Some men can experience enlarged or over-developed breasts, often due to no fault of their own. This condition is known as gynecomastia, and it can lead to feelings of emotional discomfort, stress, and impaired self-confidence. With the help of a skilled and qualified cosmetic surgeon, you can enjoy a naturally masculine appearance to your chest once more.
Today’s advanced treatments and techniques allow for a shorter surgery and recovery times with virtually invisible scars. To learn more about gynecomastia and male breast reduction surgery options, continue reading below!
What is Gynecomastia Exactly?
Gynecomastia is a medical condition involving enlarged breasts in men. All men have breast tissue, and it’s the same type as women have, but in significantly smaller amounts. With gynecomastia, there is an excess of breast tissue, which is typically located under the nipple area. Male breasts become fatty and can sag, often resulting in a more feminine-looking chest.
How Do I Know if I Have it?
Noticeable pain, tenderness, and swelling are common signs of gynecomastia. To the touch, the condition often feels like a rubbery lump affecting one or both breasts. In severe cases, the breasts can look similar to those of women. Gynecomastia is often confused with an actual excess of fatty tissue, especially in young men who are overweight. For an accurate diagnosis, it’s essential to have your situation evaluated by a trained professional.
Should I Be Worried if I Do?
The short answer: yes, and no. Gynecomastia is often benign, meaning the condition itself is not severe. However, it can be the result of more serious conditions involving your overall health.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused due to many factors. The condition can be a side effect of:
- Natural hormonal changes during infancy, puberty, and aging
- Low and high testosterone levels
- Certain medications
- Substance and steroids abuse
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Health complication with diabetes, the kidneys, liver, malnutrition, and tumors
- Certain herbal products such as plant oils
Addressing Gynecomastia Through Surgery
Gynecomastia surgery, otherwise known as male breast reduction surgery, is a reliable and effective method for treating enlarged breasts in men. This cosmetic surgery procedure removes excess fat and glandular tissues to help create a flatter, firmer, and more masculine shape to the chest.
Treating Gynecomastia with Liposuction
Your cosmetic surgeons can help to treat your gynecomastia with liposuction. Modern advances in liposuction procedures and technology allow treatment using less invasive techniques. However, the skill and experience of your cosmetic surgeon also play a significant role in treatment success. It’s important to do your due diligence and choose a cosmetic surgeon who is trained in liposuction and has experience treating gynecomastia.
Correcting enlarged breasts in men is typically performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Through small incisions, your cosmetic surgeon removes excess fat and glandular tissue, and at the same time, restores a chest contour that looks natural to your body.
Determining Candidacy
Gynecomastia surgery can be an ideal solution if:
- Your condition cannot be corrected through certain natural or medical treatments
- You do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that can impair your healing
- You do not smoke or use drugs
- You wish to improve the physical symptoms of gynecomastia positively
- You are in good overall health and at a normal weight
- You have realistic treatment expectations
- Your breast development has stabilized
- You are bothered by the appearance of your larger breasts
Understanding Treatment Costs
Your surgeon's fee for gynecomastia surgery depends on multiple factors. These can include his or her experience, the procedure performed, anesthesia fees, hospital or surgical facility costs, and prescriptions for medications.
Most health insurance plans do not cover gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction. However, many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask!
If you are experiencing the mental tolls from gynecomastia, male breast reduction surgery with liposuction could be the right solution for you! The best way to discover your treatment options is to consult with a qualified cosmetic surgeon.
At Fereydoon Mahjouri MD, FACS, we put our skill and passion to work so you can enjoy restored self-confidence and a more masculine-looking chest once more! Contact our Fridley cosmetic surgeon to schedule your consultation today!