Gynecosmastia (Male Breast Reduction)

GYNECOSMASTIA (MALE BREAST REDUCTION)

Gynecosmastia (Male Breast Reduction)

Male breast reduction with any of our expert gynecomastia surgeons in Bethesda can reduce the size of your chest and give you a chiseled, sculpted contour.

WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition referring to the presence of abnormally large breasts in men, generally caused by the body’s production of excess glandular breast tissue, excess fatty tissue, or a combination of both.

Levels of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can present itself in different degrees, most commonly categorized as mild, high, visible, or feminine. Categorization of gynecomastia is based on chest size, femininity, and severity of the condition.

Causes of Gynecomastia

While in some cases, gynecomastia may be the result of genetics, or natural hormonal imbalances, breast tissue growth may also be caused by medical conditions or illness, as well as the use of certain drugs, anabolic steroids, or medications. Breast enlargement can also be caused by significant weight gain. In certain cases gynecomastia can develop spontaneously resulting in idiopathic gynecomastia.

Signs of Gynecomastia

Those who develop gynecomastia can notice it in one or both breasts. Signs of gynecomastia can include swelling of the breast tissue, tenderness of the breasts, pain, and breast sensitivity.

Side Effects of Gynecomastia

Whatever the underlying causation, gynecomastia can have emotional and psychological ramifications for men who suffer from it. Gynecomastia can cause social anxiety and deter an individual from socializing at work or developing relationships.

Address Gynecomastia with a Doctor

Since both breast cancer and chronic gynecomastia can cause lumps and swollen breast tissue it is vital to get checked by a doctor. Breast pain associated with gynecomastia should be addressed by a specialist.

Addressing gynecomastia can be an essential part in improving your self image, mental health, and appearance. Male breast tissue reduction can properly treat gynecomastia by getting rid of excess breast tissue. The Cosmetic Surgery Associates of Maryland office is 12.7 miles away from Washington, DC and 4.9 miles away from Potomac, MD.

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Causes of Male Breast Enlargement

Gynecomastia has several factors that can lead to its onset; the majority of them have to do with an increased level of estrogen.

Increased Estrogen Level

Men’s bodies naturally create testosterone and estrogen. Estrogen has a direct correlation to increased glandular tissue, but this is generally not an issue for men since estrogen’s ratio is so small compared to testosterone. However, with factors such as all the below mentioned, estrogen levels can become skewed and increase, causing enlarged male breasts.

Gynecomastia can be caused by a decrease in the responsiveness of androgen receptors and an increase in estrogen production. This does not cause any physical harm, but breast development can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness.

Drugs and Medications

Certain drugs and medications can manipulate sex hormone levels. Marijuana has been linked to a decrease in testosterone production, and steroids have been known to increase estrogen levels. Antidepressants and blood pressure medication can also alter normal hormone levels.

Klinefelter Syndrome

Klinefelter Syndrome is a genetically gained condition where men gain an X chromosome in addition to the normal male XY genetic makeup. This does not affect everyone visibly, but some men with this condition may experience little body hair, weak muscles, and/or large male breasts.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid is responsible for controlling hormone production, but on occasions, the functionality of this gland can become disturbed. This occurrence is referred to as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism can throw off normal sex hormone levels, creating an estrogen excess for some men.

Pubertal Gynecomastia

During puberty, there is a large change in the amount of estrogen in the body. This estrogen excess can cause an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia is more prevalent in boys who are overweight.

Aging

When men age, the body produces more of the enzyme aromatase. This enzyme is responsible for converting estrone and androstenedione into estrogen, potentially causing an increase in glandular tissue.

Hormonal Treatments

Certain hormonal imbalances can occur after hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer treatment can involve androgen deprivation therapy. Prostate cancer patients may notice an onset of gynecomastia after androgen deprivation therapy treatments.

Gynecomastia can be a sign of a testicular tumor. A doctor should check any signs of testicular tumors.

Male Breast Tissue Reduction

Gynecomastia accounts for more than 65% of all male breast disorders, and luckily, more and more men are realizing that this condition can be safely and effectively treated with male breast reduction surgery. In fact, more than 20,000 male breast reduction surgeries were performed in 2012, up 5% from 2011.

Men everywhere are realizing that they no longer need to put up with aesthetically unappealing breasts, but instead, can achieve their ideal contoured, well-formed chest!

Ideal Candidates for Gynecomastia Treatment

• Feel self-conscious about their appearance

• Are emotionally stable and physically healthy

• Possess firm, elastic skin

• Desire better breast contour and do not consider reduction surgery a weight loss method

Ideal candidates are physically fit and psychologically-stable men who have tried exercise and a healthy diet first. This procedure should not be regarded as a method for weight loss or body fat removal.

For some men, fatty deposits and excess skin throughout the body can be a problem. But with the assistance of Dr. Richards, Dr. Magge, and Dr. Jabs’ body contouring techniques, you can rid yourself of the areas bothering you and possibly be more confident in your appearance.

During your initial consultation with one of our three expert chest sculpting surgeons, you can explain the concerns you have with the appearance of your chest. Bringing a photo of desired results can help greatly.

Your surgeon will examine your chest and assess whether you suffer from gynecomastia, pseudo-gynecomastia, or both and recommend a procedure technique appropriately.

As you think about your options with plastic surgery, it is natural to have a list of questions for the doctor.

• How long does the operation last?

• Will you use or a scalpel?

• What is scarring like?

• Can I qualify for insurance coverage?

• Will I need to take time off from work?

Preparation

In order to prepare for your male breast reduction surgery, there are some important steps that must be followed.

• Once you receive a confirmed surgery date, please plan on scheduling at least three to four days off from work to ensure ample recovery time.

• Your surgeon will prescribe you medications during your consultation that must be filled before your surgery date. These will be necessary for immediately following the procedure and during your recovery.

• Do not smoke or take anti-inflammatory medications two weeks prior to your procedure.

• Have a family member or friend take you home after your male breast reduction surgery is completed.

• Please inform the office if you begin to feel sick or under the weather.

The Procedure

Breast reduction surgery for men is an outpatient procedure, and can generally be performed using local anesthesia with oral sedation.

The glandular tissue / fatty tissue ratio differs for each patient; our expert male breast reduction surgeons are skilled at identifying the difference and recommending a procedure appropriately.

For most patients, the procedure is done with a specialized laser with liposuction to remove or sculpt glandular tissue appropriately, leaving enough for a chiseled contour. Using small incisions in the axillae (armpit area), this technique avoids incisions and scars on the breast or near the nipples. If desired, your surgeon can relocate the nipples to a proportionate placement. For some patients, a very small incision is made in the nipple area to remove the glandular tissue.

This procedure is extremely effective and results in a flatter breast with a smooth contour to the chest. Surgical dressing and a compression garment are then wrapped around your chest. The procedure can generally be performed in about an hour and a half.

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Recovery

In most cases, gynecomastia correction surgery is permanent, but breasts may increase in size if the patient gains a significant amount of weight, increasing levels of adipose (fatty) tissues.

After your male breast reduction surgery is complete, the incisions will be covered with dressings or bandages and you will be asked to wear a compression garment or elastic bandage to reduce swelling.

Most patients will feel tired and sore for several days after surgery, but can usually return to work in just three days; however, complete recovery, including the resumption of rigorous exercise and athletic pursuits, may take between three to four weeks.

This means doing your research. Besides discussing your concerns with our physicians during a consultation visit, you should also take the time to learn about the risks and uncertainties associated with correcting gynecomastia. Please feel free to contact us to make an appointment.

FAQ’s

Schedule a Male Breast Reduction Consultation

If you are a man who’s been thinking about male breast reduction then we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons today to see if Gynecomastia surgery is right for you! Our office is located just 2 miles away from North Bethesda and 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville. During the consultation, our surgeons will go over the procedure, answer all of your questions and determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The best way to schedule a consultation is to either give us a call or request a consultation from the form below.

Cosmetic Surgery Associates

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Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers

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