Everyone, regardless of gender, is born with glandular breast tissue. Men and women alike may find that they have too much breast tissue. Excess male breast tissue is a medical condition known as gynecomastia. Today, our experts at Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO are discussing everything you need to know about treating this condition.

How Can I Reduce Gynecomastia?

There are several methods of gynecomastia treatment, including exercise, a healthy diet, and changing the medications you take. However, a male breast reduction is the most effective way to treat excess glandular tissue in men.

Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction is a procedure that involves a couple of techniques to reduce the amount of glandular tissue on a man’s chest. Specifically, this procedure combines liposuction for excess fat removal and the excision of excess skin and glandular tissues. Like female breast reduction, the incisions are placed strategically so you don’t have to worry about scarring. It is the perfect solution for men who have tried to change their diet and exercise to no avail.

Why Should You Choose Male Breast Reduction?

There are many reasons why men seek male breast reduction to treat gynecomastia. For instance, it is a popular procedure due to its efficacy. It is the only method that can treat excess glandular tissue. Here are some other reasons to choose this procedure:

The Recovery Is Rapid

You will have a few restrictions for a week or two after this procedure. You will also have to take a week or two off from work depending on the nature of your job. However, other cosmetic procedures require six weeks away from strenuous activity.

On the other hand, you only have to wait a month after this procedure to hit the weights again. You can even work your pecs just four weeks after your procedure.

The Results Are Permanent

The results of this procedure almost always last a lifetime. Sometimes, gynecomastia is caused by genetics. In such cases, the condition can return. However, it is usually caused by certain medications. If your excess glandular tissue is caused by a pharmaceutical, you can stop taking that medication, and you will not grow excess breast tissue in the future.

This Procedure Is Customizable

Another reason men love this procedure is it is completely customizable. While excess male breast tissue is a common occurrence, each man comes to us with unique aesthetic goals. Therefore, your procedure will be tailored to your needs. Whether you have more excess skin, fat, or breast tissue, we can accommodate your unique goals.

The Results Become Apparent Quickly

This procedure doesn’t just require a short recovery. You should also know that the final results become apparent very quickly. Typically, men can enjoy their final results just four to six weeks after the procedure.

Your Masculine Physique Will Be Restored

The most compelling reason to consider this procedure is it will restore your masculine physique. Whether you’re looking for a slim, tapered appearance or you want to reveal the large, toned muscles underneath your excess breast tissue, we can help you achieve your desired appearance.

Who Qualifies for This Procedure?

Men who are concerned about the appearance of excess glandular tissue that has not disappeared with diet and exercise likely qualify for this procedure. However, we will evaluate your chest before we determine whether you qualify for this procedure. If you have excess fat rather than excess breast tissue, diet and exercise may be a better alternative for you.

FAQs Answered

What Causes Gynecomastia?

There are numerous potential causes of this condition. For instance, genetics are a common cause of this condition. Here are some other potential causes of excess male breast tissue:

Hormones

Hormonal imbalances may be the most likely contributor to this medical condition. Men have both testosterone and estrogen. When men produce too much estrogen and don’t produce enough testosterone, excess male breast tissue may develop. To identify whether your condition is caused by hormonal imbalance, you only need a simple blood test.

Weight Gain

Weight gain is another common cause of this condition. Excess fat doesn’t just make the chest look larger. Fat also stores estrogen; the higher your body fat percentage is, the more likely you are to have elevated levels of estrogen.

Drugs and Health Conditions

This medical condition can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism. Also, several pharmaceuticals can cause the development of excess glandular tissue, including steroids, antidepressants, antibiotics, and medications used to treat prostate cancer.

When Does This Condition Develop?

There are two times in a man’s life when he is at an elevated risk of developing this condition. This condition most commonly occurs during puberty but often resolves itself. It is also incredibly common when men are in their 50s; andropause is a condition characterized by low testosterone and often develops at the age of 50.

How Common Is This Condition?

This condition is incredibly common; every man begins to produce testosterone at a significantly reduced rate at the age of 30. Eventually, this results in andropause.  Andropause doesn’t always result in excess glandular tissue production, but approximately 40 to 50% of men will experience this condition at least once in their lifetime.

How Common Is Male Breast Reduction?

Male breast reduction is a very common procedure.  In fact, 18,000 men undergo this procedure annually and experience great success. While it is less common than female breast reduction, it is very common, safe, and effective.

Can This Condition Resolve Itself?

This condition may resolve itself depending on its cause. For instance, adolescents going through puberty may develop excess breast tissue that goes away after roughly six months.

If your condition is caused by excess fat, you may be able to reverse your condition with a calric deficit. However, if you are truly growing excess glandular tissue, male breast reduction is the only way to reverse your condition. However, we recommend waiting at least six months before considering this procedure unless you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Lumps
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Pain
• Discoloration
• Discharge

Why Isn’t Exercise a Guaranteed Solution?

Men often make the mistake of trying to exercise away their gynecomastia. There are several reasons why exercise is rarely an effective solution. For example, building up the pectoral muscles will only enlarge the chest further, making the excess fat and breast tissue more noticeable.

Also, there is no way to spot-reduce fat. You may need to reduce your body fat percentage to an uncomfortably low level to lose chest fat if your enlarged chest is caused by excess fat.

What Should I Eat After My Procedure?

You should focus on eating protein and soluble fiber after your procedure. Eating lots of lean protein is important because collagen is responsible for healing your skin. For your skin to produce enough collagen to heal itself, you need plenty of amino acids from bioavailable protein sources. You also need lots of vitamin C because it contains essential building blocks required for your skin to produce collagen.

How Should I Sleep After My Procedure?

You must sleep on your back for a couple of weeks following your procedure. If you sleep on your side or stomach, too much pressure will be applied to your chest. This will slow the rate at which your incisions heal. If you toss and turn at night, we recommend sleeping with a travel pillow to keep you in place.

Adequate rest is essential for your recovery. Therefore, we strongly recommend sleeping on your back for a couple of weeks before your procedure to figure out how to sleep comfortably.

How Can I Shorten My Recovery Period?

There are several steps you can take to shorten your recovery period, including wearing your compression vest as directed. Another important step you can take to shorten your recovery period is drinking plenty of water. Your skin can’t produce collagen effectively if you are dehydrated. Also, dehydration also initiates a stress response in your body. Your production of cortisol increases which significantly slows recovery.

Restore Your Masculine Physique With Male Breast Reduction

Diet and exercise can reduce excess fat, but it can’t eliminate excess breast tissue. On the other hand, male breast reduction is a consistently effective treatment method for gynecomastia. Contact us today at Murphy Plastic Surgery in Englewood, CO, conveniently located just 10 miles from Denver, to schedule your initial consultation if you are ready to eliminate excess male breast tissue and feel confident in your skin.