For many male patients, gynecomastia triggers a myriad of feelings, including shame, distress, and frustration. Gynecomastia in young men may improve on its own but often persists into late teenage years and into adulthood. Dr. Breitbart understands that gynecomastia can generate a sense of helplessness in patients. Because of this, he offers gynecomastia surgery at his Long Island and Manhattan locations for those that are ready to look and feel better about their appearance.
Gynecomastia Causes
First, it is important to understand what causes gynecomastia to better put the condition into perspective. Causes may be related to hormone imbalance, medical conditions, medications, or even genetics.
Hormonal imbalance: Gynecomastia may be triggered by estrogen and androgen hormone imbalance. Men naturally produce small amounts of estrogen, but when too much of the hormone is produced, enlarged breasts can result. It can also occur due to low levels of testosterone in the body. In many cases, however, no measurable hormone imbalance can be detected.
Certain medical conditions: In addition to hormonal fluctuations, certain medical conditions can lead to gynecomastia, including:
- Alcoholism
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Thyroid disease
Certain medications or drugs: If you take certain medications, you may increase your risk of developing gynecomastia. Medications that treat heartburn, depression, and male infertility, as well as drugs, such as anabolic steroids and opioids, can contribute to breast swelling in men.
Treating Gynecomastia
While it is possible for gynecomastia to improve without medical intervention, this is not the case for many patients. Often even weight loss will not fully correct or eliminate gynecomastia. Male breast reduction is an excellent option for removing excess fat and breast tissue while restoring a normal chest appearance.
Sometimes, liposuction alone can improve the condition; this is especially true in cases where gynecomastia is characterized by excess fatty tissue alone. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube into the treatment area and using suction to remove fat through small incisions.
In most cases, however, there is also an element of excess glandular tissue in addition to fatty tissue. In these cases, Dr. Breitbart uses a small hidden incision along the lower areola to remove this glandular tissue, combining this with liposuction to remove the extra fatty tissue. Depending on your unique needs, anatomy, and expectations, Dr. Breitbart will select the most appropriate technique or combination of techniques to produce the results you desire.
Contact Dr. Breitbart
Gynecomastia can be a troubling condition to deal with, but safe and effective solutions are available. When considering gynecomastia treatment, it is important to choose a skilled surgeon that understands the physical and emotional toll that is associated with the condition. Dr. Breitbart is a well-respected cosmetic surgeon that provides a tailored solution to each patient. Under his care, you can achieve your aesthetic goals. Request a gynecomastia consultation online or call our office today.
