Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is a condition that involves enlargement or overdevelopment of breast tissue in men and boys. It can happen to newborn babies, teenage boys going through puberty, and grown men as they age. Commonly known as “man boobs”, gynecomastia is often caused by changes in hormone levels and can be resolved with surgical techniques.

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What Can Be Done About Gynecomastia?

Certain medications may be helpful for some men with gynecomastia. If enlarged male breasts continue to be bothersome, reduction mammaplasty (plastic surgery to correct gynecomastia) can be performed. It may involve either or a combination of:

Liposuction: Breast fat is removed in this procedure, but not breast gland tissue.
Excision: Surgery is performed to remove breast tissue, using only small incisions in many cases. It is a less invasive procedure, requiring less recovery time.

Gynecomastia surgery reduces the size of male breasts. It also flattens and enhances male chest contours. Reduction mammaplasty can be performed with oral sedation or general anesthesia.

How Easy is Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery?

The recovery period for gynecomastia surgery is usually uneventful and fast. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and to stay with you for at least that night. You will need to rest at home for the first three days. Pain is usually minimal and can often be controlled with over-the-counter medications. Depending on the nature of your employment, you should be able to return to work in approximately one week.

Gynecomastia Before & After

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Gynecomastia FAQ

What results can I expect with a gynecomastia procedure?

How long will my results last?

What medications and drugs can cause gynecomastia?

Can health conditions contribute to gynecomastia?

What about boys who develop gynecomastia during puberty?

Will I lose sensation after gynecomastia surgery?

What results can I expect with a gynecomastia procedure?

Immediately after your procedure, you will see a more contoured, trimmer chest profile. Results will improve as post-surgical swelling subsides. Your new, more masculine physique should be fully visible within 3 to 6 months after surgery.

How long will my results last?

Results with reduction mammaplasty are long-lasting. To better retain your results, it is important that you maintain a stable body weight and avoid using drugs or medications that affect testosterone levels.

What medications and drugs can cause gynecomastia?

A long list of medications can contribute to enlarged male breasts (as reported by the Mayo Clinic) including:

Antibiotics
Tricyclic antidepressants
Valium and other anti-anxiety meds
Anabolic steroids and androgens
Anti-androgens used to treat conditions of the prostate
AIDS medications
Ulcer medications
Heart medications

Alcohol and certain street drugs can also cause gynecomastia. These drugs include amphetamines, heroin, marijuana, and methadone.

Can health conditions contribute to gynecomastia?

Yes. Certain health conditions can contribute to “man boobs” by affecting hormonal balance. They include:

Aging
Hyperthyroidism (the thyroid gland produces too much hormone)
Tumors involving the testes, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands
Kidney failure
Cirrhosis of the liver and liver failure
Malnutrition or starvation

What about boys who develop gynecomastia during puberty?

Most adolescent males affected by gynecomastia experience hormonal rebalancing just after puberty. By the age of 20, they often have naturally flatter chest contours. However, many men experience some degree of gynecomastia, either with aging or a medical condition that causes hormonal imbalance. Gynecomastia can also result from recreational drug use or excessive alcohol consumption.

Will I lose sensation after gynecomastia surgery?

Some men experience a temporary loss of sensation in the treatment area. In most cases, sensation gradually returns over a period of a few weeks or months.