Gynecomastia Procedures

Gynecomastia Monterey — Restoring confidence in men through reduction mammaplasty

A broad, flat, defined chest is one of the hallmarks of masculinity. However, for some men, no matter how much they work out or follow a strict diet, they still suffer from a condition known as gynecomastia. Greek for “women-like breasts,” gynecomastia can make men feel self-conscious and prevent them from partaking in certain activities. And it definitely takes a toll on self-confidence.

What is gynecomastia?

The condition is defined as an enlargement of the chest caused by an excessive amount of breast tissue, and breast gland. It can manifest as a fullness of the breasts, or in breast tenderness and pain. These symptoms may affect one or both breasts. The trigger for gynecomastia is a decrease in testosterone or an increase in estrogen. While certain drugs and medical conditions can bring about this imbalance, the underlying cause of gynecomastia is often unknown.

Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair self-confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy in order to hide their condition.

Gynecomastia is characterized by:

Excess localized fat
Excess glandular tissue development
Sometimes excess breast skin
Presence unilaterally (one breast) or bilaterally (both breasts)

Candidates for reduction mammaplasty
Surgery candidates include:

Men whose condition cannot be corrected through alternative medical treatments
Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
Nonsmokers and non-drug users
Men with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improving the physical symptoms of gynecomastia
Men who are physically healthy and of relatively normal weight
Men who have realistic expectations
Men whose breast development has stabilized
Men who are bothered by the feeling that their breasts are too large

Note: Adolescents may benefit from surgery, although secondary procedures may be needed in the future should breast development continue.

The procedure

Surgery removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer and better contoured. In severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and stretch the areola (the dark skin surrounding the nipple). In these cases the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved and excess skin may be reduced.
In cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. This requires insertion of a cannula, a thin hollow tube, through several small incisions. Excision techniques are recommended where glandular breast tissue or excess skin must be removed to correct gynecomastia.

Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

Typically the surgery (usually outpatient) lasts 1 hour or more, and requires general or local anesthesia. Patients often return to work in 3 to 7 days. Side effects include temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation.

Begin with a consultation

The process begins with a detailed, sit-down consultation with Dr. Morwood in his office. He will discuss your aesthetic concerns, review the unique characteristics of your chest, and then a joint decision will be reached about which aesthetic goals should and can be realistically accomplished.
During your gynecomastia surgery consultation be prepared to discuss:

- Your surgical goals
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments>
- Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and recreational drug use (including steroids)
- Previous surgeries

Dr. Morwood may also:

- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Perform diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of gynecomastia; this may include testing of your endocrine function
- Examine your breasts and take detailed measurements of their size and shape, skin quality and placement of your nipples and areolas
- Take photographs for your medical records
- Discuss likely outcomes of gynecomastia correction and any risks or potential complications
- Discuss the use of anesthesia during your procedure

Call Dr. Morwood today

Dr. Morwood is a board certified plastic surgeon who will provide a custom-designed approach to help you achieve your aesthetic vision. Please call (831) 646-8661 to set up a consultation.

Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for “women-like breasts.” ` only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

Procedure: Reduce enlarged, female-like breast in men using liposuction and/or cutting out excess glandular tissue. (Sometimes covered by medical insurance.)

Length: 1 hour or more.

Anesthesia: General or local.

In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient.

Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation.

Risks: Infection. Fluid accumulation. Injury to the skin. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Asymmetry. Pigmentation changes (may become permanent if exposed to sun). Excessive scarring if tissue was cut away. Need for second procedure to remove additional tissue.

Recovery: Back to work: 3 to 7 days. More strenuous activity: 2 to 3 weeks. Swelling and bruising: 3 to 6 months.

Duration of Results: permanent