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Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia

During puberty, males may notice the development of fatty deposits in either one of both of their breasts. In medical terms, this is known as “gynecomastia,” a Greek word meaning “woman-like breasts.” While the noticeability of this condition varies greatly, about 90% of boys will notice some degree of breast enlargement at some point during puberty. In most cases, these fatty deposits disappear on their own, leaving men flat- or muscular-chested as they enter post-pubescent adulthood. In some cases, however, these deposits may persist well into adulthood, causing feelings of insecurity and self-consciousness. Luckily Dr. Hoefflin offers his patients gynecomastia treatment.

What is Gynecomastia?

Although enlarged breasts in males can be associated with obesity, true gynecomastia consists both of fatty deposits and of excess glandular tissue, making the condition resistant to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. Many men who have enlarged breasts feel embarrassed and self-conscious, and may avoid certain social activities where they would be expected to be shirtless, such as pool parties or spending time at the beach. It can also be difficult to feel comfortable working out at the gym, or in intimate relations.

Male breast reduction surgery is the only truly effective treatment for gynecomastia. Dr. Hoefflin understands the need to feel comfortable in your body, and performs male breast reduction at his practice. After surgery, many patients experience a new sense of confidence, and feel more comfortable going shirtless than they had -- ever.

How Male Breast Reduction Works

Male breast reduction involves the removal of excess fatty deposits from the breast area, resulting in a more masculine, defined appearance. The surgery itself is performed at Dr. Hoefflin’s clinic either with local anesthetic and sedation, or under general anesthesia administered by a fully licensed and qualified anesthesiologist.

Who Can Get Male Breast Reduction Surgery?

Male breast reduction surgery is one of the safest and most effective cosmetic surgeries available, and major complications are incredibly rare. However, it is still a surgical procedure that requires the use of anesthesia. As such, the best candidates are adult non-smokers in good health, without heart or lung conditions or other major chronic diseases (such as diabetes), who are at a reasonably healthy body weight. Teenagers can also undergo male breast reduction, although it may be advised that you wait until they have entered late puberty or have finished puberty, as hormonal changes may cause enlarged breasts to return.

Male Breast Reduction

Before scheduling surgery, Dr. Hoefflin will hold a consultation with you, where you will discuss your goals, problems, and overall health at length. As the only plastic surgeon at his practice, Dr. Hoefflin will be present at every appointment and consultation to help you develop the best treatment plan for reaching your personal goals, as well as increasing your quality of life. If you are a candidate for surgery, you will be able to schedule an appointment for the operation, which will be performed in the state-of-the-art surgical facility at his practice.

Dr. Jeffrey Hoefflin is a double board certified surgeon, having completed residencies in both general and plastic surgery. He understands the importance of feeling confident in one’s own skin and helps both men and women reach their aesthetic goals. If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for male breast reduction surgery, contact us to set up your initial consultation today.

View Male Breast Reduction Faq's

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Every individual has a customized treatment plan, and depending upon the extent of the treatment, your recovery time can vary. Some men require only liposuction to create a smoother, flatter, more masculine chest, while others require surgery to remove excess glandular tissue.

After liposuction, the upper chest will be covered with a compression garment to help minimize swelling, while holding the treated area firmly in place so it can heal successfully. Most men feel well enough to return to work or other activities within a few days after the treatment. After surgical removal of excess tissue, you may require about a week to rest and recovery before returning to work.

Dr. Hoefflin will work closely with you in planning your surgery, including advising you of all you need to do to prepare for this life-changing procedure. Prior to planning your surgical appointment, you will undergo lab tests or have your medical history thoroughly reviewed to ensure you are healthy and safe to undergo surgery.

You may be asked to stop taking certain types of medications or herbal supplements that can thin the blood and lead to excess bleeding. We will work with your doctor to adjust your medications if necessary. You will need to stop smoking for several weeks prior to the procedure as smoking inhibits the body’s healing abilities.

Gynecomastia, the medical term for an excess of breast tissue on a male body, has many potential causes. The underlying reason a man may develop larger breasts is hormonal. Several types of medications have an affect on hormone levels, decreasing testosterone and increasing the quantity of male estrogen.

Some of the medications that can cause gynecomastia include drugs prescribed to treat prostate cancer, anabolic steroids, some antidepressants, ulcer medications, and heart medications, among others. While these medications work to alleviate or treat another medical condition, the side effect of enlarged breasts can be worrisome, embarrassing, and distressing.

You may not realize that the consumption of an excess of alcohol and many street drugs also can lead to enlarged male breast tissue. A range of health conditions impact hormonal balance as well. The first step in treating your condition is a full evaluation of your current state of health, along with the medications and supplements you take.

If you are unhappy to be living with excess breast tissue, your first step is to meet with Dr. Hoefflin, so he can evaluate the extent of the condition and advise you about the procedure you will need. Many of his patients merely require liposuction, a fast, effective way to extract excess fat, while others may require surgery to remove an excess of glandular tissue.

You will be fully informed about what to expect in the procedure, recovery time, and have all your questions answered to your satisfaction in your private consultation. The difference in how you feel about your body image can be a dramatic improvement, and it is well worth undergoing the procedure. You can feel confident wearing tighter shirts, going shirtless at the beach or pool, and will no longer feel like you must wear loose garments to try to disguise the problem.

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