condition looks like. If you just have large nipples, then nipple reduction would be a solution, and this is a procedure that can easily be done under local anesthesia in an office setting.  If, on the other hand, there are puffy nipples with some chest fat, then nipple reduction will not cure the problem. Photos would be helpful.

Rick Silverman

[DylanJa]

Thanks for the input. Here are a few pictures of my chest.

[DylanJa]

#2

[DylanJa]

#3 Erect nipples.

[DrPensler]

I would agree with Dr. Silverman. Your photos indicate you have gynecomastia and require treatment of the gynecomastia.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Absolutely agree with my colleagues.  You have decent sized gynecomastia.  Doing a nipple reduction would be pointless -- you really need surgery to reduce the entire chest.  This would also reduce the diameter of your areolas as well.

Dr Jacobs

[Litlriki]

Thanks for posting the photos.  Drs. Jacobs and Pensler have already given you the definitive diagnosis.  Nipple reduction will not deal with your problem--You would require a full corrective procedure to remedy your gynecomastia. 

RS

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

One more important point. Many guys are concerned that they have large diameter nipples.  While this is obviously a point of concern, the best treatment is to remove the excess tissue underneath so that the skin (and the areolas) will shrink naturally.  Just think of a circle drawn on an expanded balloon -- let the air out and the circles will diminish.  So, too, will the areolas once the underlying tissue is removed.

If you think you can just have surgery to reduce the diameter of the areolas, then think again.  This type of surgery (a variation of a donut mastopexy), will result in scars completely around the areola.  In time, the areola tends to stretch out due to the incessant pull of the surrounding tissues plus the scars tend to be stretched out as well.  The result is virtually no improvement at the expense of surgery and a lot of permanent scars.

Dr Jacobs

[DylanJa]

That's for all your answers. This is the first surgery I will have ever had and I'm just looking to minimize the risk as much as possible. I'm going to see a surgeon about full gynecomastia removal.

Thanks again