What is Gynecomastia?

Most people assume that references to breast-related plastic surgery always involve women. However, men can and do undergo breast reduction surgery to treat a condition known as gynecomastia. According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction surgery was the seventh most performed cosmetic surgery for males.   

Naples Plastic Surgery is one of the few southwest Florida cosmetic surgery practices that offer gynecomastia surgery. As such, Dr. Paul M. Gardner and Dr. Leo M. Baccaro know all about this often embarrassing condition and how it’s best treated. Read on to learn more about what exactly gynecomastia is and how Naples Plastic Surgery can help men overcome it. 

Definition of Gynecomastia

Simply put, gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes enlargement of male breast tissue. Adolescent gynecomastia occurs naturally in some preteen and teenage boys but usually resolves itself without the need for treatment. Gynecomastia can also arise in older men, affecting up to 25% of men between the ages of 50 to 80, though not to the extent that all need treatment.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is usually caused by hormonal changes that affect the natural balance between levels of testosterone and estrogen. A variety of conditions and other factors can cause the hormone balances that can result in gynecomastia, including:

• unresolved adolescent gynecomastia
• medication side-effect
• chemotherapy
• anabolic steroid use
• illegal drug use
• malnutrition
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• lung cancer
• low testosterone
• primary hypogonadism
• secondary hypogonadism
• hypothyroidism
• testicular cancer
• obesity
• trauma or injuries

How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?

Because gynecomastia symptoms vary among men and can be similar to symptoms caused by other medical conditions, doctors conduct several tests and other procedures to affirm a gynecomastia diagnosis. These may include:

• Blood, liver function, hormone level, and urine tests
• X-ray (mammogram)
• Tissue sample exam (biopsy)

Gynecomastia Repair Surgery at Naples Plastic Surgery

While most cases of adolescent gynecomastia resolve themselves, and many adult gynecomastia cases present as relatively asymptomatic, the breast enlargement caused by some cases can only be resolved by surgery. Gynecomastia surgery removes and shapes a man’s breast tissue to improve its tone. The procedure is designed to produce a slimmer physique, which enhances the patient’s body image and boosts self-confidence.

Surgical options used are highly dependent upon skin quality and thickness, fat and breast tissue levels, and the shape and size of the enlarged breasts. Thus, Dr. Gardner and Dr. Baccaro tailor every male breast reduction surgery to specific patient needs and aesthetic goals. In some cases, the surgery primarily relies on liposuction to remove excess fat. In other cases, your surgeon may need to surgically excise tissue and remove fat with liposuction.

Recovering from Gynecomastia Surgery  

As an outpatient surgery, gynecomastia repair patients can return to their homes after the procedure. Many patients are fitted with temporary drainage tubes that help prevent fluid build-up in the spaces from which fat and tissue were removed. The tubes are typically removed within a couple of days but most patients need to wear a compression garment for a week or two to help the breasts adjust to their new shape. Depending upon the extent of surgery, patients may need from one to two weeks of recovery before resuming most vigorous activities, though may need to refrain from weightlifting activities for an additional week or two.  

Consult with Naples Plastic Surgery

Naples Plastic Surgery in Naples, Florida, has long offered Gynecomastia Treatment as part of its practice. Dr. Gardner and Dr. Baccaro understand the emotional distress that can be caused by gynecomastia. They and their entire staff put gynecomastia patients at ease from the initial consultation up to the surgery, and assure them the best results in the re-sculpting of their chests. To learn how Naples Plastic Surgery can help you or a family member address enlarged breasts caused by gynecomastia, contact us today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.