Male Breast Reduction, Gynecomastia Correction
The ideal Gynecomastia Correction Surgery depends on the nature of the deformity present.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia refers to male breast hypertrophy or enlargement. Male breasts, like female breasts, are actually a mixture of adipose tissue (fat) and breast tissue. If male breast enlargement is large enough, surgical treatment may become necessary.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is common in puberty. Transient male breast enlargement may occur on one or both sides. Enlargement is commonly asymmetric (different from side to side) and generally lasts from a few months to a couple years. Occasionally gynecomastia persists following puberty and may require surgery. For adolescents, observation may be appropriate, to see if spontaneous resolution occurs before progressing to surgery.
Gynecomastia is also common in newborns. Maternal hormones (estrogen and progesterone) actually stimulate enlargement in the small amount of breast tissue present in both male and female newborns. This generally resolves within weeks of birth. Elderly males may also develop breast enlargement.
Although gynecomastia may be caused by endocrine (hormonal) abnormalities, this is generally rare. It may be appropriate to measure blood hormone levels in adult men who have new onset of breast enlargement, especially bilateral (on both sides) with stable body weight. Testicular and pituitary tumors are the most common causes of hormonal abnormalities, so testicular ultrasound and brain MRI exams may be necessary.
Certain drugs can cause gynecomastia. Marijuana, if used frequently during puberty, may lower testosterone levels. There is some controversy regarding whether this is truly a cause of gynecomastia. There are many prescription medications that may occasionally cause gynecomastia, most significantly the drugs used to treat prostate hypertrophy.
As with any mass or lump anywhere in the body, tumors must be considered a possibility when evaluating a male breast enlargement. If a discrete mass or lump is identified on exam, or if enlargement is new, work-up with mammography, ultrasound, or MRI may be warranted. Needle biopsies or other workup may also be warranted. Breast cancer in men is rare, but is should be considered if the history or physical exam is suspicious.
What surgical techniques can be used to treat this?
The surgical treatment of gynecomastia in Cleveland Ohio, depends on the size of the male breast, the consistency (breast tissue versus fatty tissue), amount of skin excess, and the patient’s goals, especially with regard to incisions.
If enlargement is mild, then liposuction alone may be used to treat the deformity. Dr. Goldman prefers to use ultrasonic liposuction in many cases, because the ultrasound can break up firmer areas.
If enlargement is moderate, then liposuction is generally combined with open excision (removal) of excess breast tissue. Dr. Goldman prefers a small (generally 1-2 inch) incision within the areola (the pigmented circle of skin around the nipple). This incision is well hidden, but allows access to the entire breast area.
In cases of severe enlargement or copious skin excess, skin needs to be removed to reduce and shape the breast. Gastric bypass patients and other weight loss patients generally fit into this category. The nipple is often moved up in such cases as a skin graft.
What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?
As with any surgery, bleeding, infection, and medical or anesthetic complications are uncommon, but real, risks of surgery. Specific to gynecomastia treatment, skin irregularities, asymmetry, nipple numbness, scarring, healing problems, and pain may occur. This is an outpatient procedure usually performed in the surgicenter setting.
Why choose Dr. Goldman for this procedure?
As with any plastic surgery procedure, you should seek out a board certified plastic surgery to treat gynecomastia in Cleveland Ohio. Please peruse Dr. Goldman’s credentials. Dr. Goldman has extensive experience with gynecomastia treatment, and with cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery of the breast, in general. Also examine our photo gallery to see actual patient results.
How do I set up a consultation?
Feel free to call (216) 514-8899 or email info@drgoldman.com. Our friendly and well-informed staff would be happy to answer any questions and expedite an appointment.