Gynecomastia Reduction
Gynecomastia, caused by excess fat, glandular tissue, or both, can affect one or both breasts. While not usually harmful, it can be emotionally distressing and often doesn’t resolve on its own. Treatment starts by identifying the underlying cause.
Quick Info
- Gynecomastia is a common condition where men develop breast like swellings in their chest area. It is sometimes referred to as “man boobs”. This can occur at any age, and may be accompanied with pain in the tissues of the chest.
- Treatment for gynecomastia is relatively simple, with liposuction of fatty tissue and removal of the hard tissue under the nipple with a small incision. The incisions are small and fade well with time and care.
- If you have lost a significant amount of weight and have loose skin, this can also be removed with a larger incision placed in the chest line.
- The surgery is about 1-2 hours long, with recovery being about 1 week. Swelling can take several weeks to subside. You should avoid going to the gym or heavy lifting for about 4 weeks.
Gynecomastia Reduction
In certain men, enlarged breasts are a source of embarrassment, anxiety and insecurity. The technical term for this condition is gynecomastia, however it is sometimes referred to as “man-boobs” in slang. It can affect boys and men of all ages, and has any number of causes, from the natural hormone changes of puberty and old age, to certain medications such as anabolic steroids and anti-androgens, to certain diseases such as kidney failure, and hyperthyroidism.
Gynecomastia
Characterized by excess fat, excess glandular tissue or both, gynecomastia can manifest in only one breast or both. Though rarely dangerous in and of itself, it is usually emotionally damaging, and often doesn’t resolve on its own. Treatment begins with your doctor discovering the underlying reason for your gynecomastia. If the condition is caused by a disease such as hypogonadism or is the result of taking a medication, then treating the underlying disease and ceasing the offending medication may resolve the breast enlargement. If not, there are a number of very effective surgical options.
At Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center, our surgeons are well versed in all the latest techniques for treating gynecomastia. In general, if the enlarged breasts are due to an excess of fat alone, then either liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction is the treatment of choice. It’s fast, easy and effective with little to no scarring (liposuction is done through 5mm incisions hidden on each side). If, however, the swelling is due to a combination of excess fat and glandular tissue, then male breast reduction is necessary by making a small incision under the areola to remove the excess breast tissue. This incision is well hidden in the color change between the areola and the chest skin.
The procedure usually entails an inconspicuous incision underneath the areola to excise the extra tissue, followed by liposuction of the fatty tissue. Once the breasts are reduced to their desired size, there may be excess skin that will need to be removed (rarely). There are a number of different techniques for this. The right technique will depend on both the amount of skin to be excised as well as its condition. All of these options would be discussed with you in detail during your initial consultation. Bottom line, no man today needs to suffer from enlarged breasts… see one of our physicians for a personalized consult today.
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FAQ
Gynecomastia reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess glandular tissue and fat from the breasts in men. It is performed to reduce the size of male breasts and create a more masculine chest contour.
The best candidates for gynecomastia reduction are men who are in good health and have realistic expectations for the procedure. It is typically recommended for men who have enlarged breasts due to excess glandular tissue or fat, and who have not been able to reduce the size of their breasts through diet and exercise.
Gynecomastia reduction is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the surgical approach depends on the extent of the breast enlargement. In cases where excess glandular tissue is the primary cause of breast enlargement, the tissue is surgically removed through a small incision around the areola. In cases where excess fat is the primary cause, liposuction may be used to remove the fat through small incisions.
Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual's healing ability. Most men can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the chest area for several weeks after the procedure. A compression garment may be worn to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Most men can return to work and resume normal activities within a week or two after the procedure.
The results of gynecomastia reduction can be permanent as long as the individual maintains a healthy weight and does not use certain medications that can cause breast enlargement. However, it is possible to develop new breast tissue or fat in the treated area if weight is not maintained.
Like any surgical procedure, gynecomastia reduction carries some risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, and uneven or asymmetrical results. Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon can help minimize these risks.
The cost of gynecomastia reduction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the geographic location of the practice. In general, the cost can range from a few thousand to several thousand dollars. It is important to factor in the cost of anesthesia, facility fees, and follow-up care when considering the total cost of the procedure.
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