Category: Plastic Surgery For Men

Male breast reduction treatments are becoming more common as men learn more about gynecomastia and care more about their physique. Gynecomastia is a perfectly normal condition to experience, but it doesn’t mean you have to live with it. If you are considering treatment for gynecomastia, here are five facts you need to know.

1. 50% of Men Experience Gynecomastia

50% is a shocking number, but it’s true – 1 in every 2 men experience gynecomastia during their lifetime. For most people, it develops during puberty in response to hormonal changes in the body. While most people grow out of it, an estimated 10% of men will continue to experience gynecomastia symptoms into adulthood. The good part about this is that there are effective treatment options available to you!

2. Surgery May Be Required

Gynecomastia is actually caused by tissue growth in the chest. While it may feel fatty, it is not actually made up of fat cells. This is why many men are unable to fix gynecomastia with exercise. Exercise burns fat, but it cannot eliminate excess tissue! Surgical removal is the best option for addressing the tissue that causes gynecomastia symptoms. Unless your symptoms are only caused by a build-up of fat, surgery may be the best option for you.

3. Select a Great Surgeon (And Trust Them)

When considering any type of cosmetic surgery, it’s incredibly important to choose a reputable and experienced surgeon. A great surgeon can make your treatment experience much more comfortable. Of course, your surgeon will also be directly responsible for your results! Make sure you do your research and select a surgeon with a successful history of performing male breast reduction surgery. Don’t be afraid to trust your surgeon and share your concerns. They will be able to walk you through the procedure and make sure your needs are met.

4. Liposuction Can Improve Results

Many patients choose to have gynecomastia surgery in order to achieve a more masculine physique. Combining male breast reduction with liposuction techniques can further improve your results by sculpting the nearby areas of the body. Liposuction can address stubborn fat in the abdomen, love handles and any fat that may be in the chest region. You may want to ask your surgeon how liposuction can improve your results!

5. Results are Permanent (Mostly)

The male breast reduction procedure removes tissue from the chest to create permanent results. Once the tissue is removed, it does not grow back. However, fat can still accumulate in the chest if you do not practice healthy diet and exercise habits. Don’t forget to maintain a healthy lifestyle to make your results last as long as possible. If you have any other questions about the male breast reduction procedure, or if you’d like to discuss your needs with a surgeon, contact us today at Harold E. Beam Plastic Surgery.

You look in the mirror and what do you see? Chiseled abs? Maybe. Big biceps and toned calves? Perhaps. Slightly large, buffy breasts? You’re not alone. Enlarged breasts are common in men going through puberty and older men but is not often talked about. Here’s what you need to know about gynecomastia and what you can do to fix it.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition in which men have enlarged breast glands and tissue. According to a study done in 2019, up to 65 percent of men in the U.S. struggle with gynecomastia. Enlarged male breasts, popularized by the term “man boobs” affect most men while they are going through puberty, and can sometimes resolve on its own. While gynecomastia is not painful or physically bothersome, it can negatively impact self-esteem and general happiness.

Gynecomastia Causes

There are many different factors that can cause gynecomastia, including:

• Hormones wreak havoc on the body during puberty and are the most common cause of gynecomastia. While gynecomastia caused by excess hormones may resolve on its own, it’s likely to carry on through adulthood.
• Weight gain. When you gain an excessive amount of weight, it puts a toll on your body. Because there are fat cells located in the breasts, the breasts get larger with the more weight you gain.
• The body is a delicate system, and adding chemicals to balance one condition can often imbalance another, resulting in side effects. Check your medication and talk to your doctor to see if gynecomastia is a side effect.
• Steroid use. Using steroids adds hormones to the body that we’re not used to. Similar to when you go through puberty, an influx of hormones can trigger unwanted side effects including enlarged breasts.
• Drug use. Studies have shown a correlation between smoking marijuana and excessive ingestion of alcohol and the onset of gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Treatment

It’s a common misconception that you can fix “man boobs” at the gym. While strengthening the muscles in your chest is beneficial, sometimes the “fatty tissue” we see causing the enlarged breast is actually enlarged breast glands. These enlarged glands can only be treated with surgery. During gynecomastia surgery, a small incision is made into the chest near the armpit. Through this incision, excess fat is eliminated with liposuction and enlarged breast glands are removed. The surgery is a safe and simple solution to your puffy chest.

Is Gynecomastia Surgery Expensive?

The cost of your gynecomastia surgery is going to depend on the condition of your chest prior to treatment. To learn more about the cost of your gynecomastia surgery, talk to Dr. Beam during your consultation. We also offer financing options to make your procedure as affordable as possible.

If you are interested in learning more about getting rid of your gynecomastia once and for all, call us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Beam.