Gynecomastia Surgery

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Algonquin, IL

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure that addresses gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue in men.

Gynecomastia is a fairly common condition. It can affect men at all stages of their lives, but it mostly occurs or worsens during times of hormonal change. (1) Although gynecomastia is not painful, it can cause men to feel self-conscious about their appearance. Gynecomastia surgery has gradually become more popular as more men choose to uplift their self-esteem and well-being. (2)

Utku Dolen, MD, is a board-certified plastic, reconstructive, and aesthetic surgeon at Northwestern Medicine Plastic Surgery. He is certified in both the United States and Europe through the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery. With his in-depth surgical knowledge and experience, Dr. Dolen delivers exceptional results to his chest-contouring patients that look natural and inspire confidence.

To start working with Dr. Dolen, please call our office at (847) 854-3522.

About Gynecomastia Excision

Gynecomastia surgery is a specialized procedure that Dr. Dolen can perform to address gynecomastia and restore a more masculine appearance. Dr. Dolen will first order labs and imaging studies to properly diagnose Gynecomastia. Breast enlargement due to weight gain or breast ptosis due to massive weight loss are not gynecomastia, and the surgical approach for these concerns is different. After ruling out any hormonal imbalance and verifying gynecomastia with a breast ultrasound, Dr. Dolen may proceed with surgery to excise gynecomastia.

Candidates

You may be a good candidate for gynecomastia excision if you have enlarged breast tissue that does not seem to respond to regular exercise, dieting, medication changes, hormonal therapy, or other nonsurgical approaches.

To qualify for this procedure, you should be in good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may affect your recovery or results. You should be nonsmoking or willing to quit. It is also important that you hold realistic expectations regarding the results of your procedure. Dr. Dolen will finalize your candidacy during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

We ask that you attend a personal consultation before scheduling your procedure. During this consultation, Dr. Dolen will meet with you individually and explain what gynecomastia surgery is, how he performs the procedure, and its benefits and limitations. He will candidly discuss your medical history, personal concerns, and treatment outcomes with you. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your chest.

Dr. Dolen will use this information to create a one-of-a-kind treatment plan for your concerns. He will recommend the most effective approach, and may also suggest integrating another procedure into your treatment plan to enhance your outcomes. Dr. Dolen will also take the time to address any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are ready to start your transformation, please schedule a consultation by calling (847) 854-3522.

We are proud to serve the areas of:

  • Barrington
  • Schamburg
  • Hoffman Estates
  • Arlington Heights
  • McHenry
  • Crystal Lake
  • Lake in the Hills
  • Algonquin
  • St. Charles
  • Union
  • Huntley
  • Carpentersville
  • DeKalb
  • Marengo
  • Woodstock
  • Carry
  • Bartlett
  • Streamwood
  • Wauconda
  • Dundee
  • Elgin
  • Aurora
  • Naperville
  • Fox Lake

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your gynecomastia surgery procedure, you will need to begin making certain preparations. To assist you, Dr. Dolen will provide a set of comprehensive pre-operative instructions. He may advise you to:

  • Prepare to take time away from your career and social responsibilities to focus on your recovery.
  • Arrange transportation for your procedure.
  • Discontinue using any medications or supplements that may thin your blood.
  • Cease any nicotine use at least two months before your appointment.
  • Avoid alcohol for at least two weeks before and after your appointment.
  • Fill any prescriptions ahead of time.

Preparation is an essential part of any procedure, no matter how subtle or striking you want your results to appear. By following each instruction Dr. Dolen provides, you can ensure a safe procedure, smooth recovery, and the best possible results.

Surgery

Gynecomastia excision is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. He will review your treatment plan with you one more time. After this, your skin will be cleansed, and you will be given the appropriate anesthesia. He will then begin your gynecomastia surgery procedure using liposuction, Renuvion/J-Plasma skin tightening, surgical excision, or a combination of them.

Liposuction

Dr. Dolen may use liposuction techniques if the enlargement is mainly due to fatty tissue. He will place a small, discreet incision in the targeted area before injecting a tumescent fluid composed of local anesthetic, adrenaline, and lactated Ringer’s solution. This formula further numbs the tissues, minimizes bleeding, and swells the fat to make it easier to remove. (3) Dr. Dolen will then insert a thin cannula through the same incision and use it to break up and remove the fat.

Surgical Excision

Dr. Dolen performs a surgical excision to address the excess glandular tissue. He makes a discreet incision to access the underlying structures of the chest tissue. Through this incision, he will carefully remove excess tissue from the chest, restoring a flatter, smoother appearance.

Recovery

After your gynecomastia excision surgery, you will need to take some time away from work and other commitments to focus on your recovery. Many patients can return to light activities and desk work after approximately one to two weeks. However, you will need to continue avoiding strenuous or demanding activities for another several weeks, or until Dr. Dolen has cleared you to return.

During your recovery, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness in your chest. Dr. Dolen may provide you with a compression garment to wear while you heal. You must wear this garment as directed, as it is meant to minimize swelling and maintain the contours of your chest as you recover.

Dr. Dolen will provide you with any additional instructions during your consultation.

Results

You may be able to notice immediate improvements in your chest appearance after your procedure, but the full results of your gynecomastia excision will be more visible once swelling subsides. You will be able to enjoy a smoother, flatter, and more sculpted chest. Many patients who undergo gynecomastia surgery to address their gynecomastia feel empowered to go shirtless at the pool, beach, or gym.

The results of gynecomastia surgery are designed to be long-lasting. However, you should do your best to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle, as weight fluctuations can alter the long-term effects of your procedure.

In some cases, gynecomastia can recur, and breast tissue can again become enlarged.

Patient experiences may vary.

Cost of gynecomastia surgery in Algonquin, Illinois

The cost of your gynecomastia surgery procedure can vary depending on your treatment plan. These can include techniques that Dr. Dolen employs, your anatomy, the complexity of your procedure, and more. Once Dr. Dolen has discussed each of these factors with you, he will give you a comprehensive cost estimate.

To learn more about our pricing, please call our office at (847) 854-3522.

FAQ

What causes gynecomastia to occur?

Gynecomastia is associated with several factors, including weight gain, hormonal changes, obesity, steroid use, medical conditions, or medication side effects. In some cases, patients are able to see improvements by making lifestyle changes, medication changes, or undergoing hormone therapy. For patients who have genetic gynecomastia, however, the condition is often persistent, and surgical intervention is the most effective option for substantial results.

Is gynecomastia surgery just for men?

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure designed for male patients with gynecomastia, or patients who would like to achieve a more masculine chest appearance.

How long will it take Dr. Dolen to perform my gynecomastia surgery procedure?

The exact duration of your gynecomastia surgery procedure can vary depending on the details of your treatment plan. During your consultation, Dr. Dolen will provide you with an estimate of how long you can expect your procedure to take. Some patients like to include other treatments in their plan; these added treatments will lengthen the procedure time.

How long will the results of gynecomastia surgery last?

The results of gynecomastia surgery are meant to be long-lasting. However, it is important to note that in some cases, gynecomastia can recur. You should do your best to maintain your weight through regular exercise and a healthy diet, as weight fluctuations can alter the effects of your procedure.

Can Dr. Dolen combine gynecomastia surgery with another aesthetic procedure or treatment?

Yes, Dr. Dolen may combine your procedure with another to either complement your results or address several areas of concern within one appointment. We recommend scheduling a personal consultation with him to learn more.

References

  1. Vandeven HA, Pensler JM. Gynecomastia. Nih.gov. Published August 8, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/#article-37489.s9
  2. ASPS. 2024 ASPS Procedural Statistics Release. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner; 2024. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
  3. Sarkar A, Chatterjee S. A simple method of injecting tumescent fluid for liposuction. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2011;44(3):498. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.90837