Gynecomastia is a condition in which abnormal tissues and/or glands develop in the male breast. The condition tends to occur most frequently in newborns, boys going through puberty, and older men. However, it can occur at any age.
Gynecomastia is usually harmless, and may even clear up on its own with time. It can have benign causes, like natural changes in male hormones, or even be a side effect of certain medications like anabolic steroids. At times, however, the underlying causes can be more serious. In very rare cases, gynecomastia can be a sign of male breast cancer. This is why it’s important to get a medical evaluation if you notice symptoms like swollen breast tissue or breast tenderness.
Whatever the cause, enlarged breasts are frequently a source of embarrassment for men. If you are suffering from gynecomastia, luckily there are several treatments that can remove fatty tissue buildup and reconstruct the chest.
If you’re searching for gynecomastia treatment, below you’ll find an overview of how to find the right course of action for you.
Start With A Medical Consultation
As gynecomastia sometimes has serious underlying causes, it’s important you seek medical advice from your regular physician before looking into treatment options. This is to rule out medical conditions like liver failure, cancer, or malnutrition.
If your gynecomastia isn’t caused by serious health conditions, it can usually be treated with corrective surgery. You’ll need to find a board-certified plastic surgeon. A quick consultation can help you figure out the right treatment for you.
Gynecomastia Surgical Options
Surgery is one of the most successful means of treating gynecomastia. Usually, surgery is a good treatment option for healthy men of relatively normal weight whose breast development has stabilized.
Gynecomastia is usually treated through liposuction or excision techniques. Liposuction only removes fat, while excision techniques often remove breast glands or excess skin. Some surgeons use a combination of the two, depending on your personal needs.
Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery
Your physician will talk over how to best prepare for surgery with you.
You may be asked to make certain lifestyle changes in the weeks leading up to surgery, like quitting smoking or adjusting medications.
Make sure to ask your surgeon about any restrictions you need to make before the surgery. For example, if you’re undergoing anesthesia, you may have to stop eating or drinking within a few hours of surgery.
Undergoing Surgery
Liposuction
During liposuction, your surgeon makes a small incision near your breasts and then inserts a thin, hollow tube. The tube loosens the fat and removes it from the body via vacuum suction.
Excision Techniques
Excision is slightly more invasive. The surgeon must make incisions around the breast and then remove glandular breast tissue and possibly excess skin.
Recovery
Your surgeon should give you specific instructions on how to manage your recovery, so recovery varies from patient to patient.
After the procedure, some pain and swelling is common. Usually, recovery entails caring for any surgical drains, taking prescribed medication, and returning for a follow-up visit to ensure you’re healing properly.
When you can return to regular activities depends on your precise type of surgery. Some people may need only to wait a few days, while others need to rest for a few weeks. Talk to your surgeon about the best course of action for you.
If your gynecomastia was caused by your lifestyle, you may be asked to make permanent changes to prevent a recurrence. For example, you may need to maintain a lower weight or adjust certain medications.
Conclusion
Excess breast tissue in men can be an embarrassing issue. However, it is usually benign. Men with gynecomastia have many safe, effective treatment options at their disposal and successful treatment can greatly improve self-image.
Ready to get started? Leif Rogers is an Ivy League-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon and a standing member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. If you’re seeking gynecomastia treatment, get in touch with his team to schedule a consultation.
