Male gynecomastia is a medical condition that begins in childhood and puberty and causes enlarged breasts in adult men. Men often believe that having enlarged breasts is a sign of being overweight. In reality, the condition is caused by excessive breast tissue that cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise. Gynecomastia treatment removes the excess tissue to give your chest a masculine, sculpted appearance.
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Male Breast Reduction in Portland, Oregon
What Causes Gynecomastia?
The exact cause of gynecomastia is not always clear, but it is often the result of an imbalance of hormones in the body. Specifically, an increase in estrogen levels relative to testosterone levels can lead to the development of breast tissue. A variety of factors, including puberty, aging, medication use, and certain health conditions can cause this hormonal imbalance. For adolescents entering puberty, natural hormonal fluctuations may result in temporary enlargement of the breasts that often resolves after several weeks or months. This type of gynecomastia is generally not painful and usually does not require treatment unless it persists for longer than six months.
For adult males between 20 and 50 years old, certain medications like anabolic steroids can sometimes trigger gynecomastia due to their effect on testosterone levels and increased estrogen production from aromatase enzymes within fat cells. Additionally, certain drugs used to treat specific medical conditions such as prostate cancer or HIV/AIDS may also disrupt the balance between sexual hormones leading to the development of Gynecomastia. In elderly males over 50 years old, declining levels of testosterone coupled with increased activity in aromatase enzymes may be a major factor contributing towards this condition’s development.
As we age, our bodies naturally undergo a decrease in testosterone production while simultaneously increasing its conversion into estrogens through specific pathways – thus resulting in elevated female-type hormone concentrations within individuals who have already entered the post-puberty phase.
Last but not least, kidney failure and liver disease can also affect hormone balance leading up to Gynecomastia occurrence since these organs play key roles regulating many metabolic processes including those related In some cases, gynecomastia can be hereditary, meaning it runs in families. However, this is relatively rare and most cases of gynecomastia are caused by other factors.
Stages of Gynecomastia
When you schedule a consultation for enlarged male breasts, we explain the gynecomastia stages that guide your surgical plan. There are four levels of gynecomastia.
Grade I: A small amount of breast enlargement, yet there is no excess, loose skin
Grade IIa: A moderate amount of breast enlargement without loose, excess skin
Grade IIb: A moderate amount of breast enlargement with some loose skin Grade III: Significant breast enlargement and excess skin
Who is a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Treatment?
Generally speaking, good candidates for gynecomastia treatment are healthy men who are bothered by the appearance of their chest and have realistic expectations about the outcome of treatment. You should remember that surgery for gynecomastia is not a weight loss solution. You need to be near your ideal weight for at least one year before considering a male breast reduction procedure. The reason is that changes in your weight affect the aesthetic outcomes of the procedure. Additionally, any extra weight you have may require more extensive surgery for your gynecomastia.
You should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations of the procedure. Gynecomastia affects all types of men on an emotional and physical level. It may even have an impact on your career, such as the way gynecomastia affects the physique of a competitive bodybuilder.
Types of Gynecomastia Treatment
There are two options for gyno removal surgery. If you have Grade I or Grade IIa gynecomastia, you may be a good candidate for liposuction to remove the excess fat. Grade IIb and Grade III typically require surgery to remove excess fat, skin, and breast tissue. Chest lipo for men may be used in conjunction with male breast reduction surgery to refine the results.
Consultation with a Surgeon
Meeting with a surgeon for male breast reduction is an excellent opportunity to learn more about gynecomastia and your treatment options. The surgeon also answers your questions about the procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes. If you are a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery, the surgeon explains the techniques to be used to reduce your enlarged breasts. Please advise your surgeon of any health issues you have, as well as any medications and supplements that you take on a regular basis.
Medical Evaluation
Although gynecomastia surgery is cosmetic in nature, it still requires the same precautions as any other type of medically-necessary surgery. Your surgeon conducts a physical examination, reviews your medical history, and discusses your medical conditions that may increase the risks associated with the procedure. Liposuction is not as extensive as male breast reduction surgery, and it may be a better option for men who cannot undergo general anesthesia.
Pre-Operative Instructions
You need to carefully follow the pre-operative instructions from your surgeon to ensure the best possible outcomes of your male breast reduction procedure. We review the instructions during your consultation. In general, you should keep the following guidelines in mind.
- Avoid tanning, sun exposure, smoking, and consuming alcohol for 14 days before the surgery
- You may need to stop taking certain medications for 10 days before your procedure, and you should coordinate this with your primary care physician
- Arrange to have someone drive you to and from the appointment, and you should have someone stay with you for the first one to two days after the procedure
- Plan to take at least five to 14 days off from work and school to rest at home
- If your surgeon prescribes medications before your surgery, have these filled and available at home the day of your procedure
Male Breast Reduction
Liposuction for gynecomastia is recommended for men who have a small to moderate amount of excess tissue, as well as good skin laxity. Laser liposuction for gynecomastia is less invasive than surgery for male breast reduction. It involves making small incisions and using a cannula (thin tube) to suction out the fat. Gynecomastia liposuction is only recommended if you don’t have excess skin. Performing liposuction on the chest of men who have loose skin produces results that are less than ideal. Laser liposuction for gynecomastia produces less trauma than traditional lipo techniques.
This shortens the recovery time and produces more consistent and natural results. At VipMediSpa, we use Smart Lipo for gynecomastia. It is one of the most advanced laser lipo technologies for gynecomastia, and it allows for the precision that is needed to perform lipo on men’s chest areas.
Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
Gynecomastia surgery recovery takes several months. You may have some tenderness, swelling, and bruising. The discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. Your surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. You’ll need to check the incisions for any signs of redness and oozing.
Risks and Complications Associated with Gynecomastia Surgery
As with any type of surgery, there are some risks associated with gynecomastia surgery. We discuss these during your consultation. You can reduce your risk of complications by choosing an experienced surgeon and following all pre-op and post-op instructions. We schedule follow-up appointments after your surgery to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
Book a Consultation
Are you ready to eliminate your enlarged male breasts? Call VipMediSpa today to schedule a consultation with a gynecomastia surgeon.
