Male Gynecomastia

"Imagine yourself free from self-consciousness and shame that have limited your life and relationships. With gynecomastia correction, you can finally dress without fear, present yourself to the world with pride, and feel truly comfortable in your own skin."

Male gynecomastia is an abnormal but benign enlargement of the male mammary gland. It is not harmful to a man's health, but the apparent growth can cause significant discomfort when wearing certain clothes that end up "marking."

Do you have, or do you know someone who has, this discomfort?

I am here to tell you that I have already helped several patients boost their self-esteem and self-confidence with this procedure.

So, what is male gynecomastia, doctor?

Male gynecomastia is a dysfunction that affects men and causes the growth of the mammary glands, making them more visible and projected, which can bring some discomfort and insecurity when dressing, engaging in outdoor activities, or even preventing you from being shirtless in public. It can occur in one breast or both and can cause pain.

What are the main causes of male gynecomastia, doctor?

Usually, the cause is triggered by hormonal imbalance. This imbalance can happen in three ways:

• Physiological cause: caused by the body itself, leading to a hormonal imbalance.
• Idiopathic cause: unknown causes that can appear spontaneously due to an external factor causing the hormonal imbalance.
• Pathological cause: motivated by disease or side effects of medications, anabolic steroids, etc.

What are the differences between gynecomastia and fat in the chest area, doctor?

In cases of gynecomastia, the mammary glands have a hard texture and are larger than normal.

In the case of lipomastia, another characteristic is enlarged breasts, where the deformation is not only due to the enlargement of the glands but also due to the accumulation of fat around the nipples and chest.

It is very common to confuse the two diagnoses. It is even more common for both conditions to occur simultaneously. This is another reason to seek a specialist in male chest surgery.

What are the types of gynecomastia, doctor?

Unilateral and Bilateral

• Unilateral: In some cases, the alteration occurs in only one nipple, called unilateral gynecomastia, making one side larger than the other.
• Bilateral: Bilateral gynecomastia is the dysfunction that causes the enlargement of both breasts.

It is important to understand that regardless of the type of alteration, the reason is the same, which is the hormonal imbalance of the mammary glands, leading to a decrease in testosterone and an increase in estrogen, the female hormone.

Let's now talk about the degrees of gynecomastia:

The best form of treatment depends on the degree of progression of the condition, which can manifest bilaterally or unilaterally, ranging from low and discreet degrees, almost imperceptible, to more advanced cases where the breasts become "pendulous." Regardless of the size, the ideal is to perform a surgical procedure for correction and consequently boost your self-esteem.

Did you know there are four degrees that vary according to breast growth and determine how the procedure should be performed?

They are called: Grade 1, Grade 2A, Grade 2B, and Grade 3.

• Grade 1: slight evidence of gynecomastia in men, indicated by the projection and prominence of the areolas, without excess skin.
• Grade 2A: moderate enlargement of the male breast, with visible prominence under clothing, without excess skin.
• Grade 2B: similar to Grade 2 gynecomastia, noticeable breast enlargement with excess skin.
• Grade 3: these are advanced cases of gynecomastia, with significant enlargement of the mammary gland, resulting in breast ptosis (sagging), visible by the drooping of the breast due to excess skin. Specific surgical intervention is needed.

How is male gynecomastia surgery performed, doctor?

Surgical procedures vary according to the cause of gynecomastia. Liposuction is indicated for fat accumulation, while the removal of mammary glands is common in glandular cases. In many mixed cases, both techniques are combined. We also pay attention to the size of the areolas and nipples, which need to be reduced in some cases.

What is 3D treatment, doctor?

I propose to my patients a three-dimensional treatment, a unique approach to addressing all the issues this type of patient may have in the chest in a single procedure. This includes the presence of the gland (gynecomastia), lipomastia, and liposuction of the lateral and pre-axillary regions of the chest. I also perform fat grafting within the pectoral muscle to increase pectoral volume and provide a more interesting and harmonious muscular projection. Additionally, nipple reduction and positioning of scars in the most discreet places possible are done.

This treatment consists of several combined techniques that will provide a more attractive and masculine chest. It is important to know that if you undergo inadequate treatment or do not receive comprehensive chest treatment, you will not achieve a 100% result, which is my main goal. I offer this comprehensive treatment approach to give the patient the best and most natural result from the perspective of the male chest.

Did you like this technique? Read to the end to learn more about this innovative technique.

What are the pre-operative care for male gynecomastia surgery?

Pre-surgical exams, including breast ultrasound, are conducted to detect infections, clotting abnormalities, and preexisting diseases. Fasting for at least 8 hours is required the day before the surgery.

What are the post-operative care for male gynecomastia surgery?

After surgery, wearing a compression garment for the first few days is essential for healing and reducing swelling. Resting for up to three days before returning to work, avoiding intense physical efforts for up to 60 days, with specific restrictions on driving, raising arms, and physical activities.

How long will it take to see the definitive results after male gynecomastia plastic surgery, doctor?

It varies between patients, but it is common to observe swelling and discreet scars in the breasts a month after surgery. The definitive result is generally seen between six months and a year post-surgery.

Tell us about the scars after male gynecomastia surgery, doctor:

In cases of good healing, the cut along the areola line can result in a small and almost imperceptible scar, especially for minor cases. Higher grades may require an infrapectoral scar.

How long does male gynecomastia surgery usually last, doctor?

The surgery lasts an average of 2 to 3 hours, performed in a hospital with rapid recovery due to safety measures.

What is the average hospital stay for male gynecomastia surgery?

Recovery varies from 8 to 24 hours, with often absorbable stitches, eliminating the need for removal.

And about anesthesia?

General anesthesia is usual and considered the safest, but epidural or local anesthesia with sedation can be used depending on the complexity and needs of the patient.

Psychological impact of gynecomastia

Gynecomastia can significantly impact the mental and emotional health of men who experience it. Many men with gynecomastia report low self-esteem, shame, and anxiety regarding the appearance of their chests. These feelings can negatively affect social life, relationships, and overall confidence. Recognizing the psychological impact of gynecomastia and seeking emotional and psychological support, in addition to appropriate medical treatment, is important.

How to choose and where to find your plastic surgeon for gynecomastia?

Choosing a plastic surgeon for male gynecomastia is crucial. Ensure that they are a member of the SBCP, with the necessary credentials. Prioritize experience to avoid undesirable aspects and seek innovations for excellent results. Research their background, read reviews, and consider that this will help boost self-esteem and confidence provided by a cautious choice.