Today, more men than ever are aware of gynecomastia and its effects. However, that doesn’t mean everyone. I speak to prospective patients all the time who have never heard this term and don’t understand why they are experiencing male breast enlargement. That’s why I am happy to help. Below I have answered a few commonly asked questions about gynecomastia and how it can be rectified with male breast reduction surgery.
Question #1: Can gynecomastia emerge later into adulthood?
Yes it can. While it’s true that gynecomastia affects younger men due to hormone fluctuation that occurs during puberty, certain health conditions can lead to similar hormonal imbalances. This includes conditions like Klinefelter syndrome (pituitary insufficiency) or hyperthyroidism that can interfere with the hormones produced by certain glands. This is also true of certain tumors. Gynecomastia can be common among adults who undergo dialysis treatments for kidney failure.
Question #2: What are the risk factors for developing gynecomastia?
In addition to the aforementioned medical conditions, there are other risk factors that can increase a man’s likelihood of developing gynecomastia. Some of these are out of a person’s control including natural aging. However, use of recreational drugs like marijuana and drinking alcohol can both contribute to gynecomastia or enlarged male breasts. This is also true of anabolic steroids.
Question #3: How dramatic will the results of a male breast reduction procedure be?
That depends on the patient, their preferences, and the level of breast enlargement that he experiences. For men with significant enlargement, I may need to remove a larger amount of tissue from the chest area. Conversely, some patients may only need a small amount of tissue removed to achieve the result they desire. Instead of focusing on a specific amount, I try to work with each of my patients to provide the aesthetic result that is most preferable and realistic for them.
Knowledge and education are powerful tools in the world of plastic surgery. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, I understand that helping my patients have the best surgery experience possible depends on them fully understanding their procedure options in order to find the most beneficial treatment plan. For more information on gynecomastia and male breast reduction, contact me, Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery to set up a complimentary plastic surgery consultation today. And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for additional tips, news, photos, and more.