Gynecomastia: End the Embarrassment

Gynecomastia is characterized by swollen or enlarged breast tissue in men. The condition is rarely a serious medical problem, but it can lead to embarrassment and low self-esteem in some men. The good news? Treatment options are available for gynecomastia to help men achieve a more masculine contour of the chest and regain their self-confidence.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can be the result of a hormonal imbalance, which may be caused by one or more of the following:

  • Natural hormone changes that occur during puberty or as a man ages
  • Medication, including some types of antidepressants, anabolic steroids, antibiotics or heart medications
  • Chemotherapy treatment
  • Health conditions like hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, kidney or liver failure
  • Use of marijuana or alcohol

In some cases, stopping a medication or treating the underlying health condition will be enough to reverse gynecomastia. However, men who don’t see changes in their breast size with these measures, may need to seek surgical treatment to reduce the size of the breasts and restore a masculine body contour.

Treatment Options for Gynecomastia

The two most common treatment options for gynecomastia are:

Liposuction – This procedure works effectively on men whose excess breast tissue is more fatty in nature. Liposuction involves the insertion of a narrow cannula directly into the breast, which gently breaks up tissue and fat deposits for easy removal. A suction device attached to the cannula takes the fat deposits away, leaving a smoother body contour. Laser assisted liposuction uses a laser to help tighten the skin, which can improve the results.

Breast Reduction Surgery – When the tissue is more fibrous in nature, excision of the tissue may be required. This can be combined with liposuction. Rarely, skin may need to be removed and the nipple may need to be repositioned.

Gynecomastia procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis under twilight sedation or under general anesthesia. Most patients can return to work two to three days after liposuction or a breast reduction procedure. While recovery times vary widely from patient to patient, it’s important to allow time to heal fully after a surgical procedure, as complete recovery can take up to a few months.

Drs. William and Jeffrey Umansky have spent many years earning their reputation as the top gynecomastia plastic surgeons in the San Diego area. The surgeons have performed hundreds of these procedures using state-of-the-art techniques and medical equipment to give patients the best possible results. To learn more about gynecomastia treatment, contact us at Umansky Plastic Surgery at 858-281-4560.