Some men have extra tissue around their chest, sometimes from obesity. Still, it could also be a symptom of a condition called gynecomastia. Men with gynecomastia develop excess breast tissue from hormonal disorders or other conditions.
Unfortunately, losing weight doesn't fix the problem – so what else can you do? At Meridian Plastic Surgery, Dr. Lee K. Thornton offers liposuction as a treatment for gynecomastia in men.
Dr. Thornton is an experienced plastic surgeon offering a range of breast procedures to help you feel more confident in your body and appearance.
Gynecomastia is a condition that affects male breast tissue. It causes an enlargement, typically under the nipples, due to a hormone imbalance between testosterone and estrogen.
Estrogen is what increases glandular tissue in the breasts and also suppresses testosterone production. Men with a hormone imbalance develop excess glandular tissue because of too much estrogen and not enough testosterone.
Gynecomastia typically occurs during infancy, puberty, or later in life. After birth, boys usually have some excess breast tissue from the mother's hormones. However, it usually subsides within a few weeks.
Teenagers going through puberty also have fluctuating hormones that cause excess breast tissue. But men over 50 are most likely to develop gynecomastia due to declining testosterone levels. Certain medications also affect hormones like estrogen and testosterone, putting older men at higher risk.
Although gynecomastia isn't a medical problem, it's often embarrassing and causes issues with self-esteem.
Liposuction is a successful treatment for male gynecomastia. It's a surgical procedure that removes excess breast tissue permanently for a flatter, more sculpted appearance.
During the procedure, we make small incisions in the chest area to make room for a cannula. We hook the cannula up to a suction machine to suck out the excess glandular tissue and fat around the breast area.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia. After inserting the cannula, we move it around to target the excess glandular tissue and fat that causes gynecomastia.
In cases of severe gynecomastia, we may also need to remove excess skin and reposition the nipples for a symmetrical and aesthetic appearance.
Liposuction for gynecomastia is an invasive procedure that requires a recovery period. Right after surgery, you may have swelling, bruising, and pain that we manage with compression garments and medication.
You may leave with a drain in the surgical area to allow excess fluid to come out as you heal. It's essential to keep the surgical area clean and dry, and to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and promote the healing process.
Follow our instructions altogether to avoid infection or other complications. Don't lift heavy objects or do strenuous exercise until we clear you.
The results of liposuction for gynecomastia are permanent, provided you follow the aftercare instructions and maintain a healthy weight. You may also need to address hormonal issues.
It may take up to six months to fully see your results as swelling decreases each week after surgery. Incisions may be visible, but will continue to lighten over time.
Our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your body. To schedule an appointment to discuss liposuction for gynecomastia, call our office in Meridian, Mississippi, today.
