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What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which a man’s breast tissue becomes enlarged due to growth in the glandular network inside the breast, often caused by a hormonal imbalance. Tenderness and pain in the breast can also occur.
While the growth itself is usually benign, men with this condition can suffer from extreme self-consciousness and emotional trauma due to dissatisfaction with their appearance. Gynecomastia can be damaging to a man’s self-image, causing him to avoid situations where he might have to remove his shirt, such as swimming or sports. It can also make him uncomfortable with intimacy, and impact his quality of life.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
There are several possible causes for gynecomastia, including:
- Puberty
- Obesity
- Testicular tumors
- Genetic factors
- Side effects of certain drugs that mimic estrogen
- Hyperthyroidism
In the case of obesity, gynecomastia can often be corrected through weight loss. Gynecomastia is also fairly common during puberty, but generally disappears within a year or two as a young man’s hormones normalize. But if other factors cause the condition, surgery might be the best option. If you suffer from gynecomastia, see your doctor to evaluate its causes. If your condition proves to be persistent and not a symptom of another disorder or a side effect of medications, a consultation with a plastic surgeon can help you determine if surgery is a good choice for you, or if other options exist to meet your specific needs.
How Can Plastic Surgery Help?
Plastic surgery can remove not only excess fat from the breast, but also the actual glandular tissue within the breast that causes both the enlargement and any pain or tenderness you may suffer. The complete removal of the glands will prevent a reoccurrence of the condition, and accompanying reconstruction of the area, tightening the skin and refining the contour of the chest, provides a more masculine body shape.
What’s Involved In Correcting Gynecomastia?
Surgery to correct gynecomastia is typically performed with an incision around the areola. The type and location of the incision will vary according to your plastic surgeon’s preference and your individual treatment needs. The enlarged breast tissue is excised in a procedure called a reduction mammaplasty, while excess fat is usually removed via liposuction. If your gynecomastia is due largely to accumulation of fat in the breast area, a condition referred to as pseudo-gynecomastia, liposuction alone might be sufficient to achieve your desired results. A consultation with a plastic surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia reduction surgery will help you determine what approach is best for you.
Will My Privacy Be Respected If I Have This Procedure?
At Summit Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, we value your privacy, and understand your desire for confidentiality regarding your procedure. Dr. Matt Chhatre performs gynecomastia reduction surgery in our unique, licensed, on-site Ambulatory Surgical Center, allowing for high-quality, discreet care.
If you suffer from gynecomastia and would like to find out more about your options for correcting your condition, please contact gynecomastia surgeon Dr. Matt Chhatre at Summit Plastic Surgery and Med Spa for an initial gynecomastia consultation. We serve the Kansas City and Lee’s Summit, Missouri area.
