Male breast reduction surgery

Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the breast and/or fatty tissue in men to be larger and more abundant than is considered normal. In most cases, this is not a dangerous medical condition but may be a source of embarrassment and self-consciousness or sometimes pain. There are several possible causes of gynecomastia, including hormonal imbalances, certain medications, some recreational drugs, obesity, and some medical/genetic conditions.

What causes gynecomastia?

Hormonal imbalances are often the underlying cause of gynecomastia. In particular, an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone can cause an excess of breast tissue to develop in men, sometimes to the point of looking more like female breasts. The hormonal imbalance can occur naturally during puberty, when hormone levels fluctuate, or from some medical conditions, such as hypogonadism or hyperthyroidism. Certain medications can trigger breast tissue growth in men. These include medications for prostate cancer, some antidepressants, and some heart medications.

Some drugs, such as marijuana or anabolic steroid use, may contribute to this issue. Obesity alone can alter your hormones as well as contribute to excess fatty tissue in the chest area. If you take any of these medications and are experiencing breast enlargement, you should talk to your doctor about undergoing male breast reduction surgery. A thorough history and physical examination are mandatory in the evaluation of gynecomastia - sometimes further referrals, laboratory tests, and/or imaging may be required prior to any consideration for surgical options.

How is gynecomastia treated?

There are two surgical options for male breast reduction - liposuction or gynecomastia excision. Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that removes excess fat from the chest wall. This procedure is best for men with mild to moderate gynecomastia with a majority of excess fat in the breast area. Gynecomastia excision is a surgical procedure performed through a small incision within the lower border of the areola that excises both of the glandular tissue, which is typically a hard, disc-like mass beneath the nipple and is the main cause of the issue, along with excess fat for chest contouring. A combination of the two procedures may be recommended depending on your examination.

A new life, with a sculpted, masculine chest

Dr. Andres is a perfectionist in the art of plastic surgery, and when performing male breast reduction surgery, he focuses on minimizing scarring and creating the most sculpted upper chest. Men who have undergone this procedure experience a boost in confidence and feel comfortable going shirtless at the pool or beach or wearing more form-fitting shirts. The benefits of this surgery include:

Increased confidence
Long-term results
A masculine, sculpted upper chest
Easy recovery
A fast, effective procedure
Significant decrease or resolution of pain/tenderness

The treatment experience

For male breast reduction, choose a plastic surgeon who is known for superior results. Dr. Andres is a leading Scottsdale plastic surgeon for men, known for his refined, meticulous approach and natural-looking results. He and his entire staff are very friendly and empathetic. They understand that gynecomastia can be a sensitive issue for many men, and they work hard to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident throughout the treatment process.

If only excess fat needs to be removed, small incisions are placed, through which the excess fat is extracted with liposuction, resculpting the upper chest. If the treatment requires the removal of glandular tissue, a small incision is placed at the border of the areola from which the tissue is removed. For more significant gynecomastia or chest hypertrophy cases, a standard breast reduction type of excision may be required with repositioning of the nipples to create the best shape and appearance for men.

What is the recovery time?

After undergoing gynecomastia surgery, you can expect a recovery time of about one to two weeks, although the time can vary. During your recovery, it is essential to follow the post-operative instructions to minimize complication risks. In the first few days after surgery, you may experience minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the chest area. You will have pain medication and compression garments to help alleviate these symptoms. You must avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for several weeks after surgery. However, light walking and gentle stretching to help promote circulation can speed healing.

Why choose Andres Plastic Surgery?

If you are considering gynecomastia surgery, you want to ensure that you are in the hands of a highly skilled and experienced surgeon. Dr. Albert Andres is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and education. He delivers superior results at his high-end practice, a private clinic where positive patient experience is always a priority. Dr. Andres and his entire staff are known for their friendly and empathetic approach to patient care.

You will feel welcomed and at ease when you enter the office. Dr. Andres takes the time to listen to your concerns and goals, and he works closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs. As a perfectionist in plastic surgery who uses state-of-the-art techniques, Dr. Andres can create a very natural male chest appearance - masculine, sculpted, and firm.

Gynecomastia in Scottsdale