Gynecomastia is a common problem that involves the development excess male breast tissue. Some men with this condition also experience breast tenderness and puffy nipples, which can be made worse with heat exposure.
Both adult men and teenage boys can develop gynecomastia, and the condition is often mentally and emotionally traumatic. Adolescent boys with the condition frequently experience social problems and poor self-esteem. In adults, gynecomastia can hurt romantic relationships and lead to a negative body image.
Fortunately, male breast reduction surgery can help men afflicted with this condition to be rid of the embarrassment that often comes with it and achieve a more masculine form.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia often develops because of an imbalance of sex hormones, or more specifically, too much estrogen or prolactin. There are a variety of things that can cause these hormones to become elevated, such as:
- Certain medications
- Use of anabolic steroids (excess testosterone converts to estrogen)
- Genetics
- Certain health problems
- Hormonal fluctuations due to puberty
The condition may improve on its own with time, especially in the case of adolescent boys. However, for adult males, it may require medical intervention. After male breast reduction surgery is complete, men who struggled with gynecomastia tend to feel better about themselves and enjoy healthier social and intimate relationships.
How is Male Breast Reduction Surgery Performed?
The technique that will be used to address gynecomastia depends strongly upon the type of breast tissue that is present. If mammary tissue has developed excessively, then the mammary glands may need to be removed. These methods allow your surgeon to reduce male breasts to a normal size while sculpting and tightening the area to look more masculine.
What to Expect Afterward
After your procedure, it’s normal to experience bruising, swelling and some level of soreness. You may need to wear a special compression garment for a couple weeks to help minimize swelling and the accumulation of fluids. Most patients are able to go back to work or resume their other activities sometime later. However, the results of the surgery aren’t fully apparent until healing is finished, which may take a few months.
Schedule a Consultation
You don’t have to endure the negative effects of gynecomastia any longer. Contact the office of Dr. J. Anthony Stephens, MD today to schedule a consultation. We will be able to provide an evaluation and determine if male breast reduction is a suitable procedure for you.
