Chest Reshaping
When we think of breast reduction surgery, we typically only think about how it can benefit women. However, men can also undergo breast reduction surgery if they suffer from a condition called gynecomastia. Also known as male breasts, gynecomastia affects men and boys of all ages, and is marked by an increase in glandular breast tissue in one or both of the breasts. It can be an embarrassing topic to talk about, but affects nearly 60 percent of boys during puberty, and 70 percent of men over the age of 50. At Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery, we are sensitive to the loss of self-esteem and the feelings of self-consciousness that can affect men with gynecomastia, and we want to help.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be caused by an imbalance in the levels of testosterone and estrogen in your body, both during puberty and later in life. Men and women have both testosterone and estrogen in their bodies, but the levels are different, as men have more testosterone and women have more estrogen. It’s the prevalence of estrogen that causes gynecomastia, so boys going through puberty may experience a temporary case of gynecomastia until their wildly fluctuating hormones level out and the increased testosterone causes a decrease in excess breast tissue. After the age of 50, testosterone begins to decrease naturally, so your hormones have to work to balance themselves out yet again, causing gynecomastia in older men. While it can be normal to have some degree of gynecomastia at any age, it can still be an embarrassing condition.
Besides the natural hormone processes that cause gynecomastia, there are outside factors that influence the formation of male breasts. Use of anabolic steroids, antiandrogens, and certain other medications can cause an increase in breast tissue, as can health conditions, including hyperthyroidism and obesity. No matter what causes your gynecomastia, Dr. Terrasse can get to the root of the problem and restore the masculine contour to your chest.
What to Expect From Your Gynecomastia Procedure
There are three options available to reduce male breasts and contour your chest, and the technique Dr. Terrasse uses will depend on your individual needs. These techniques include:
- Liposuction – If your gynecomastia is mostly caused by excess pockets of fat, liposuction will be used to remove the volume in your breasts. Dr. Terrasse is experienced in several types of liposuction, and will choose the technique that will give you the best results.
- Excision – If your gynecomastia is a result of excess skin or glandular tissue, Dr. Terrasse will excise the skin and tissue to reduce the breast size. Severe situations may require repositioning of the areola and nipples, depending on the extent of the tissue removal. In most cases, the necessary incisions can be hidden along the border of the areola and the chest skin.
- Liposuction and Excision – If your gynecomastia is caused by both excess fat and glandular tissue, Dr. Terrasse may use both techniques to give you superior results.
Depending on the technique and degree of correction needed, your recovery time will vary. Dr. Terrasse will give you instructions on post-surgical care, as well as when you can expect to return to your normal daily activities.
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You will be asked to wear upper body compression clothing and will experience some minor discomfort, bruising and swelling following your surgery, but this is normal and will eventually subside on its own. You may be able to see some results immediately after your procedure, but your final results won’t be visible for about three to six months. And while gynecomastia surgery is considered to be a lifelong solution, they will depend on whether you maintain a healthy weight, as well as if you discontinue all use of the medications that may have contributed to your problem. Your chest will continue to change as you age naturally, so it may be necessary to undergo a “touch up” procedure in the future.
If you suffer from the embarrassment of gynecomastia, let Dr. Terrasse restore your confidence and masculinity through male breast reduction surgery. Call us today at 847-234-2400 to schedule a consultation.