7 Things to Check Before Deciding on Gynecomastia Surgery

Not every protruding chest is the same kind of gynecomastia. True gynecomastia, where the glandular tissue has actually proliferated, and pseudogynecomastia, where body fat has accumulated in the chest, require entirely different surgical approaches. It is important to first identify the nature of the tissue through palpation or an ultrasound exam.

Under the Simon classification, cases are graded from Grade I to Grade III, and the extent and approach of the surgery change with the grade. You need to know your grade precisely before a concrete surgical plan can be made.

Some cases require only glandular tissue excision, while others also call for liposuction. For mixed-type gynecomastia, performing both together is standard. Since the extent of surgery affects the incision location, recovery period, and even cost, be sure to ask about it in detail during your consultation.

Sleep anesthesia (IV sedation) and general anesthesia differ in their criteria, cost, and recovery patterns. In following post-surgical progress, we sometimes see differences in same-day discharge and early recovery speed depending on the anesthesia method. It's worth confirming in advance that the method suits your health condition and the extent of your surgery.

Returning to daily life usually takes 3 days to 1 week, and returning to exercise takes about 4 to 6 weeks. If you work, plan around your vacation days; if you're a student, plan around school breaks — that's the realistic approach. The compression garment period should be factored in as well.

The cost of gynecomastia surgery consists of several items: the surgical fee, anesthesia fee, compression garment, and aftercare. If you are diagnosed with true gynecomastia, private health insurance coverage may be possible, so it helps to understand the conditions for the disease code (N62) and the insurance claim process in advance.

The results of gynecomastia surgery can vary greatly depending on how much glandular tissue is removed and from where. In clinical practice, surgeons with accumulated gynecomastia experience tend to build more precise plans tailored to each patient's body shape and tissue condition. We recommend asking specific questions about the surgical method and follow-up care system during your consultation.