Gynecomastia in Charleston, SC

When men experience increased breast tissue, it is a condition known as gynecomastia. It is common but can be very embarrassing for men. Sometimes the condition is a result of weight gain or taking certain medications. Other times, it is a purely genetic condition that cannot be corrected with diet and exercise. No matter the cause, gynecomastia is a relatively quick procedure that gives great results. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse offers gynecomastia treatment for patients who live in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Man in suit smiling

Gynecomastia is the overdevelopment of male breast tissue. Millions of men are affected by this condition, which often brings with it feelings of lost masculinity, embarrassment, and low self-confidence.

In most cases, gynecomastia is the result of simple causes, including:

Weight gain
Puberty
Hormone imbalance
Glandular condition
Steroids and other medications that affect hormones
Aging

Gynecomastia as a result of puberty is sometimes self-correcting after a short period of time. Some men are lucky, and exercise corrects gynecomastia resulting from weight gain. For other men, enlarged breasts are essentially long-lasting, and neither shrink on their own nor respond to diet, exercise, or significant weight loss. For these men, gynecomastia is the only effective option.

How Much Does Gynecomastia Treatment Cost in Charleston?

The cost of gynecomastia treatment depends on factors such as the techniques used to achieve the results you desire. For your convenience, we accept payments by cash, check, or credit card. We also offer financing options which may assist you in paying for your treatment.

What To Expect After Gynecomastia Treatment?

Two men playing basketball

After gynecomastia, you will wear a compression garment. You can resume most normal activities almost immediately for gynecomastia treatment using just liposuction, but if glandular tissue and/or skin are removed, you may have to take a few days to rest before returning to work. You may also have to wear a compression garment and avoid strenuous exercise for up to four weeks after the procedure.

Will I Have Scars After Getting Gynecomastia Treatment?

Yes, surgical scars will be present following gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Widenhouse carefully places incisions under the arms and around the areolas to minimize how visual and noticeable the scarring is.

When Will I See The Results?

Once the post-operative swelling subsides, you’ll begin to see the results of the gynecomastia procedure. Swelling typically resolves within a month of the procedure.

What Are Possible Complications Of Gynecomastia Treatment?

Gynecomastia is associated with the following risks:

Fluid loss, causing shock
Skin injury
Skin rippling
Hematoma
Unfavorable scarring
Changes in skin pigmentation
Loss or changes in sensation

How Long Will The Results Of Gynecomastia Treatment Last?

Gynecomastia produces long-lasting results. Be aware that weight gain and the use of some drugs could cause cause breast tissue to recur.

Benefits of Gynecomastia Treatment

Gynecomastia treatment offers the benefit of resolving physical and emotional issues men suffer when plagued with enlarged breast tissue. It also:

Treats asymmetry, restoring balance of the chest
Relieves back, chest, and shoulder discomfort caused by excess breast tissue
Creates a more masculine physique
Allows clothing to fit properly, flattering the male figure

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Gynecomastia Treatment?

Men who are ideal candidates for gynecomastia treatment are those who have:

Suffered from hormonal imbalances or glandular issues unresolved by medication
Experienced extreme weight loss or gain
Previously used anabolic steroids

MEN’S PLASTIC SURGERY Q&A WITH A PATIENT: GERMAINE, GYNECOMASTIA
Our men’s plastic surgery patient Germaine Brisbane first started considering a surgical procedure for gynecomastia several years ago. It Continue Reading >>

What Do I Need To Do Before Gynecomastia Treatment?

Man running on treadmill

Men considering gynecomastia treatment should schedule a consultation with Dr. Widenhouse. He’ll perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and determine the correct approach for your gynecomastia treatment, which will offer optimum results.

Some health insurers do offer coverage for gynecomastia treatments. Contact your insurance carrier to verify if coverage is available. Preauthorization for the procedure may be required.

Before your surgery, you’ll be given specific instructions to follow in preparation. You may need to discontinue using certain medications or supplements. We ask that you cease smoking and using tobacco or nicotine products four months before surgery.

What Should I Expect On The Day Of My Gynecomastia Treatment?

Gynecomastia surgery is usually performed with local IV sedation and IV sedation. In some cases, patients will be put under IV sedation. IV sedation options will be reviewed prior to the surgery.

To reduce the size of male breasts, liposuction and/or tissue excision may be utilized to remove excess tissue. Incisions are typically made under the arm or around the areola to minimize the appearance of surgical scars. In cases where significant amounts of fat and tissue are removed, skin may also be excised to avoid loose skin folds which cannot retract to the chest’s smaller size.

How Long Does It Take To Perform Gynecomastia Treatment?

The length of the procedure depends on the amount of tissue and fat needing to be removed. Gynecomastia treatment involving minor amounts of tissue and fat removal will conclude sooner than a procedure involving significant tissue, fat, and skin excision.

Gynecomastia FAQs

What is the number one cause of gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is most commonly caused by an imbalance of hormones in men resulting in excess estrogen and lower testosterone. This hormonal imbalance produces more breast tissue and larger breast glands in men who typically would have a flatter and more chiseled chest. Other causes of gynecomastia include steroid abuse, excessive weight gain, excessive use of marijuana or alcohol, or the use of certain prescription medications.

What is the best treatment for gynecomastia?

The best way to permanently get rid of your gynecomastia is through gynecomastia surgery. During your surgery, Dr. Widenhouse will remove excess breast tissue, enlarged breast glands, and stubborn pockets of fat from your chest. This procedure will leave you with the flat, defined chest you desire.

Can I get rid of gynecomastia without surgery?

Unfortunately, there is no great way to get rid of gynecomastia without surgery. This is because most cases of gynecomastia involve excess breast tissue or enlarged breast glands that cannot be worked away through a healthy diet and regular exercise. To reduce their puffy appearance, they must be surgically removed.

What are the stages of gynecomastia?

There are four stages of gynecomastia:

Grade I. This first stage involves enlargement without skin excess.
Grade II-A. This second stage typically appears in moderate enlargement of the breasts without excess skin.
Grade II-B. This more severe stage typically manifests in moderate enlargement of the breasts with minor amounts of excess skin.
Grade III. This most severe stage is generally marked by enlargement of the breasts with a large amount of excess skin resembling a female chest.

Is gynecomastia permanent?

The answer to this question depends on what is causing your gynecomastia to appear. If your gynecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance or as a result of prescription medications you’re taking, your gynecomastia may be resolved with adjustments to your medication. On the other hand, if your gynecomastia is a result of genetics or steroid abuse, surgery may be the only option to get rid of your gynecomastia.

Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse is passionately committed to reflecting your inner beauty. Using the latest and most advanced procedures for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, our team offers full body plastic surgery, emphasizing overall health and wellness to the residents of Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding communities in South Carolina. Contact Port City Plastic Surgery today!