Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the overdevelopment of breast tissue in men and boys. It is often a source of embarrassment and many patients with the condition experience discomfort. At Northwest Plastic Surgery, Dr. Dumanian believes that every patient deserves to feel confident in their appearance. He offers male breast reduction to effectively treat the effects of gynecomastia.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia often occurs when males are born with a prominently large “breast bud”. A typical male breast bud is the size of a squished grape. However, when the male breast bud is the size of a walnut or greater, the size of the tissue can show through the skin and give the appearance of male pattern gynecomastia. There can be an imbalance in levels of estrogen and testosterone in the body, such as during puberty, that causes a previously normal-sized breast bud to enlarge to an unacceptable size. Other things can contribute to the condition. For example, certain medications, like antidepressants, and illegal substances, like marijuana and steroids, are also linked to the enlargement of breast tissue in men.
Those living with gynecomastia often experience several negative emotional and mental effects. For younger patients who are going through puberty, gynecomastia can make an already confusing and uncomfortable experience even worse. Likewise, because gynecomastia can occur in even slim and fit patients, those who maintain a healthy body weight can feel discouraged and frustrated about their appearance.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
Look great in clothing: Many gynecomastia sufferers have to hide their enlarged breasts with loose clothing. Male breast reduction can help you look your best in fitted clothing.
Eliminate uncomfortable symptoms: Those with gynecomastia may experience tenderness in the breasts, especially in the months following onset of the condition. There may also be lumps near the nipples. Surgery can benefit patients with these and more gynecomastia symptoms.
Feel confident in your body: In some cases, the breasts can develop unevenly, leaving patients with one breast that is more pronounced than the other. This can draw extra attention to the chest area, leading to feelings of deep insecurity. Gynecomastia surgery flattens and recontours the chest by eliminating excess tissue and skin. The results of gynecomastia surgery allow patients to feel comfortable in their masculine figure.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
There are several approaches to male best reduction, and Dr. Dumanian will select the most appropriate technique for your unique case. Some cases require only liposuction to remove unwanted breast tissue. This involves the use of a small suction device that is inserted into the treatment area and carefully moved around to remove excess fat. The most common procedure is to combine liposuction with a small incision located at the rim of the bottom of the areola (brown part of the nipple) to shave or flatten the breast bud to improve chest shape. A drain is left after surgery to remove unwanted fluid swelling that occurs after surgery. In the most prominent cases of male pattern gynecomastia, larger incisions are used to remove unwanted skin, fat, and breast bud. The nipple is then repositioned to a more aesthetic location on the chest providing a comprehensive result.
Meet with an Expert Plastic Surgeon
Male breast reduction is a safe and effective choice for treating gynecomastia. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.