Gynecomastia is a medical term that derives from Greek words that mean “woman-like breasts.” Though this oddly named condition is rarely discussed, it’s actually quite common in the general population. It is estimated that gynecomastia affects 40% to 60% of all men.

That is a large portion of the male population that will likely experience some decline in self-confidence due to excess breast gland tissue. Luckily, there is a surgery that can rid men of their overly large breasts and restore confidence called gynecomastia surgery (also known as male breast reduction).

At Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Centers of El Paso, we have a wealth of experience and skill to achieve the best results possible. Get started with your gynecomastia surgery process today by filling out our online contact form to set up a consultation. Drs. Jabor and Reynolds are looking forward to discussing if gynecomastia surgery is right for you.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the swelling or enlargement of male breast tissue that may affect one or both breasts. It is different from a simple accumulation of fat in the breast area and is most commonly caused by high estrogen levels in the male body that are not balanced with testosterone levels.

There is a variety of conditions that can cause gynecomastia, including lack of proper nutrition, obesity, liver disease, tumors in testicles or adrenal glands, hypoandrogenism, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism and kidney failure. Many drugs like steroids, finasteride, cimetidine, ketoconazole, amphetamines, marijuana, heroin and methadone can also cause this condition to develop.

There are three junctures in a male’s life where gynecomastia is most prevalent because of different hormonal factors.

After birth, newborn boys are still under the effect of the mother’s estrogen from the womb, which causes some male children to develop enlarged breasts. This usually fades within a few weeks.

Hormone levels fluctuate significantly during puberty, causing some boys between the ages of 12 and 14 to develop overly large breasts temporarily. Luckily, this condition also fades within a couple of years after they have begun going through puberty.

Excess breast tissue also develops in the later stages of life, around the ages of 50 to 80, due to hormonal fluctuation.

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Because of how common the condition is, you are likely one of the many people who are wondering how to get rid of gynecomastia once it has developed. This is where gynecomastia surgery comes in.

Gynecomastia surgery removes unwanted fat and breast tissue via a combination of liposuction and excision techniques. In some instances, only one technique may be needed instead of a combination of the two.

Gynecomastia surgery is a fairly standard procedure. In fact, more than 24,000 male breast reductions were performed throughout 2019, according to a report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. As a general trend, more men continue to get gynecomastia surgery as it becomes more socially acceptable for them to undergo cosmetic procedures.

Am I a Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

If you are experiencing excess breast tissue as a male and would like to rid yourself of overly large breasts, then you are likely a candidate for male breast reduction surgery.

One of our physicians will examine your condition to determine the best approach for moving forward. In some cases, it may be suggested to hold off on the surgery until your body has finished developing so your results aren’t harmed by further breast growth. This is most common in adolescents who are seeking treatment since their bodies are likely to continue developing.

You should be keen to the fact that certain health conditions can pose substantial surgical risks, so you should discuss any and all conditions you have with your physician prior to your surgery. The best candidates are generally in good overall health, have realistic expectations for their results, and have maintained healthy body weight and do not smoke.

What Should I Expect During a Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure?

Either Dr. Jabor or Dr. Reynolds will give you a set of pre-operative instructions to follow in the days and weeks leading up to the day of your surgery. You should strive to follow these instructions as closely as possible because it will decrease the likelihood of complications during your procedure.

On the day of your procedure, the first step in the administration of anesthesia. For gynecomastia surgery, you will be placed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Your physician will work alongside you to determine which is the best option for you.

After this, the procedure will begin. Depending on your unique anatomy and the extent of your gynecomastia, your surgeon will use liposuction, excision or both to remove excess fat and tissue in the breast.

If the primary cause is fat in the breast, then liposuction alone is enough to address the condition. A small cannula will be moved back and forth through your breast tissue, loosening and suctioning away fat as it goes.

If there has been significant distortion to your chest’s shape, or if the nipple-areolar complex has been shifted to an unnatural position, then excision is likely going to be a necessary component of the gynecomastia surgery. The incisions for this approach will be made based on your specific condition and will be discussed with you before the surgery.

What Should I Expect During My Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery?

After your surgery has been completed, a member of our surgical team will dress your wounds with bandages. An elastic support garment may also be used to help reduce post-operative swelling, and a small tube may be inserted into the area to allow fluids to drain out.

You will need to prepare a ride home ahead of time since you will not be able to operate a vehicle after surgery. We also recommend having someone with you during the first 24 hours of your recovery to help you avoid having to move around for small or large tasks. Having a recovery station set up next to your resting area with everything you will need before the surgery is an excellent way to ensure you don’t overexert yourself.

In the first few days following your procedure, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort at the surgical site. This is normal, and your physician can provide prescription or over-the-counter medication to help you deal with those symptoms. Wearing the compression garment and keeping yourself elevated at a 45-degree angle will help mitigate swelling.

The majority of the pain subsides during the first week, and by two weeks of recovery, most men are feeling close to normal. Still, we recommend avoiding vigorous exercise and activities until your physician clears you. (This usually is around the three- or four-week mark.)

Around six weeks, most patients have completely recovered and can resume their usual activities and routines.

What Kind of Results Does Gynecomastia Surgery Provide?

You can expect to see significant and long-term improvement in your chest appearance after gynecomastia surgery. Your pecs will appear more masculine and defined and be free from excess fat or tissue.

When selecting a surgeon and practice to perform your gynecomastia surgery, you want to make sure you are going somewhere with experience and skill in the procedure like the Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center of El Paso.

Achieve Your Ideal Body with Gynecomastia Surgery in El Paso

If you are ready to stop hiding underneath the t-shirts on pool days and finally get the chest you have always desired, it is time for you to get started with your gynecomastia surgery. There is no reason to continue to deal with lowered self-esteem or a lack of confidence in your appearance. Our office is happy to help you learn more about how gynecomastia surgery can turn your life around. Give our office a call at 915-855-7800 or fill out our online contact form to take that first step toward your new body.

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