Gynecomastia Beverly Hills

Many men worldwide are affected by a condition known as Gynecomastia. We sometimes may hear a loose term like “man boobs” used referring to the condition that can present a physical and sometimes emotional challenge for a man. This is a condition that will lead many men to search for male breast reduction techniques if they are unable to control the situation through diet and exercise alone. If surgery is a consideration, speaking with a highly experienced board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Charles J. Galanis at Galanis Plastic Surgery Beverly Hills, may be the answer. If you are personally navigating gynecomastia or are seeking information for a loved one, here is some useful information for beginning to understand the condition in more detail.

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What Is Gynecomastia Gynecomastia Symptoms Gynecomastia Causes Male Chest Reduction Candidate The Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure Gynecomastia Cost Questions and Answers Book Your Gynecomastia Consultation

What Is Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia refers to an increased level or overdevelopment of breast glandular tissue in males. This breast enlargement occurs due to an imbalance of hormones with an estrogen excess and a lower level of free testosterone. This condition may impact either one or both breasts, occasionally leading to uneven enlargement. The majority of cases begin with a preteen(prepubertal gynecomastia) or teenage male(pubertal gynecomastia) as they are experiencing hormonal fluctuations. To date, gynecomastia has not been linked to or considered an increased risk factor for male breast cancer. Men have a very low risk of breast cancer, yet your plastic surgeon may request some lab work to rule out all possibilities of breast cancer. At Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills or at the Nashville satellite office, we offer expert evaluation and personalized treatment options for gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

If you believe that you are affected by chronic gynecomastia you could do a pinch test using your forefinger and thumb to feel the area around and beneath your nipple. During your physical examination you are searching for the presence of a hard lump that is located beneath the nipple. Excess adipose tissue in the chest due to genetics or lack of physical conditioning is a different situation than having fibrous palpable breast tissue. Performing the above mentioned pinch test can help to determine this. A couple of other factors that could be associated with the symptoms of gynecomastia may include:

Breast pain, particularly with teenagers
Sensitive nipples
Breast swelling
Tender breasts

Gynecomastia Causes

Gynecomastia is typically a noncancerous condition that is associated with various factors affected by hormonal changes. The underlying cause in many cases is often unknown and referred to as idiopathic gynecomastia. Fluctuations of increased estrogen production(female hormone) and free testosterone levels (male hormone) are common culprits that assist to develop gynecomastia, but other factors can also contribute to its development. Sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG) controls how much testosterone that your body is able to utilize. Lower levels of SHBG allow for more testosterone availability, while higher levels will cause a decreased amount of free testosterone that can be utilized. Factors such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism, and obesity can contribute to the lack of efficiency of this process.

Drug Induced Gynecomastia

Drug induced gynecomastia can be caused by certain medications. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, ulcer medications, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, prostate cancer medicines, and cardiovascular drugs may cause breast tissue proliferation as a side effect. Illicit substances such as heroin, cannabis, and anabolic steroids are also known to cause breast swelling as potential causes of gynecomastia.

Prostate Cancer Patients

Advanced prostate cancer patients who have undergone hormonal treatment, such as androgen deprivation therapy or antiandrogen monotherapy, often encounter gynecomastia as a common complication. Fortunately, there are medical treatment alternatives to prevent the onset of gynecomastia, including the use of tamoxifen and prophylactic breast radiotherapy.

Cell Tumors

Gynecomastia can also be associated with tumors that disrupt the hormonal balance in the body. A testicular tumor or adrenal tumors have the potential to interfere with the normal production and regulation of hormones, leading to an elevated level of estrogen compared to testosterone.
We have briefly discussed a couple of the several medical conditions and diseases that can cause gynecomastia. Here is a quick list of these conditions included:

Chronic kidney disease and chronic liver disease
Klinefelter syndrome
Lung cancer
Testicular tumors or cancer
Tumors of the pituitary gland leading to primary or secondary hypogonadism or adrenal glands
Thyroid disorders
Trauma or injury
Obesity

Male Chest Reduction Candidate

When deciding if you are a good candidate for surgical treatment of your gynecomastia, your cosmetic surgeon will consider many factors. The ideal candidates are non-smokers and non-drug users who don’t have any preexisting medical conditions that could reduce their ability to heal.

Your plastic surgeon will also like to see that your breast development has stopped and that you are around a normal weight and in good overall physical health. Consideration will also be given to treat gynecomastia in patients who are experiencing mental distress due to the feeling that their male breast tissue is excessive.

The Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure

Prior to your surgical procedure, medications will be provided to ensure your comfort. Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are the options for anesthesia that your doctor will choose between for the most suitable option based on your individual circumstances.

Excess Fatty Tissue

If excess fatty tissue is the primary reason that is associated with your gynecomastia, liposuction techniques alone may be employed. Liposuction involves the insertion of a cannula, which is a slender hollow tube, through several small incisions. The cannula is maneuvered in a controlled motion to dislodge the extra body fat, which is subsequently extracted from the body through vacuum suction. Several liposuction techniques exist. The most suitable one for your case will be determined prior to your procedure.

Fibrous Glandular Breast Tissue

If fibrous glandular male breast tissue is the dominate reason for your breast enlargement, your surgeon will need to make an incision at the lower edge of the areola to remove the excess breast tissue growth. Depending on your anatomy and the complexity associated with gynecomastia, your cosmetic surgeon could need to make additional larger incisions to achieve the natural contours of your chest. Excision techniques are advised when correction of gynecomastia involves the removal of glandular breast tissue or excess skin. This approach is also necessary when adjustments to the areola size or repositioning of the nipple to achieve a more natural male contour are required.

Gynecomastia Recovery

Recovery time following your plastic surgery will depend on what techniques your surgeon needed to employ to achieve your results. When liposuction alone is sufficient for addressing gynecomastia, the standard recovery period post surgery is generally shorter when compared to procedures that will include the treatment of glandular tissue and/or loose skin associated with gynecomastia. Following your surgeon’s instructions and staying with your scheduled post op appointments will keep you on the road to a smooth recovery.

Here are a few important steps to follow to help with your recovery time:

Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activity
Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious balanced diet
Avoid exposure from the sun to your treated area
Wear your compression garment to help reduce breast swelling
Take your recommended pain medications
Discuss massage therapy with your surgeon to help with swelling and scar tissue

Gynecomastia Cost

As with any plastic surgery, a gynecomastia surgery price will vary based on each individual’s set of circumstances. Opting for a more experienced and board certified surgeon will obviously incur higher fees, as you will be taken care of with the highest regards for safety.

The components contributing to the overall cost will include the surgeon’s fee, geographical location, facility fee, general anesthesia fee, medical tests, and post-surgery fees. All of these components will be discussed in detail during your personal consultation.

Gynecomastia FAQ

Why do I have man boobs?

Man boobs (gynecomastia) occur due to either excess fat accumulation in the chest area or hormonal imbalance. This common condition affects 40-60% of men and can result from factors like weight gain, estrogen-testosterone imbalance, or certain medications.

Is treatment of gynecomastia covered by insurance?

Typically not covered as it's considered cosmetic. However, consult your provider as some reconstructive cases may qualify. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons provides criteria that your physician can share with your insurer.

Will I have gynecomastia scars?

Scarring depends on the procedure: liposuction leaves minimal scars that fade significantly, while tissue removal requires larger incisions that leave more noticeable scars. Proper post-op care helps scars flatten and fade over time.

How does hCG lead to gynecomastia?

hCG stimulates testosterone production which can convert to estrogen, potentially causing aromatase excess syndrome - a hormonal imbalance that triggers breast tissue growth in males.

What is the androgen ratio referring to?

The androgen-to-estrogen balance is crucial for preventing gynecomastia. Disruptions from genetics, hormones, or environmental factors can cause breast tissue development in males.

What is persistent pubertal gynecomastia?

This condition involves continued breast enlargement in males after puberty, lasting more than 2 years. It stems from hormonal imbalances, medications, or medical conditions, and often requires medical intervention due to physical and psychological impacts.

Book Your Gynecomastia Consultation

If you are ready to learn more about gynecomastia and how we can help you, please reach out to us at Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills. We are ready to discuss everything you need to know about your male breast enlargement and how we can correct it. Set up your consultation today. Contact Dr. Galanis Gynecomastia surgeon at 310-858-8930.