Category: Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia, the development of enlarged breast tissue in males, can cause physical discomfort and psychological distress. While it is often associated with hormonal changes during puberty, gynecomastia can affect individuals of all ages and is influenced by various factors. In this informative blog, we’ll explore the causes of gynecomastia, potential treatments, and when surgery becomes the only option.

4 Min Read:

What is Gynecomastia?

Man-boobs may be what some say, but the official term of gynecomastia refers to a condition characterized by the enlargement of glandular breast tissue in males, leading to the appearance of swollen or protruding breasts. This condition can affect one or both breasts and may be accompanied by tenderness, discomfort, or nipple discharge.

While gynecomastia is common during puberty due to hormonal fluctuations, these imbalances can also occur in adults. Certain medications and underlying medical conditions can also contribute to enlarged breast tissue in males.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Most cases of gynecomastia are caused by a problem with hormone levels. Here are a few reasons males can experience enlarged breast tissue:

1. Hormonal imbalances in pubertal gynecomastia: During the preteen/early teen ages (puberty), hormonal fluctuations can temporarily disrupt the balance between estrogen and testosterone, leading to the development of gynecomastia in adolescent boys. In many cases, pubertal gynecomastia resolves independently as hormone levels stabilize.
2. Hormonal imbalances in late teens and adults: Changes in hormone levels after adulthood, particularly an increase in estrogen relative to testosterone, can lead to the development of gynecomastia. This hormonal imbalance can occur during puberty, aging, or as a side effect of certain medical conditions or medications.
3. Obesity: Excess body fat can contribute to the accumulation of estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances that promote breast tissue growth in males.
4. Medications: Certain medications, including anabolic steroids, anti-androgens, and chemotherapy drugs, can interfere with hormone levels and increase the risk of gynecomastia.
5. Underlying medical conditions: Gynecomastia may be associated with underlying medical conditions such as hypogonadism, liver disease, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, or tumors affecting the testes, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland.

Treatment Options for Gynecomastia

A conservative approach is always worth trying, and you might consider the following options:

• Observation: In cases of pubertal gynecomastia, observation may be recommended initially, as the condition often resolves independently as hormone levels normalize. Close monitoring by a healthcare provider can help determine if further intervention is necessary.
• Lifestyle changes: For individuals with gynecomastia related to obesity or lifestyle factors, adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, balanced nutrition, as well as the avoidance of alcohol and cannabis may help reduce breast size and improve overall health.
• Medication: In some cases, drugs such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) or aromatase inhibitors may be prescribed to help reduce breast size by blocking the effects of estrogen or reducing estrogen production.

When is Surgery the Only Way to Correct Gynecomastia?

When conservative measures fail to achieve desired results or when gynecomastia causes significant physical or psychological distress, surgical intervention may be necessary. Male breast reduction surgery, also known as gynecomastia surgery, involves the removal of excess glandular tissue and fat from the breast area to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest.

Surgery may be the only option for treating gynecomastia in the following scenarios:

Persistent Gynecomastia

If gynecomastia persists beyond puberty or fails to resolve with conservative measures, surgical intervention may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Significant Discomfort

Gynecomastia that causes significant physical discomfort, pain, or restriction of movement may warrant surgical treatment to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Psychological Distress

Gynecomastia can have a profound impact on self-esteem, body image, and mental well-being. For individuals experiencing psychological distress or emotional discomfort due to their breast size, surgery may offer a solution to improve confidence and self-confidence.

Cosmetic Preference

Even mildly enlarged male breasts can affect one’s self-image, and some men may seek surgery to achieve their ideal aesthetic. If excess tissue consists only of stubborn residual fat after weight loss or strength training, a minor liposuction procedure can correct the issue if the skin is not loose.

Gynecomastia is a common condition that can affect males of all ages and is influenced by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, obesity, medications, and underlying medical conditions. While gynecomastia may resolve on its own in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary when conservative measures fail to achieve desired results or when the condition causes significant physical or psychological distress.

Gynecomastia Surgery in Pasadena, CA

Dr. Vincent Hung is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and provides male breast reductions with the highest level of care in Pasadena, California. If you want to learn more about gynecomastia surgery, call our office at (626) 623-7135.

3 Minute Read: 

Regardless of age, men who struggle with gynecomastia (male breasts) often feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their physical appearance. However, if you are a man who struggles with gynecomastia, male breast reduction can help you get rid of those unsightly “man boobs” so that you can achieve the chest appearance you’ve always wanted.  

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is ultimately caused by excess fat and enlarged breast tissue in males. Often, it is the result of a hormonal imbalance, where the body produces more estrogen than testosterone. This hormonal imbalance can be caused by natural changes in hormone levels (as often happens with males as they go through puberty) as well as the use of drugs, marijuana, and some medications. 

One of the most frustrating aspects of gynecomastia is that there is often no natural way to address this condition. Instead, plastic surgery is the only way. Fortunately, having your gynecomastia correction surgery performed by a trusted plastic surgeon like Dr. Hung can give you results that you can feel proud of.

What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?

In a recent study published in the World Journal of Plastic Surgery, it was found that nine of out 10 men expressed satisfaction with their gynecomastia surgery and results. The success of this cosmetic procedure is due in large part to the fact that gynecomastia surgery improved men both physically and psychologically. 

Here are some of the ways that gynecomastia correction surgery can help you.

More Masculine Physique

One of society’s qualifications for a masculine body is a defined chest, and the reality is that gynecomastia keeps chest definition from being visible. However, with gynecomastia surgery, the excess fat is removed from the chest using liposuction surgery and the unneeded breast tissue is surgically removed. 

This allows for a more contoured chest appearance that can help you feel stronger and more masculine.

Improved Confidence

Many men with gynecomastia find that they have limited self-esteem and confidence. This condition can cause men to refrain from participating in many of their favorite activities (like swimming and trips to the beach) and can even negatively affect their dating life. However, by getting rid of their more feminine-looking chest, men can find themselves with increased confidence and comfort in their body’s appearance. 

In fact, many men can’t wait to get out and show off their dramatic results.

Limited Visible Scarring

Men and women who undergo cosmetic procedures often worry about the resulting scar from the procedure. That is because any invasive surgery (like gynecomastia correction surgery) requires incisions to be made in the skin, which ultimately causes scars. However, one of the greatest benefits for men undergoing gynecomastia with Dr. Hung is that scars are minimized and kept as inconspicuous as possible. 

Dr. Hung uses a periareolar incision, which means that the incision is made in the lower half of the areola, below the nipple. While there will be a scar, it will not be noticeable, which means that people will not be able to tell that you even had cosmetic surgery.

Why Should You Trust Dr. Hung With Your Gynecomastia Surgery?

It is so important that you trust your plastic surgery to a cosmetic surgeon who is trained, knowledgeable, skilled, and successful. That is because you are trusting your health and the appearance of your body to that doctor. 

Dr. Hung is triple-board certified in Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Plastic Surgery. This is an amazing feat, especially when you consider that there are only a handful of doctors in the world with these credentials. This means that you can look forward to achieving the results you truly want after your procedure with Dr. Hung.  

Do You Want to Learn More? 

If you have questions about gynecomastia correction surgery or any of the other procedures that Dr. Hung offers to patients in Southern California, schedule your consultation today by calling 626-432-5032 (Pasadena) or 949-574-8292 (Newport Beach). 

3 Minute Read: 

Gynecomastia is a prevalent issue in the male population. The condition, which causes enlarged male breast tissues, has a reported prevalence of up to 36 percent. 

Notably, men with gynecomastia often feel ashamed and embarrassed over their condition. Fortunately, gynecomastia surgery can help reduce breast size in men while flattening and enhancing their chest contours. Patients who have undergone the surgery experience increased confidence as a result of their more masculine chest appearance.

While most men would agree that the results make gynecomastia surgery well worth it, a common concern is how to hide the signs they had surgery on their chest. 

Although the procedure is fast and done with minimal scarring, you may still have to accept some scars. Read on for tips on how to take care of your scars so that they become lighter and fade faster.

What Should I Expect After My Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery results take time to become visible, often finalizing within three to six months of the operation. As you recover, the satisfaction with your new image will grow as your post-surgical swelling diminishes and incisions fade. 

While surgical scarring lightens with time, there is no way to guarantee that the scars will be eliminated completely. Your plastic surgeon will do everything in their ability to place these incisions in your chest’s natural contours; however, some scarring will occur and will likely be permanent.

You can help minimize the visibility of these by following several easy steps. 

How to Minimize Gynecomastia Surgery Scars

Even with the highest level of surgical precision, it is impossible to avoid scarring around the areola or in the liposuction site. Fortunately, most scars heal to a level where they can be barely visible.

Some of the techniques to reduce the appearance of the scars caused by the surgery include:

• Higher level of hygiene: Proper hygiene on a healing wound can help keep out unwanted germs and debris to prevent risks of infections. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on washing the surgery area and how to keep it moist to prevent dry skin from suffering discoloration and redness.
• Protection from the sun: Healing incisions are more susceptible to sun damage. You can apply sunscreen to the scar to protect it from the effects of UV rays. Ensure you are using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Prescription medicine: Your surgeon can also prescribe medications that help fade the scars. These can include ointments, supplements, and skincare medicines that quicken the healing process.
• Silicone sheets and scar gels: You can apply silicone sheets or scar gels on the surgery area to reduce the pigmentation and the size of scars. These also help to prevent keloid or hypertrophic scars.
• Laser treatments: After the scars are completely healed, the scars can be lessened with microscopic lasers targeting the upper and middle layers of the skin. This technique is ideal for reducing or eliminating deep scars.

Don’t Suffer From Male Breasts Any Longer! Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation Today!

Notably, gynecomastia surgery scarring occurs in each patient uniquely. Choosing the right plastic surgeon can be the most effective way to minimize or eliminate noticeable scars from the surgery. 

At the offices of Vincent C. Hung, M.D., F.A.C.S., our highly experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon will equip you with the necessary knowledge on the most effective method to approach your healing process. 

After your procedure, our team will instruct you on treating the wound when you can resume regular activity and exercise. If you have further questions about gynecomastia surgery, contact us today by calling (626) 432-5032 or filling out our online contact form.

3 Minute Read:

You might be surprised—or comforted, depending on where you stand—that nearly 50 percent of all men experience gynecomastia at some part in their lives.

So, what is gynecomastia?

More commonly found in young teens and older men, gynecomastia is the presence of excess or enlarged tissue that mimics the appearance of female breasts.

Gynecomastia is not caused by being overweight, but rather, an imbalance in hormones that causes the development of excess tissue. This is why losing weight through exercise may only partially solve the issue. This is also why more men are considering gynecomastia surgery to resolve the issue permanently.

Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

Many young men start to develop gynecomastia during their teenage years. While adolescents may benefit from the surgery, in most cases involving young men, the issue is resolved by the time of adulthood.

The ideal candidates for gynecomastia surgery are men who are experiencing extreme discomforts such as chafing or rubbing of the skin, suffer from a lack of confidence, and men who have tried less invasive methods and failed.

Gynecomastia may also be associated with hyperthyroidism, low testosterone levels, or other health complications. Be sure to speak with your primary physician to ensure you are not experiencing symptoms of other medical conditions.

Great candidates are also those who have realistic expectations, good physical health, and a relatively healthy weight.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are options for providing complete comfort for patients, and your doctor will suggest the best option for you.

If your gynecomastia is more like pseudo gynecomastia (excess fat), then liposuction will be used to eliminate fat deposits around the chest.

For glandular tissue and excess skin, a series of excisions will be made to remove tissue and reposition and contour the body to its most natural and flattering angle.

What Are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery?

For many men, masculinity is often defined by how you look. Restoring your self-image to the one you once had or the one you desire can have an exponential impact on your lifestyle and confidence.

Surgery may also improve your ability to enjoy the clothes you wear and correct your posture. Feeling comfortable in your skin is just one step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life, and gynecomastia surgery can help you remove the ‘man boobs’ that might be holding you back.

What Are My Alternatives to Gynecomastia Surgery?

Because a hormonal imbalance causes gynecomastia, hormone balance treatments may fight against male breast development or at least minimize its visibility.

In turn, removing anything in your life that might cause this hormonal imbalance may be beneficial. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Steroid use
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Antibiotics and medications
• Lack of exercise

Now that you have considered what causes gynecomastia, take time to research these non-surgical items that might prevent its formation:

• Hormone Therapy or Testosterone Replacement Therapy
• Breast reduction medication (please ask your doctor for more information on FDA-approved medication)
• Herbal supplements, yoga, acupuncture, and other holistic treatments ( these have said to have been able to cure gynecomastia by restoring hormonal balance to the body)
• Proper diet and exercise that promotes testosterone stimulation

Want to Find Out More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Newport Beach?

To learn more about the causes of gynecomastia and how to prevent it or to see if gynecomastia surgery is right for you, contact Dr. Hung by calling his Pasadena office at (626) 432-5032.