Gynecomastia
Correction
Gynecomastia Correction
In Chicago and Oak Brook
Young girls’ chests are indiscernible from young boys’ chests. The tissues needed to make breasts are present in both sexes. What makes one gender different from the other is the interplay of hormones that start being secreted to herald the onset of puberty. All young men have some breast development at one time or another in early puberty. Most of the time, it goes away, sometimes it doesn’t. Other things also contribute to the development of enlarged breasts in men. Among those are certain medications, marijuana, and obesity.
The treatment of enlarged breast in men (gynecomastia) has changed over the years. It used to be treated just like large breasts in women. Though this was effective, the scars were deemed unacceptable by most patients. Simple gland excision without skin removal was often marginally successful but esthetically lacking. Liposuction changed the treatment of gynecomastia.
How is it performed?
Most gynecomastia is currently treated by the use of liposuction (preferably with ultrasonic liposuction such as VASER®). The incisions are hidden at the margins of the areolas or in the armpits. Liposuction is performed in the area of fullness as well as along the margin of the pectoralis major muscle and also toward the back as this area is often enlarged in gynecomastia. The goal is not only to get rid of the excess breast tissue but also to enhance the shape of the male chest. Along those lines, fat can be injected into the muscles at the same time to enhance the muscles’ shape instead of a pec implant.
Removal of glandular tissue is often required to prevent recurrence and also smooth the appearance of the chest. Sometimes, the tissue removed may need examination by a pathologist to make sure that there is no tissue abnormality. The details of the operation depend on the patient’s preference, goals and anatomy. With proper planning, gynecomastia treatment can offer a superb result with no signs of surgical intervention. With Dr. Geldner’s superior skill, 25 years of experience, and his experienced and compassionate staff, we exceed our patients’ expectations.
Gynecomastia Correction Results
In Chicago and Oak Brook
Dr. Geldner has performed tens of thousands of plastic surgery procedures, including gynecomastia correction. Take a look at the results for yourself in our Before and After Gallery. You can even use our MyFavorites tool to create a collection of the results you’d like to achieve and the cases you wish to discuss during your consultation.
This 34 year old man wanted to improve the appearance of his chest. We treated his gynecomastia with Vaser® Liposuction and direct excision of...
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This very fit gentleman came to us with diet resistant fat. He wanted body contouring of his breasts, abdomen and flanks. We used Vaser®...
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This 22 year old man presents with idiopathic gynecomastia. He wanted correction. We performed Vaser® Liposuction on his breasts and...
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This 33 year old wanted to change the appearance of his chest. He had persistent breast fullness since puberty. We corrected this with...
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This 15 year old man came to us with unresolving gynecomastia at the request of his pediatrician. We used a combination of Vaser liposuction and...
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This gentleman came to me with a very long history of being embarrased by his breasts. We performed Vaser liposuction and direct excision. Total fat...
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This gentleman wanted to improve his body. Among the things that he wanted to change was the appearance of his breasts. He had excess breast fullness...
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This gentleman wanted to improve the appearance of his midsection including his chest. We contoured his breasts and lateral chest, removing nearly 250...
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This man presented to me with the desire to improve the appearance of his torso including the breasts. We performed Vaser liposculpture of the breasts...
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This man was troubled by the shape of his chest. He wanted to contour the breasts. We used Vaser liposculpture to alter the shape of his breasts and...
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“Thank you for bringing me relief and comfort. You may never know how much I am grateful for your work. Small to you. HUGE to me.”
~ Patient Review
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, often resulting in a more feminine chest appearance. This condition can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly, and can cause emotional distress and self-consciousness.
Causes of Gynecomastia:
- Hormonal Imbalance: The most common cause of gynecomastia is an imbalance between the hormones estrogen and testosterone. When estrogen levels are relatively higher, it can lead to the development of excess breast tissue.
- Medications: Certain medications, including anabolic steroids, anti-androgens, some antidepressants, and heart medications, can cause gynecomastia as a side effect.
- Health Conditions: Conditions such as liver disease, kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, and tumors can also contribute to the development of gynecomastia.
- Substance Use: Alcohol, marijuana, and other recreational drugs can affect hormone levels and lead to breast tissue enlargement.
- Age: Gynecomastia is common during puberty when hormonal changes occur. It can also affect older men as testosterone levels decline with age.
Understanding the underlying cause of gynecomastia is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment. During the consultation, Dr. Geldner will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and may recommend tests to identify any contributing factors.
Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, is designed to remove excess breast tissue and restore a more masculine chest contour. The procedure can be performed using different techniques depending on the severity of the condition.
During the Procedure:
- Anesthesia: Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation to ensure patient comfort.
- Liposuction: For cases involving excess fatty tissue, liposuction is used. Small incisions are made, and a thin cannula is inserted to break up and suction out the fat.
- Excision: If glandular tissue or excess skin needs to be removed, excision techniques are employed. Incisions are made around the areola or within the natural creases of the chest to minimize visible scarring.
- Combination: In some cases, a combination of liposuction and excision is necessary to achieve the desired results.
Recovery:
- Initial Healing: Swelling, bruising, and discomfort are common after surgery and can be managed with prescribed medications and compression garments.
- Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for several weeks to ensure proper healing.
- Follow-Up: Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon are essential to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Most patients can return to work and light activities within a week or two, with full recovery taking several weeks to months.
While gynecomastia surgery is generally safe and effective, it carries potential risks and complications like any surgical procedure. Being aware of these risks helps patients make informed decisions and take necessary precautions.
Common Risks:
- Swelling and Bruising: These are typical post-operative symptoms that usually subside within a few weeks.
- Pain and Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain and discomfort can be managed with prescribed medications.
Specific Risks:
- Scarring: Incisions made during the procedure can result in scars. However, skilled surgeons place incisions in inconspicuous locations to minimize visible scarring.
- Asymmetry: There may be slight asymmetry between the breasts after surgery, which can be corrected with additional procedures if necessary.
- Changes in Sensation: Temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation can occur, depending on the extent of the surgery.
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Proper post-operative care and hygiene can help minimize this risk.
Rare Complications:
- Hematoma: A collection of blood under the skin can occur, requiring drainage.
- Seroma: Fluid accumulation under the skin can develop, which may need to be drained.
- Poor Wound Healing: In rare cases, incisions may heal poorly or result in prominent scars.
Choosing a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Geldner significantly reduces the risk of complications. Dr. Geldner will provide detailed pre- and post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results from gynecomastia surgery. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor progress and address any concerns promptly.
Learn More About Gynecomastia
Watch a presentation that explains the procedure, preparation and recovery details.