Male breast reduction, also referred to as gynecomastia repair, is a popular cosmetic procedure. Many men have enlarged breasts which are a source of embarrassment, restricting clothing choices and activities where it is common to go without a shirt. The condition occurs mainly in the teenage years and later in life. The teen version is usually caused by hormones, hereditary conditions, marijuana use, or obesity. A young male with gynecomastia should be screened by their pediatrician for a hormonal abnormality. Teenage gynecomastia often resolves as the young man grows into adulthood. Sometimes surgery is required. Gynecomastia that has developed later in life is often associated with weight gain or the use of certain medications, like hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. Despite these etiologies, gynecomastia surgery is not covered by insurance companies.
No matter the cause, surgery for gynecomastia can be quite effective. Excess breast tissue is removed by direct excision or liposuction, leaving a more natural body contour and flatter chest. In extreme cases, as seen with massive weight loss and breasts that are B cup and larger, excess skin may be removed as well. Dr. Coan is an expert in gynecomastia repair. If you are concerned about the appearance of your chest, come see us at CARE for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can male breasts be reduced?
Yes, men can undergo breast reduction to correct overdeveloped or enlarged breast tissue/gland. This surgery addresses what is referred to as gynecomastia.
How can I reduce my chest gynecomastia?
Chest gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is a condition in which men develop excess chest tissue that is more breast-like in nature. Although diet and exercise may help in some cases, gynecomastia is usually treated with surgery to reduce the mass of the tissue in the breasts. This will provide an immediate solution and eliminate the breast tissue.
Can losing weight remove gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is comprised of both breast and fat tissue. As you lose weight, your fat cells will decrease in size, but the breast tissue will remain the same. Therefore, your breast size will decrease overall, but the excess breast tissue will not disappear with exercise.
Does surgery get rid of gynecomastia?
Surgery is a permanent option to address gynecomastia by removing the excess breast tissue in the chest.
Can man boobs be reduced without surgery?
While diet and exercise can reduce the overall amount of fat tissue in your chest, nonsurgical options cannot remove the excess breast tissue.
Is gynecomastia surgery painful?
Many patients report mild to moderate soreness and discomfort during the first few days after surgery to reduce gynecomastia. Most patients typically only take narcotic pain medication for the first few days or week after surgery. The discomfort and tenderness improves within the first week or so. Within 1-2 weeks, patients are typically back at work, and patients can resume exercise at 6 weeks after surgery.
What are the most common causes of gynecomastia in adult men?
Gynecomastia, or the enlargement of male breast tissue, can be caused by hormonal imbalances, certain medications (such as steroids or antidepressants), weight gain, genetics, and underlying medical conditions. It often results from an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone levels.
How long is the recovery period after gynecomastia surgery?
Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a few days and resume work within a week, depending on the nature of their job. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for 6 weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruising typically subside within a few weeks, and final results are evaluated at 3 months after surgery.
Are there any non-surgical alternatives for treating gynecomastia?
In some cases, gynecomastia can be managed without surgery through lifestyle changes, weight loss, hormone therapy, or stopping medications that contribute to breast tissue growth. However, if there is significant glandular tissue development rather than fat accumulation, surgery is often the most effective solution.
Will gynecomastia surgery affect my chest muscle strength or function?
No, gynecomastia surgery does not impact chest muscle strength or function. The procedure removes excess fat and glandular tissue while preserving the underlying pectoral muscles. Patients can return to their usual exercise routines at 6 weeks after surgery.
Can gynecomastia return after surgical treatment?
Typically, the results of gynecomastia surgery are long-lasting so long as patients maintain a stable weight and avoid medications or substances that can cause hormonal imbalances. However, significant weight gain, certain medications, or hormonal fluctuations could contribute to the recurrence of excess breast tissue in rare cases. It is also important to note that general aging continues occurring over time.
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