Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breast tissue, can trigger emotional distress and poor self-image. Clothes do not fit right, and many men with this condition do not want to go shirtless at the gym or poolside.
There are treatment options for gynecomastia that reduce or eliminate the issue, but you should also work with your doctor to determine what caused it so it does not come back. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Olivier Deigni offers surgical treatment options for men for gynecomastia in Cypress.
The medical definition for gynecomastia is an increase in breast gland tissue that occurs in boys or men. It can affect one or both breasts. On the other hand, pseudo gynecomastia is an increase in fat tissue but not glandular tissue in male breasts. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
The symptoms of gynecomastia include painful, swollen breast tissue, sensitive nipples that rub against clothing, and an increase in breast tissue size. Some men can also experience nipple fluid discharge or a firm, hard lump under the skin.
There are several reasons enlarged glandular tissue develops, many of which are associated with a hormonal imbalance. For example, male infants may be born with enlarged breasts because of the effects of estrogen during pregnancy.
Changes in hormonal balance during puberty can also cause swollen breast tissue that typically resolves spontaneously. Medications that treat ADHD, anxiety, ulcers, heart conditions, and cancer can cause increased glandular tissue. Other prescription and illegal drugs can also increase the potential to develop enlarged glandular tissue, including:
Certain health conditions can also affect hormonal balance, such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure, malnutrition, and starvation.
Other risk factors for developing enlarged breast tissue include older age and obesity. Obesity can trigger hormonal imbalances that cause gynecomastia and extra fat deposits that trigger pseudo-gynecomastia.
The treatment for these conditions depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, enlarged breast tissue will resolve spontaneously when the underlying cause for the hormonal imbalance is addressed, such as changing medications or addressing the underlying health condition.
During your consultation, Dr. Deigni will determine whether you are a good candidate for gynecomastia surgery in Cypress. You will also undergo a medical evaluation to assess your condition and determine if any underlying conditions might affect the surgery.
You should be at a stable, healthy weight since fluctuations can affect the results. Smoking impairs healing and increases the risk of complications during surgery. Candidates who are smokers should quit for six weeks before and after the surgery to reduce the risks of anesthesia and postoperative complications, including infection. This includes any nicotine delivery device such as chewing tobacco, vaping, nicotine gum, or nicotine patches.
Although the surgery can be performed on patients of different ages, it is generally recommended after breast development has stabilized. Good candidates have realistic expectations of the results and a stable emotional and mental state.
Finally, before surgery, you should consider non-surgical approaches, such as changing medications or stopping substances that may contribute to the development of gynecomastia. Otherwise, the condition can recur.
Once non-surgical approaches have been exhausted, two types of surgery can address gynecomastia. The first is liposuction, in which breast fat is removed using a suction device. This does not affect breast gland tissue. Liposuction is an effective treatment when pseudo-gynecomastia is present and only excess fat deposits are located in the male breast.
The second type of surgery to address gynecomastia in Cypress is a mastectomy. During this surgery, breast gland tissue is removed. The incision is generally small since smaller amounts of glandular tissue are present than in women. Liposuction can be combined with the mastectomy. The smaller incision size also reduces recovery time.
Physical recovery is typically straightforward. The pain is generally minimal and well-controlled with mild prescription or over-the-counter medications. Dr. Deigni uses a drainless technique that helps make your recovery smoother.
Most men can return to a desk job within five to seven days. However, this depends on your comfort level and the type of surgery performed. You will typically wear a compression garment for up to six weeks to help reduce swelling and improve the chest contour as it heals.
Most men can start light physical activity two weeks after surgery. Before two weeks, they cannot participate in physical or sexual activity that can cause tension or friction over the healing incisions.
In addition to physical healing, enlarged breasts can be stressful, embarrassing, and hard to hide. Talk therapy or counseling can help you manage the emotional and mental distress, and connecting with others who have had gynecomastia can give you someone to talk with who understands what you are going through.
Gynecomastia has an emotional and physical impact on your health and wellness. When it is caused by medications, drugs, or an underlying health condition, it may or may not resolve without surgery.
Once the underlying trigger is addressed, Dr. Deigni can help create a more masculine chest contour. We encourage you to contact us online or call our office at 281-721-4373 and schedule your consultation for gynecomastia in Cypress.
