Posted January 10, 2024 in Gynecomastia Surgery
Men who suffer from excess skin and fat of the breast tissue are sometimes able to remedy the problem with diet and exercise; however, this is only an option if your gynecomastia is from excess weight, and even then, it can be a long process. If you have excess chest fat that mimics male breasts, it may be a result of hormonal imbalances, certain medications, steroid or drug use, or other factors. This blog will discuss the causes of gynecomastia, who may be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery, what surgical options you may have, and what results you can expect.
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Some men have excess skin and fat in their breast tissue—a medical condition known as gynecomastia—creating the appearance of enlarged breasts.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Determining the cause of your gynecomastia is key in figuring out how best to treat it. Some men develop gynecomastia due to hormonal changes, most often during puberty or andropause. When estrogen and testosterone are not at their usual levels, it can lead to extra skin and fat in the breasts.
Certain types of medications, such as anti-androgens, ADHD medications, anxiety medications, antidepressants, opioids, heart medicines, and stomach-emptying pills, can cause men to grow enlarged breasts. Medical conditions such as kidney disease, hypogonadism, and hyperthyroidism can also be potential causes of gynecomastia.
Steroid and drug use can also be factors, such as anabolic steroids, alcohol, amphetamines, marijuana, heroin, and methadone.
A significant increase in weight can also contribute to more fat in your chest, giving the appearance of breasts.
Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia
It’s important to note that while gaining an excessive amount of weight can contribute to male breasts, there is a difference between true gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. Gynecomastia is defined by an excess of the glandular tissue. On the other hand, pseudogynecomastia is described as an excess of fatty tissues in the breast.
If your enlarged breasts are a result of pseudogynecomastia, it is possible that exercise and weight loss could get rid of them.
How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia surgery, also called male breast reduction, is one of the best ways of eliminating the appearance of male breasts and creating firmer chest contours. However, knowing the root cause of your gynecomastia is essential to ensure you understand the best solution.
For adolescents who are experiencing gynecomastia due to puberty, their gynecomastia may go away on its own with time. If your gynecomastia is caused by medication or other drugs, then stopping the use of those could be enough to get rid of the enlarged breasts without surgery. Talking to your doctor about any potential factors that caused the gynecomastia is an essential step in knowing if you should get male breast reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia Surgery Options
Gynecomastia surgery has two main components: liposuction and surgical excision. Liposuction is used to remove the excess fat in the chest, and the surgical excision is performed to remove the excess breast tissue and skin. Usually, gynecomastia patients will have both of these components included in their male breast reduction. However, in cases where the gynecomastia is more mild, liposuction may be enough on its own to remove the breasts.
Male Breast Reduction Before and Afer
After male breast reduction surgery, you can expect your enlarged breasts to be gone and replaced by smooth, firm chest contours. You can look forward to having a more masculine chest, better hygiene due to no longer having folds and creases, and being comfortable and confident in your appearance.
Learn if You’re a Gynecomastia Surgery Candidate Today
Ready to say goodbye to your enlarged breasts? Call Weston Cosmetic Surgery Center at 954-659-7760 or 877-250-8117, or fill out our online contact form today!