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.