Gynecomastia in Los Alamitos, CA

The scientific term gynecomastia refers to enlarged male breasts. This condition is one that can produce a feminine chest due to the increase of growing breast tissue. Treatment for gynecomastia involves removing unwanted fat deposits or glandular tissue that result in enlarged male breasts. The goal of gynecomastia surgery is to restore a normal male breast contour and to correct deformities of the breast, nipple, or areola.

Often, gynecomastia is related to an unknown hormonal problem. It may also be caused by certain medications, steroids, weight gain, or heredity. Men with this condition often feel embarrassed, most commonly in situations where the chest is exposed, such as at the beach, pool, or gym. Los Alamitos, CA triple board-certified plastic surgeon William P. Aiello performs surgical breast reduction for men who suffer from gynecomastia. This surgery does have a high success rate and is one of the more common surgical treatments for men at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center.

Male breast reduction treatment is reserved for men with oversized breasts that cannot be treated through medications or diet and exercise. If you are embarrassed by the size and shape of your chest (but you're healthy and at a good weight), you could possibly benefit from male breast reduction surgery at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center. Adolescent teens may also attain positive results from gynecomastia treatment; however, an additional procedure may be needed later as an adult if excess breast tissue continues to develop. In your initial consultation with Dr. Aiello, treatment considerations will be provided, including the chances of moving forward with surgery to correct the condition.

This procedure is typically done under general anesthesia. Male breast reduction methods include liposuction, cutting out excess glandular tissue, or using a combination of liposuction and excision. Enlarged breasts may be excess fatty tissue rather than breast tissue, and in this case, can often be improved with liposuction alone. To treat puffy nipples or excess skin associated with gynecomastia, you will probably need liposuction combined with chest reduction using glandular excision. The choice of surgical technique depends on the likelihood of skin redundancy after surgery.

At the conclusion of your gynecomastia surgery, the chest will be supported with a compression bandage to help minimize swelling, bleeding, and bruising. For complex cases where a more intricate approach was used, a small tube for draining may be properly positioned to help with fluid. The outcomes following this procedure are almost immediately visible, and most men are extremely excited with the cosmetic enhancement. Any incisions made during surgery take time to heal, and any scars left behind are barely seen. With your new, masculine-appearing chest, you may get medical clearance from Dr. Aiello to incorporate exercise and weight training, which will help accentuate the surgical results.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
Excessive male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is a medical problem that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. For this reason, Dr. Aiello suggests you focus on how to get your best results rather than on costs. To make male breast reduction surgery fit your budget, Ocean Plastic Surgery Center takes several payment methods, and we can also help you locate low-interest financing. While surgery for gynecomastia is generally not covered by insurance, it's worth contacting your insurer to check.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia develops in men when there is an imbalance in the hormones. In most cases, gynecomastia is connected to the use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It may also be the result of using illegal drugs, including marijuana or heroin. Gynecomastia might also be triggered by some medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors), plus some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications). It is very important to be honest with your surgeon about your lifestyle and any factors that may have contributed to your condition.

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause swelling, tenderness, and pain. Some patients might have pseudogynecomastia (false gynecomastia) so Dr. Aiello suggests that patients lose weight by following an exercise plan and a healthy diet before considering surgery. If you have excess breast tissue while you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Aiello will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include a mammogram, blood tests, or a biopsy to look for other causes, like an infection of the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn't approved any medications for the treatment of gynecomastia. Although they aren't approved for gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (Raloxifene or Tamoxifen) might give you minimal improvements. Upper body weight training to increase the pectoral muscles will not reduce the excess breast tissue and could even make the breasts look bigger.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Dr. Aiello at your consultation. He will personalize your surgical plan to select the best incision pattern and technique to improve your nipples. Oversized areolas may also be corrected in surgery for gynecomastia. It is crucial to be honest with Dr. Aiello about all your concerns and goals during your initial consultation so that he can make sure you get the results you want.

What kind of scars will I have?
The level and placement of any scarring differs from patient to patient. For example, if you require glandular or skin excision, the length of your incision will be based on your anatomy. Also, scars resulting from gynecomastia surgery will vary, depending on the amount of breast tissue you have and the elasticity or laxity of your skin. Even those who have larger breasts and tend to get larger scars are usually quite satisfied with the results.

If you are frustrated with the look and feel of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), we invite you to call our office and schedule a one-on-one private consultation with Dr. Aiello at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center in Los Alamitos, CA. Once you've had treatment for gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), you won't have to keep hiding your chest when you go to the gym and beach. We have assisted many Orange County men and have enjoyed helping them reestablish their self-esteem.