What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that affects men and boys where the breasts are enlarged. This can occur during multiple stages in life for males.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Boys going through puberty and older men may develop gynecomastia because of normal changes in hormone levels, though other causes also exist. Middle-aged and older men who have this condition may have attained it due to aging (which also shifts hormone levels) or because of certain medicines or drugs.

These medicines/drugs include:

• Chemotherapy
• Heart Medicines
• Anti-anxiety medicine
• AIDS treatment
• Antibiotics
• Excessive Alcohol Usage
• Amphetamines
• Steroids

How to Treat Gynecomastia

Men considering gynecomastia treatment should schedule a consultation with Dr. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery. He will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and determine the correct approach for your gynecomastia treatment, which will offer optimum results. The two treatment paths you can go down are Pharmacologic Therapy and Breast Surgery. Pharmacologic Therapy is a long-lasting procedure that is completely non-invasive. By administering antiestrogen pills, the amount of estrogen will lower in the body and testosterone will rise. These two chemicals in the body determine the masculine and feminine traits in a human being. Reduction mammoplasty is considered for patients with macromastia or long-standing gynecomastia or in persons in whom medical therapy has failed. More extensive plastic surgery may be required in patients with marked gynecomastia or who have developed excessive sagging of the breast tissue due to weight loss. If surgery is necessary, some patients may need additional liposuction to achieve their desired look.

Contact Dr. Widenhouse today to determine if gynecomastia surgery may be the right plan of action for you. Conveniently located in Charleston and Daniel Island, call 843-518-5000 to schedule your consultation!.

2683 Lake Park Drive
Charleston, SC 29406
843-518-5000

125 River Landing Drive, Suite 101
Daniel Island, SC 29492
843-518-5000