Man Boobs: Causes and Cures
Serving Men in San Jose, Mountain View, and the Bay Area
| Ideal Candidates | Your Personal Consultation | The Procedure | Recovery | Results |
Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for “women-like breasts.” Though this oddly-named condition is rarely talked about, it’s actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men. It may affect only one breast or both.
For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The male breast reduction procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured. Some patients may also experience physical relief; excessive breast tissue can cause skin chafing, irritation and even infection. View before and after results from actual Bay Area patients who have received gynecomastia treatment at Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics.
If you suffer from gynecomastia, contact our Mountain View-based plastic surgery center, serving Los Altos, Sunnyvale, San Jose and the entire Bay Area.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
It is not entirely known what causes gynecomastia. Doctors believe the condition may be caused by any of the following:
- Hormonal imbalance resulting in excess female hormones
- Certain medical conditions such as liver failure and malnutrition
- Use of anabolic steroids
- Medications used to treat certain medical conditions
- Drug or alcohol use
Male Breast Reduction Candidates
Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body’s new contours.
Surgery may be discouraged for obese men or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Also, individuals who drink alcohol beverages in excess or smoke marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Therefore, patients are first directed to stop the use of these drugs to see if the breast fullness will diminish before surgery is considered an option.
If you feel you are a good candidate for the surgical treatment of gynecomastia, contact Dr. Alexander Ereso in Mountain View, California at his private cosmetic plastic surgery practice, which proudly cares for the entire Bay Area’s cosmetic surgery needs.
Your Personal Gynecomastia Consultation
A personal consultation is the first step. Dr. Ereso will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific cosmetic goals for surgery.
You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:
- Previous surgeries
- Past and present medical conditions
- Treatments you have received
- Medications that you are taking, including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies
To arrange a consultation to discuss treatment of gynecomastia, contact our Mountain View-based cosmetic plastic surgery practice, a convenient drive from Palo Alto, San Jose, Los Altos, and the surrounding Bay Area communities.
The Male Breast Reduction Procedure
As the male breast ages, usually the fatty component increases and the glandular component decreases. This fact has helped to make ultrasound assisted liposuction the mainstay of modern gynecomastia surgery. After ultrasound and hi vacuum standard tumescent liposuction has been completed, any remaining glandular tissue can be removed by placing a small incision around the lower edge of the nipple areolar complex.
Combining sophisticated liposuction techniques and excisional surgery as necessary has resulted in inconspicuous scars and outstanding improvement in producing natural appearing male shaped breast contours.
It should be noted that adolescent and young men who have gynecomastia surgery usually have a significant glandular component making sculpted excision the main focus of the treatment. Liposuction is then used to fine tune the shape of the breasts and chest, producing a natural, pleasing shape.
Remember, artistic talent is an important part of plastic surgery, and Dr. Ereso is well known in Mountain View, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, San Jose, and throughout the Bay Area for their artistry.
For information on gynecomastia surgical treatment, contact our knowledgeable staff in Mountain View, California.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
You will feel some discomfort for a few days after surgery. However, discomfort can be controlled with medications prescribed by your surgeon.
To help reduce swelling, you’ll probably be instructed to wear an elastic pressure garment continuously for several weeks, and for a few weeks to several months longer at night to obtain the best result. Although the worst of your swelling will dissipate in the first few weeks, it may be three months or more before the final results of your surgery are apparent.
Dr. Ereso will advise you to avoid sexual activity for 1-2 weeks, and heavy exercise for about three to four weeks. You’ll be told to stay away from any sport or job that risks a blow to the chest area for at least three to four weeks. In general, it will take about a month before you’re back to all of your normal activities.
Avoid straining, bending and lifting during the early postoperative period. You may resume most of your normal activities within ten days or less.
Male Breast Reduction Results
Gynecomastia surgery can enhance your appearance and self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them frankly with Dr. Ereso.
The results of the procedure are significant and permanent. If your expectations are realistic, chances are good that you’ll be very satisfied with your new look.
By contacting our plastic surgery practice, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, San Jose, and Bay Area residents can learn more about the treatments for gynecomastia offered at our Mountain View-based, fully equipped surgical facility.
