Treatment Options for Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, can be embarrassing for many men. But it doesn’t have to be with the help of gynecomastia surgery, or male breast reduction. At Port City Plastic Surgery, we can help you treat the condition and achieve the body you’re looking for. Here is what to know about enlarged breasts in men and how male breast reduction surgery can help.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a common condition that leads to enlarged male breasts and excess breast tissue. It can occur in men and boys of all ages but tends to show up most in newborns, boys going through puberty (called pubertal gynecomastia), and older adults. Many factors can play a part in the development of gynecomastia, but typically, a hormone imbalance is at the root of the issue.

How does gynecomastia show up? It usually occurs as either a button-sized growth or lump in the breast or as excess breast tissue that causes an enlargement of the breast. This can show up in one or both breasts. Gynecomastia is not a type of male breast cancer, although having excess glandular breast tissue can increase the risk of male breast cancer.

Gynecomastia can be indicative of other health issues, such as prostate cancer, hormonal imbalance, testicular tumors, and more. It can also be caused by certain medical treatments, such as prostate cancer treatment. In most cases, it’s simply the result of breast tissue and isn’t cause for concern. But, it’s still important to see a gynecomastia expert for a proper assessment and clinical risk management.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most effective ways to treat gynecomastia. The surgical procedure, also known as male breast reduction, reduces the size of the breast by removing excess glandular tissue and fat, leaving you with a more sculpted, masculine chest. It’s one of the most effective ways to treat gynecomastia when it resists other treatment methods.

What Happens Before Gynecomastia Surgery?

Before surgery, you will have a consultation with Dr. Widenhouse where he will discuss your options, goals, and medical history. He will examine the area and then build a customized treatment plan.

Before surgery, you may need to stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, and if you smoke, you’ll need to avoid any nicotine intake at least two weeks before the procedure. Dr. Widenhouse will also let you know when you’ll need to stop eating and drinking the day before surgery.

On the day of surgery, you’ll want to wear loose clothing to ensure your comfort when you go home.

What Happens During Gynecomastia Surgery?

The techniques used for your male gynecomastia surgery will depend on your specific case. That said, the procedure will begin with the administration of IV sedation. From there, Dr. Widenhouse will use liposuction and/or tissue excision to reduce the size of the breasts. With liposuction, an incision is made under the arm or directly on the chest, and a cannula (thin tube) is inserted to loosen the fatty tissue. Suction is then used to remove the fat. Liposuction is not effective on glandular tissue (breast tissue).

With excision, a larger incision is made on the chest to access the area, and excess glandular tissue is removed using a variety of incisions. Dr. Widenhouse will also reposition the nipple if necessary. Excess skin may also be removed to avoid loose skin folds.

Dr. Widenhouse may use a combination of both techniques to treat enlarged breasts. Once all the fat and tissue are removed, you’ll be ready to start your recovery.

What Happens After Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so once the surgery is over, you can go home. Someone will need to drive you due to the sedation. But before you leave, we’ll make sure you know how to take care of your incisions as well as what to avoid.

You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities, nicotine, and blood thinners for several weeks. During your follow-up appointments, Dr. Widenhouse will let you know when you can return to your normal level of activity.

You’ll also have bandages and a support garment around your chest as you heal. Make sure to keep the garment on, as it will support your chest and reduce any swelling. We will also prescribe pain medication to help with any discomfort you feel during your recovery. Over the next several weeks, your chest will flatten and your enlarged breasts will look more masculine. As long as you address the underlying factors, gynecomastia results can last for many years.

Understanding the Risks

As with any surgical procedure, some risks come with male breast reductions. You’ll want to look out for:

• Blood clots
• Excessive bleeding
• Breasts that are not the same size or shape
• Excessive bruising and scarring
• Infection
• Loss of sensation, numbness, or decreased sensitivity in your breast area
• Pain that doesn’t go away

We will also be looking for these issues during your follow-up appointments, but if you notice any issues before then, don’t hesitate to call our office.

Other Gynecomastia Treatment Options

Sometimes, surgery is not necessary to reduce breast volume. If a medication or other substance is causing breast enlargement, stopping that medication or switching to another one may clear up the condition. Additionally, if a specific disease is causing the issue, treatment for that disease should cause the swelling or enlargement to go away.

Schedule a Consultation

Gynecomastia can come with a lot of embarrassment because of the way it changes the body, but with male breast reduction, Dr. Widenhouse and our team can help you once again feel at home in your body. If you develop enlarged breasts, surgical treatment is available. To find out more about your treatment options, please call us at one of our South Carolina offices or use our online contact form.