Gynecomastia is a condition that is characterized by enlarged breast tissue in males, including teenagers and adults. It can happen for several reasons, the most common of which is excess fat associated with obesity, hormonal changes, marijuana use, or medications.
Gynecomastia can also be a side effect of hormonal imbalances associated with puberty or underlying medical conditions that trigger hormone imbalances, like liver or kidney disease.
The condition often results in significant emotional distress and some physical discomfort. Those affected may avoid activities where they must remove their shirt and choose loose-fitting clothes to disguise their appearance.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew H. Steele can identify the underlying cause of gynecomastia to reduce the potential risk it will reoccur after a male breast reduction in Midlothian.
Once the cause of your enlarged breast tissue has been identified and addressed, you may need male breast reduction surgery to remove the extra glandular tissue and fat deposits that fail to respond to exercise and weight loss.
In some cases, enlarged breast tissue presents in one breast (unilateral), but in most cases it occurs in both breasts (bilateral). Dr. Steele typically performs this procedure in the office under local anesthesia. Some men will need to go under general anesthesia if extensive skin resection is required.
When gynecomastia results from excess fatty tissue, liposuction alone may be enough to correct the condition. This is especially effective in men with good skin quality.
Liposuction involves inserting a thin hollow tube through small incisions to remove excess fat using a vacuum suction. Men with poor skin elasticity may also benefit from excisional surgery, during which Dr. Steele can remove excess skin and revise and reposition the areola and nipple to a more anatomic position. Sometimes, liposuction and excision are combined to achieve your desired results.
Men who are good candidates for male breast reduction surgery in Midlothian will have had the underlying cause evaluated by a physician who can determine why a hormonal balance imbalance was present or confirm it is the result of obesity. You may need male breast reduction surgery when the condition cannot be corrected by addressing the underlying medical condition or changing medication.
When your condition is caused by being overweight or obese, you should be close to your goal weight before surgery. Weight gain and loss can affect the surgery results and change the way you look.
Men who are good candidates for breast reduction surgery are also non-smokers. Nicotine can increase your risk of wound healing complications, tissue necrosis, and infection. We recommend you stop smoking and using nicotine products four weeks before and after surgery.
After surgery, you will need someone to drive you home. Dr. Steele will give you specific instructions on how to care for the incision sites in the postoperative period.
Following your instructions closely will help reduce the risk of complications, including infection, and improve the results of the surgery. When you have excisional surgery, you may have drains that remove excess fluid or blood that can accumulate under the skin.
You will also have elastic bandages around your chest and a compression garment to minimize swelling and support tissue as it heals to your new chest contour. Dr. Steele will remove the drain and sutures during a follow-up visit.
The final results of gynecomastia surgery in Midlothian are typically permanent. However, if the enlarged tissue was a result of prescription or recreational drug use, and you continue to use these drugs or gain weight, the enlargement of your breast tissue can return.
Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breast tissue, can negatively impact your self-esteem and self-image. Using advanced techniques, Dr. Steele can help you regain a masculine chest contour with minimal scarring.
We encourage you to call our office today to discover how male breast reduction in Midlothian can help remove excess tissue and restore your chest to more natural male contours.
