Gynecomastia Surgery at Colen MD
Gynecomastia refers to male breast development to a larger size than what is considered normal or acceptable. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Gynecomastia can manifest physiologically in newborns, in boys going through puberty and in older men as a result of normal changes in hormone levels, though other causes also exist.
Although there are few physical complications associated with Gynecomastia, having this condition can cause psychological or emotional problems caused by appearance.
As more men become aware of the ability to remove unwanted breast tissue often referred to as “Man Boobs” many are seeking surgeons to perform a Gynecomastia Procedure.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomostia is caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone in the body. These hormones control the development and maintenance of sex characteristics in both men and women.
- Testosterone controls male traits, such as muscle mass and body hair.
- Estrogen controls female traits, including the growth of breasts.
Most people think of estrogen as an exclusively female hormone, but men also produce it — though normally in small quantities. However, male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of balance with testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia.
- Gynecomastia in infants. More than half of male infants are born with enlarged breasts due to the effects of their mother’s estrogen. Generally, the swollen breast tissue goes away within two to three weeks after birth.
- Gynecomastia during puberty. Gynecomastia caused by hormone changes during puberty is relatively common. In most cases, the swollen breast tissue will go away without treatment within six months to two years.
- Gynecomastia in men. The prevalence of gynecomastia peaks again between the ages of 50 and 80. At least one in four men may be affected during this time.
How to Treat Gynecomastia
Most cases of gynecomastia regress over time without treatment. Gynecomastia often goes away without treatment in less than two years. However, treatment may be necessary if gynecomastia doesn’t improve on its own, or if it causes significant pain, tenderness or embarrassment.
Medications used to treat breast cancer and other conditions, such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, may be helpful for some men with gynecomastia. Although these medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration, they have not been approved specifically for this use.
If you still have significant bothersome breast enlargement despite initial treatment or observation, your doctor may advise surgery.
What to Expect with Gynecomastia Surgery
Two types of surgery are used to treat Gynecomastia:
- Liposuction. This surgery removes breast fat, but not the breast gland tissue itself.
- Mastectomy. This type of surgery removes the breast gland tissue. The surgery is often done on an endoscopic basis; meaning only small incisions are used. This less invasive type of surgery involves less recovery time.
Gynecomastia Surgery with Colen MD Plastic Surgeons
Gynecomastia surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure under IV sedation and local anesthetic. Antibiotics and pain medications are given upon discharge.
If you or a man in your life has been looking for a solution to remove excess breast tissue, we encourage you to set up a consultation with one of our surgeons. Click here to contact Colen MD Plastic Surgery and set up a consultation to meet our surgeons Dr. Helen Colen and Dr. Stephen Colen at our Park Avenue Suite in Manhattan or to set up a consultation with Dr. Kari Colen in our Bergen County New Jersey office located in Hackensack, NJ.
