Gynecomastia

CONTOUR YOUR CHEST

Gynecomastia is a common condition that increases the amount of breast gland tissue in teenage boys and older men. While not a serious problem, it can be a difficult condition to cope with and could lead to embarrassment.

Dr. Earle is a leading cosmetic surgeon performing male breast reduction surgery to help patients struggling with gynecomastia.

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?

Gynecomastia is a condition that makes the breast tissue of boys and men swell. This often occurs due to an imbalance of hormones in the body, causing the breasts to develop more than they normally would. This can happen in younger boys but also develops in older men as testosterone levels drop.

For many men, the appearance of swollen breast tissue can be unsightly. While it can go away on its own, male breast reduction surgery is the most reliable and efficient way to deal with gynecomastia.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY?

The ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery should be:

  • Healthy with no life-threatening illness or medical conditions
  • Someone who cannot correct their gynecomastia through medical treatments
  • Physically healthy with relatively normal weight
  • Bothered by the appearance of their breasts
  • Someone who does not smoke and do not use recreational drugs

While teenage boys may also experience gynecomastia, there may be alternate solutions for lighter situations where the breast tissue has yet to develop. If they do agree to surgery, then future procedures may be needed should breast development continue.

HOW DOES GYNECOMASTIA SURGERY WORK?

Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, will generally be performed by using liposuction. This involves applying local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia before making a small incision on either side of the chest. The exact location will depend on your specific chest and where the scar will be least apparent. Once the incision is made, excess fat and/or glandular tissue is removed while also sculpting the chest and tightening the skin.

In severe cases of gynecomastia, surgical tissue excision may be required for the best results. Patients that have stretched or sagging skin around the breasts may also require this approach.

FAQS

Can guys develop breasts?

Yes. Men can develop enlarged breasts from weight gain, or a medical condition called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia causes excess growth of glandular breast tissue which enlarges the male breasts.

Can gynecomastia be cured without surgery?

For patients with pseudogynecomastia, or enlarged breasts caused by fat buildup, exercise and an adjusted diet can improve their condition, but surgery is often the best course of treatment for glandular overgrowth.

Can gynecomastia grow back after surgery?

Although it is rare, gynecomastia can grow back after surgery if not enough glandular breast tissue was removed. During gynecomastia surgery, most or all of the glandular tissue is removed from the breasts and this tissue is the main cause of gynecomastia.

Can thyroid problems cause gynecomastia?

Hyperthyroidism can cause an imbalance of estrogen (the female hormone) so this condition can be associated with gynecomastia.

Can you get rid of gynecomastia without surgery?

Gynecomastia often requires surgery for the best results. Although you may be able to have some improvements with non-surgical treatments and changes to your lifestyle, surgery will permanently remove the glandular tissue for long-lasting results.

Do you lose weight after breast reduction?

The breasts are partially made up of fatty tissue so you will lose a slight amount of weight after breast reduction but not a noticeable amount.

Does a breast reduction make you look thinner?

A breast reduction will flatten and tone the chest which can create a thinner appearance. Your body proportions may also look more balanced, especially if you are otherwise thin.

Does gynecomastia go away with weight loss?

Gynecomastia can be slightly improved by weight loss but only the fat will reduce, not glandular tissue. Patients with fatty gynecomastia, a form of male breasts that is not “true gynecomastia,” may see more improvement simply with weight loss.

Does gynecomastia surgery leave scars?

Like any surgical procedure that requires incisions, gynecomastia surgery will leave scars. However, Dr. Earle and Dr. Vidal will carefully place the incisions in the natural creases of your breasts to conceal the scars.

How can gynecomastia be prevented?

Gynecomastia can be difficult to prevent but avoiding drugs like steroids and marijuana, alcohol, and unhealthy foods can limit the risk of developing gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts.

How can you tell the difference between gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia?

Pseudogynecomastia is not “true gynecomastia” because it caused by a buildup of fat in the chest, not glandular breast tissue. Unlike gynecomastia, pseudogynecomastia can be improved with weight loss.

How do I know if I have gynecomastia?

Breast lumps that may be tender to the touch and enlargement of the nipples are two common signs of gynecomastia. If your breasts continue to grow in size despite weight loss, this is also an indication of gynecomastia.

How do I know if I need a breast reduction?

If you are bothered by the size of your breasts and want to restore a flattened chest for a masculine appearance, you may be a great candidate for a breast reduction.

How do you shower after gynecomastia surgery?

You should wait a day to shower after gynecomastia surgery and avoid soaking your incisions in a bath for at least 6 weeks. While you shower, the incisions may get wet and afterwards carefully pat them dry instead of rubbing them.

How long do you have to wear a compression garment after gynecomastia?

A compression garment should be worn at all times for 6 weeks after gynecomastia surgery. The compression garment will help to reduce swelling and will support the skin and healing tissues.

How long does it take to recover from male breast reduction?

Full recovery from male breast reduction takes about 6 weeks. After the first two weeks, most of the swelling will have gone down and you can return to most of your normal activities, except for strenuous exercise.

How long till swelling goes down after gynecomastia surgery?

Most of the swelling will reduce in about two weeks and after this time, you will start to see results. However, swelling can take up to six weeks to completely reduce.

Is gynaecomastia surgery painful?

Moderate discomfort is expected for the first few days, but patients can often alleviate this pain with prescription and/or over-the-counter pain medication. You should only have mild to no discomfort after the first week.

RESULTS*

Patients can expect to see a drastic reduction in breast size after male breast reduction surgery. These results are meant to be permanent, but some cases may require the patient to undergo future male breast reduction surgery if their chest continues to develop.

RECOVERY*

Most patients will feel sore for a couple of days, but the pain is minimal and you’ll be prescribed pain medication that can be taken for increased comfort. Every patient’s recovery time is different; some return to work after a few days while others may take a week or longer. You may also experience a loss of sensation in the treated area, but this often subsides within a few months after treatment.

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“I could not have picked a better doctor. Dr. Earle is a perfectionist and settles for nothing less than perfection. I am incredibly happy with my results.”* - Rosie

“Absolutely amazing! The entire journey has been great. The staff and customer care are exceptional! Best service I have ever received.”* - Destiny

“From start to finish they were nothing short of amazing! Amazing doctor and team! Great results and wouldn't trust another. I felt absolutely comfortable from the minute I met them and knew I was in good hands”* - Natasha