Gynecomastia
Each year, thousands of men struggle with self-esteem issues related to the appearance of their upper body. They may feel embarrassed taking their shirt off in public, participating in physical activities or being intimate with their partners due to a large or feminine-looking chest, a condition known as gynecomastia. Also known as male breast enlargement, gynecomastia affects over 200,000 men each year, and by some estimates, more than half of all men will experience this problem at some point in their lives.
A frustrating condition that can adversely impact your self-esteem, one way that those affected by gynecomastia have dealt with the issue is through surgery. At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, board-certified ENT surgeon Dr. Wilson DuMornay can help you reclaim your confidence and effectively decrease enlarged breast tissue with male breast reduction procedures. As a highly capable ENT surgeon with an interest in aesthetics, Dr. DuMornay has the expertise to reshape your upper body and sculpt a more masculine chest.
Who is Affected by Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is most often seen in men between the ages and 50 and 80, but it also occurs naturally throughout different stages of growth, such as at birth and during puberty. Although the condition resolves naturally in infants and adolescents as hormone levels become more balanced, when it occurs later in life, treatment is often required to restore a more masculine breast appearance. Many things can trigger the hormone changes that cause male breasts to become larger, so the condition can affect men from all walks of life. Some causes of gynecomastia include:
- Age-related hormonal changes
- Thyroid problems
- Obesity
- Illicit drugs and steroids
- Certain medications
- Kidney failure
- Liver disease
- Cancer of the pituitary or adrenal glands
- Injury or disease that affects the testicles
Although not associated with breast cancer, gynecomastia has been linked with some more severe health concerns and should be evaluated by a physician to determine the cause.
What is Gynecomastia?
Both men and women have breast tissue, but the male breast contains much less than its female counterpart. When gynecomastia occurs, the breast tissue in men becomes enlarged or swollen, creating a fattier, more feminine-looking chest. Often caused by increased levels of estrogen and hormonal changes, this condition may produce other symptoms as well, such as tenderness or lumps of fatty tissue beneath the nipple. Gynecomastia occurs in varying degrees and may affect one breast or both.
Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia
If the exact cause of gynecomastia is known, the condition may improve with treatment. If it doesn’t improve or the underlying cause is unknown, male breast reduction may be necessary to reverse the condition. Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and breast tissue to sculpt flatter, more masculine chest contours. This can be accomplished with either liposuction, breast tissue removal or a combination of both.
For men with less severe gynecomastia, strategically removing pockets of fat to reduce the size of the breast with liposuction is often sufficient to achieve the desired outcome. A minimally invasive treatment that utilizes small incisions and a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to suction out unwanted fat, liposuction can produce a sculpted appearance with minimal scarring and discomfort. Although breast tissue is too dense to be removed via liposuction, this approach can significantly reduce breast fullness and reveal a more masculine chest.
When gynecomastia is more pronounced, it may be necessary to remove excess fat and breast tissue to achieve optimal results. This male breast reduction procedure involves well-placed incisions in the armpit or around the areola, through which the breast can be reshaped by removing excess glandular tissue and any stretched, loose skin. Although the extent of each patient’s procedure will depend on the degree of their gynecomastia and aesthetic goals, enough tissue is removed to create a smooth, firm appearance and flatter chest. Gynecomastia often occurs due to both excess fat and breast tissue, so the male breast reduction procedure can also be combined with liposuction for more comprehensive results.
Am I a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Treatment for enlarged breasts can benefit most men with gynecomastia, restoring their confidence and helping them feel more at ease with their appearance. Certain lifestyle factors and conditions such as obesity can contribute to gynecomastia, however, and in these cases, a healthier diet and regular exercise can often address the problem. If lifestyle changes don’t improve the appearance of enlarged breast tissue, then surgery may be the best option for reversing the condition. Ideal candidates for male breast reduction are men who:
- Are bothered by the appearance of abnormally large breasts
- Suffer from poor self-esteem due to their gynecomastia
- Have good skin tone and elasticity
- Do not have severe health concerns or underlying conditions
To find out if male breast reduction is right for you, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. DuMornay to discuss your needs, concerns and aesthetic goals. Your medical history will also be important to rule out any underlying factors or conditions that could be contributing to your gynecomastia. Together, you and Dr. DuMornay will decide on the procedure that is right for you and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.
What Can I Expect After the Procedure?
Male breast reduction can transform the upper body and sculpt more masculine contours, which can impart many physical and psychological benefits for men with gynecomastia. The chest will become flatter and firmer with minimal scarring, creating an appealing shape that more accurately reflects the male figure. Many patients report numerous benefits following their male breast reduction, including:
- Renewed confidence
- Improved intimacy with their partners
- More comfort with their appearance
- Ability to wear better-fitting clothing
- Feeling more willing to participate in certain activities
Although there will be some swelling, tenderness and bruising immediately after the procedure, if the root cause of the condition has been properly addressed, the results will be permanent once the area has healed. The recovery itself is relatively mild, with most patients being able to return to work after three to four days. Strenuous exercise and other activities should still be avoided for the next few weeks, but Dr. DuMornay will provide you with specific aftercare instructions and advise you on when you can resume all normal activities.
Contact Broward ENT & Aesthetics
If you’re ready to regain your confidence and learn more about male breast reduction, board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. DuMornay and his experienced team at Broward ENT & Aesthetics can help. As a highly-regarded ENT surgeon with years of experience in aesthetics, Dr. DuMornay has the skills, knowledge and expertise to reshape your chest and create a more masculine appearance. Contact or call us today at (954) 533-9822 to find out more about your options and discover if male breast reduction is right for you.
