Gynecomastia is a condition of enlarged breasts that affects men of all body types. A fatty, pointy or rounded breast prevents men from having that angular defined, muscular chest they desire. Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries done for men.
Gynecomastia
There can be increased amounts of breast tissue only in some cases such as in thin males, but more commonly, there is associated fatty tissue in the breasts as well. The amount of fat is often increased in heavier or obese men. It is caused by an unusual sensitivity of the breast tissue to circulating hormones. Environmental effects may also contribute to this such as some medications; anabolic steroids and marijuana have been associated with gynecomastia.
The American Society of Plastic Surgery, has reported an increase of procedures for gynecomastia of 36 percent since 2000. Our office has seen a significant increase as well. Many millennial men are seeking treatment. Men’s concerns about their self-esteem and masculinity are often defined by this issue. It often develops in adolescence where boys are ridiculed, which affects their self esteem. This true of adult men as well: The embarrassing term, “man boobs” cause men to hide their chest in a “T” shirt at the pool or other times where they would be shirtless. It can affect sexuality. It can’t be exercised away; while you can reduce body fat with diet and exercise, the gynecomastia affected breast may be resistant, even with a muscular chest. In obese or heavier men, the fatty tissue of the breast will diminish with weight loss but this commonly leaves loose skin with deflated breasts and persistent residual breast tissue.
Treatment
Over the past 20 years or so, gynecomastia has been traditionally treated by liposuction and in most cases, breast gland removal. The fat is suctioned through small hidden incisions, usually along the side of the chest and through the areola, (the brown skin surrounding the nipple). The glandular breast tissue is removed within the areola as well, which hides the scar nicely.
Model
BodyTite™ Radiofrequency System
Dr. Stephens uses the BodyTite™ Radiofrequency System in combination with liposuction and breast tissue removal to produce skin tightening. BodyTite™ provides for significantly more skin tightening than previous technologies or traditional liposuction alone. When the glandular breast tissue is removed, it is sent to the pathologist for evaluation to rule out the rare possibility of cancer. ( Four percent of breast cancers are found in men).
More severe forms of breast enlargement will require a full excision of a ring of skin or “donut” around the areola or even a more extensive surgical breast lift in cases of massive weight loss and extra skin. All attempts are used to minimize scars though and the BodyTite has proven to be very effective in this.
Who are good candidates?
Good candidates must be medically and emotionally healthy, have a stable weight and a reasonable BMI. They should stop smoking and must do this if a major reduction is planned. They should have any medical causes ruled out where indicated and wait until puberty has passed or the gynecomastia has not resolved for some time. Rapidly growing male breasts or unilateral significant breast growth should undergo the proper investigations including mammograms and a consultation with an endocrinologist to rule out endocrine disease or breast cancer.
The procedure
Most patients will have minimal discomfort following the procedure which is done under tumescent local numbing solution combined with a light general anesthetic. It is performed on an outpatient basis in our AAAASF Accredited and State Licensed, Ambulatory Surgical Center, (ASC). A compression vest is used for two weeks following the procedure but the pain and downtime is minimal usually within a few days and most men can be back in the gym within a month following surgery.
To learn more about how you can regain your desired improvement, please email a request for a consultation with Dr. Stephens or call our office at 425.455.0444 to schedule your appointment.
