Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged male breasts. It is a condition that can create an overdeveloped appearance because of the abnormal growth of breast tissue. This can occur in all males at any age that can result from hormonal changes, heredity, weight gain/loss, or the use of certain medications or drugs. Men with this problem typically feel anxious or embarrassed, especially at the beach, pool, or in the gym. At Forma Plastic Surgery, we offer surgical options for men who suffer from gynecomastia. This procedure has a very high success rate. It is considered one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries for men at Forma Plastic Surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery reduces excess breast tissue in men, flattening and enhancing the chest contours. If you feel frustrated by your chest’s size and shape, but you maintain a good weight, you could benefit from this surgery. Adolescent teens may also attain positive results from gynecomastia surgery; however, they may require a secondary procedure later as an adult if breast tissue develops. At your initial consultation, our Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeons can listen to your needs and provide a surgical plan that aligns with them.
Following your gynecomastia treatment, the chest will be secured with a compression garment to help reduce swelling. In advanced cases where a more intricate technique was used, a small tube for draining may be inserted to assist with fluid. The results following male breast reduction surgery are immediately seen, and most patients are extremely pleased with the cosmetic change. Any incisions made during surgery take time to heal, and any scars left behind should be hardly visible, if visible at all. With your enhanced chest, you may get permission from Dr. Yao to continue exercise and weight training, which will help accentuate the surgical results.
Excessive male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is a medical issue that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. For this reason, we urge you to focus on getting quality results rather than costs. To help fit your budget, Forma Plastic Surgery accepts many payment methods and can help you find low-interest medical financing. While surgery for gynecomastia is generally not covered by insurance, it’s worth talking to your insurer to check.
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance in hormones. Most often, gynecomastia is linked to the use of anabolic steroids or androgens. It can also be caused by using illegal drugs, such as heroin and marijuana. Gynecomastia may also be triggered by certain medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors) or medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, anti-anxiety medications, and chemotherapy).
Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain. Some men may have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia), so we encourage patients to lose weight with an exercise plan and healthy diet before seeking treatment for gynecomastia. If you still have enlarged breasts at a healthy weight, the plastic surgeons at Forma Plastic Surgery can perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This may include blood tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy to look for other causes like an infection of the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.
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. While they aren’t approved for the treatment of gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (for example, Raloxifene or Tamoxifen) might give you minimal improvements. Upper body weight training to build the pectoral muscles cannot reduce the excess breast tissue and may even make the breasts appear larger.
Glandular gynecomastia can cause puffy or pointy nipples. If this is a concern for you, please talk to the Forma Plastic Surgery team at your consultation. Our plastic surgeons will personalize your surgical plan to use the best technique and incision pattern to correct your nipples. Large areolas may also be corrected in surgery for gynecomastia. It’s important to be honest about all your needs and goals in your initial consultation, so our plastic surgeons in Scottsdale, AZ, can help deliver the results you want.
If you suffer from the side effects of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), we invite you to call our office to schedule a private consultation with one of our Scottsdale, AZ board-certified plastic surgeons to learn more about our male breast reduction procedure at Forma Plastic Surgery. After treatment for male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), you can stop hiding your chest at the gym and beach. We have assisted so many men and have enjoyed watching them regain their confidence.