Gynecomastia Surgery in Orange County
Posted November 11, 2011 in Body Contouring, Male Breast Reduction (Gynecomastia), Male Surgery, Uncategorized
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, often causes significant physical and emotional distress. This condition may develop during teenage years or earlier, when it can be especially traumatic, but also occurs later in life. Patients are usually embarrassed to remove their shirts in public, and sometimes have such severe gynecomastia that the breasts appear feminine even in a shirt. Fortunately, treatment such as male breast reduction surgery by an experienced plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery frequently results in substantial improvement.
Gynecomastia can be caused by drugs (such as marijuana or anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding), medications, hormonal imbalances or genetic conditions. Often, the condition is idiopathic, meaning that it arises for no clear reason. A properly trained physician, usually the plastic surgeon, should evaluate the patient for possible presence of underlying or treatable causes.
The first line of treatment for gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, usually involves use of liposuction. Many patients obtain excellent results with liposuction alone, which can be performed using very small, usually inconspicuous incisions. There are various techniques to make it easier for the plastic surgeon to remove the fat and breast tissue during liposuction, including ultrasound-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, and others.
Sometimes the breast tissue is too thick and tough to be removed by liposuction alone (especially the tissue directly behind the nipple and areola). This tissue can be excised, or cut out, in combination with liposuction. Frequently, a fairly small incision around the areola can be used, resulting in a very reasonable scar.
Less commonly, some patients may have so much excess skin that a procedure similar to a breast lift or mastectomy is performed, removing the loose skin and tightening the chest. Scars can be more noticeable with such procedures. Even for patients who seem to have too much skin, it is usually advisable to begin with aggressive liposuction, reserving a second surgery to remove extra skin for later if necessary.
It is extremely important to consult a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, such as Orange County and Newport Beach area plastic surgeon Andres Taleisnik, M.D., when seeking evaluation and treatment for gynecomastia. For a free consultation, please call Dr. Taleisnik’s office at 714-835-6500.
