Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs in a number of men, characterized by the development of excess fat or tissue in the breasts. Typically, around 30-40% of teenage boys develop some breast fullness during puberty, called “pubertal gynecomastia.” When this occurs, it usually resolves after a year or two. However, lingering breast fullness or development after puberty is clinically referred to as gynecomastia and can be a bothersome, embarrassing condition.
The good news is that there are ways to treat this condition and enhance your body with a flatter, more toned-looking chest.
Gynecomastia Causes
Male breast fullness can develop for a number of reasons, including hormonal imbalance, genetics, or weight gain. Male athletes who have used anabolic steroids are also more susceptible to the condition. Many male patients feel self-conscious about wearing form-fitting shirts and are uncomfortable with their self-image. With gynecomastia, even extreme exercise routines can have little to no effect on male breast fullness. However, there are a number of plastic surgery options, such as male breast reduction, which can effectively reduce the symptoms of gynecomastia.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Dr. Scott Miller, our board-certified plastic surgeon, can reduce the excess fat and tissue from gynecomastia utilizing a specialized “minimally” invasive technique to sculpt the breast to its natural masculine shape. Using two discreet 2 mm incisions, Dr. Miller removes the fatty tissue through liposuction of the targeted areas. In some cases, the breast is a combination of fat and fibrous breast tissue, requiring a direct excision under the nipple areola complex.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Recovery from a male breast reduction procedure is generally quick and easy, and many patients can return to work after a day or two. Strenuous exercise of the upper body and arms should be avoided for six weeks and general cardiovascular exercise should be avoided for three weeks. A compression garment is worn under the clothes for a brief period during recovery, along with some post-lymphatic massage therapy. While most patients notice significant flattening of the chest and shrinkage of the nipple size very soon after the procedure, full results can take up to six months to see.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Appointment Today
To make an appointment with Dr. Miller for treating gynecomastia and male breast development, contact our practice today. Don’t let gynecomastia affect your confidence and ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Our staff is committed to your comfort and satisfaction and we are more than happy to address any of your questions and concerns.