Gynecomastia in Doylestown, PA

Gynecomastia is a scientific term used to refer to enlarged male breasts. It is a condition that can result in a feminine chest due to an increase in growth in the breast tissue. Many times, gynecomastia is caused by an unknown hormonal condition, which could be brought on by certain drugs, steroids, major weight gain or loss, or genetics. Men with this condition generally feel frustrated and anxious, especially in circumstances when the upper body and chest have to be exposed, like while at the beach, the pool, or in the gym. To treat male patients with gynecomastia, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Tamburrino offers cosmetic breast treatment in the form of male breast reduction. This surgical procedure tends to have a very high success rate and is one of the more common cosmetic procedures for men at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. If you think you might have gynecomastia, contact our Doylestown, PA office to learn about your possible solutions.

Several benefits can be attained by undergoing gynecomastia treatment, including:

• Boosted confidence
• A more chiseled and toned chest
• Improved posture
• Reduced back pain
• More clothing options

Male breast reduction surgery is reserved for men with visible excess breast tissue that cannot be reduced through a healthy lifestyle or exercise and diet. If you are at a healthy weight but still embarrassed by the look of your chest, you could possibly benefit from male breast reduction surgery. Teenagers may also benefit from gynecomastia treatment; however, a future procedure could be needed later during adulthood if abnormal breast tissue continues to grow. During your first appointment with Dr. Tamburrino, treatment options will be discussed. Depending on your situation, surgery may be required to fully address your condition.

Liposuction is almost always utilized during gynecomastia surgery. With the patient safely under general anesthesia, liposuction reduces excess pockets of fat from the chest wall. Next, any loose or wrinkled skin will be excised to create a tighter appearance. From there, the areola and nipple will be placed into a more correct position. In most cases, this technique requires a small incision close to where the glandular tissue has formed. Once the fat and loose skin have been removed, Dr. Tamburrino will tighten the remaining skin and close the incisions with sutures.

After your gynecomastia surgery, the chest will be supported with a medical bandage to help control swelling. In advanced cases where a reconstructive approach was used, a small tube for draining may be inserted to help with fluid. The outcomes following male breast reduction surgery are immediately visible, and most patients are extremely excited about their smooth, masculine results.

The incisions made during treatment take a few weeks to heal and any scars left behind are often barely noticeable. With your new flatter chest, you may get medical clearance from Dr. Tamburrino to continue exercise and strength training. Developing your pectoral muscles will help accentuate the surgical results.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance in the hormones. Typically, gynecomastia is connected to the use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It may also be caused by using illegal drugs. Gynecomastia may also be caused by certain health conditions (like hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors) or some medications (such as highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, anti-anxiety medications, and chemotherapy).

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause tenderness, swelling, and pain. Some men might have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia) so Dr. Tamburrino advises patients to lose weight by following an exercise plan and a healthy diet before considering surgery. If you have excess breast tissue when you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Tamburrino will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include blood tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy to rule out other conditions, like an infection or the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn't approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. Although they are not approved for gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (for example, Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) may have limited effects. Strength training to increase the pectoral muscles cannot reduce the excess breast tissue and may actually make the breasts appear larger.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Glandular gynecomastia can cause puffy or pointy nipples. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Dr. Tamburrino during your consultation. He will customize your surgical plan and select the best technique and incision pattern to improve the look of your nipples. Oversized areolas can also be reduced during male breast reduction surgery. It's crucial to be open with Dr. Tamburrino about all of your needs and goals during your initial consultation so that he can make sure you get the best results.

If you suffer from the side effects of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), we welcome you to contact our office and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Tamburrino to learn more about male breast reduction surgery at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. After your gynecomastia treatment, you can finally stop hiding your chest at the gym and pool. Our skilled team has assisted so many Doylestown, PA men and have enjoyed watching them reclaim their self-confidence.