What is Gynecomastia?
Some men suffer from gynecomastia, which is the medical term for enlarged breasts. This can result in a female-like chest due to the increase of growing breast tissue. In many cases, gynecomastia is caused by an underlying hormonal issue, but it can also be caused by certain drugs, steroids, major weight gain or loss, or genetics. Men with this condition typically feel embarrassed and anxious, most commonly at places, like the beach or gym where they may have their shirt off. Plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang offers surgical breast reduction for men who suffer from gynecomastia. It is considered one of the more popular cosmetic treatments for Atlanta, GA men at Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery.
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What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?
If you are a man that has an abundance of breast tissue that won’t go away with diet or exercise, gynecomastia surgery performed by Dr. Mang at his Atlanta, GA facility may be the optimal choice to change your look. Benefits of this procedure include:
- Increased confidence from the removal of excess male breast fat
- A more masculine look and profile
- Repositioning of the nipples and areolas to a more conventional place
- More clothing options
- Enables increased physical activity
- A flatter, firmer chest
Can I have Gynecomastia Surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is reserved for men with overly sized breasts that cannot be reduced through diet and exercise. If you feel anxiety or are bothered by the appearance of your chest (but are physically healthy), you may benefit from this surgery at Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery. Adolescent teens may also benefit from gynecomastia surgery; however, a secondary procedure may be needed later during adulthood if new breast tissue continues to form. During your first appointment with Dr. Mang, treatment options will be given and may include the likelihood of undergoing surgery to correct the condition.
How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?
To complete your gynecomastia surgery, we will utilize fat removal. While you are safely under general anesthesia, liposuction will be used to eliminate excess fat tissue from your chest wall. From there, any lax skin will be carefully trimmed away to create a more tightened look, and then your areola and nipple will be surgically reshaped and placed into a proportionate position. In most cases, this technique requires an incision near where the glandular tissue has formed. To finish up, Dr. Mang will pull together and secure the remaining skin.
What Can I Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery?
Once your gynecomastia treatment is completed, your chest will be wrapped with a medical garment to help control swelling, bleeding, and bruising. In advanced cases where a more invasive method was used, a small tube for draining may be inserted to assist with fluid. The results following your gynecomastia treatment should be immediately visible, and most men are extremely pleased with the physical change they see. Any incisions made during treatment will take a few weeks to heal and any scars left behind should be barely visible. With your new tightened and smoother chest, you can get medical clearance from Dr. Mang to start exercising and weight training, which will give you even more masculine-looking results.
Gynecomastia Treatment FAQ
What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia develops in men when there is a disruption in hormone balance. Typically, gynecomastia is linked to the use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It can also result from using illegal drugs, like marijuana or heroin. Gynecomastia might also be triggered by some health conditions (for example, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors) or some medications (active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications).
How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is excess breast tissue growth in the male chest, which may cause swelling, pain, and tenderness. Some patients may have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia), so Dr. Mang encourages patients to try to lose weight by following an exercise plan and a healthy diet before considering surgery. If you still have enlarged breasts at a healthy weight, Dr. Mang will perform a physical exam and tests to diagnose gynecomastia. This might include a mammogram, blood tests, or a biopsy to look for other causes like an infection in the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.
Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn't approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. Although they are not approved for the treatment of gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (for example, Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) may have limited effects. Upper body weight training to increase the pectoral muscles cannot reduce the excess breast tissue and may even make the breasts appear larger.
Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Dr. Mang at your consultation. He will personalize your treatment plan to use the best incision pattern and technique to improve your nipples. Oversized areolas may also be corrected in male breast reduction surgery. It's important to be open with Dr. Mang about all your concerns and goals in your initial consultation, so he can ensure the results you want.
Restore and Reclaim Your Masculinity
If you are frustrated by having a feminine-looking chest, we invite you to call our Duluth, GA office to schedule a private consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Brandon-Dzung Mang to learn more about our gynecomastia treatment, male breast reduction surgery, at Rejuve Aesthetic Surgery. After treatment for gynecomastia, you can stop covering up your chest at the gym and pool and reclaim your self-confidence.