Gynecomastia – What Is It and Am I a Good Candidate?
Gynecomastia – What Is It and Am I a Good Candidate?
While we may not always think that men can be just as self-conscious about their bodies as women, it’s totally true. Body image is just as important to men as it to the so-called fairer sex and men struggling with over-developed breasts, or Gynecomastia, often have a hard time accepting and liking their bodies. What many men who visit Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Laser Center don’t realize is that breast reduction surgery is an option for them.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. It’s typically asymmetrical in location regarding the nipples and can make the breasts have a rubbery or firm feel. It usually occurs on both breasts but can sometimes be unilateral, and usually the enlargement is greater on one side than the other, even if both sides are involved.
Gynecomastia Is Far More Common than You Might Think
It’s a very common condition – in fact, 40 to 60 percent of men have it. Several factors cause Gynecomastia, including certain medications like diuretics and drugs used to treat prostate cancer, and medical conditions like kidney disease, malnutrition, or rare genetic conditions.
Although it’s benign, it can still lower self-confidence and cause embarrassment. Fortunately, Dr. Castor can ease all your worries by performing male breast reduction surgery. As a board certified plastic surgeon, he has helped many men achieve their ideal body by removing the excess fat in their breasts.
Am I a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
It’s important to have good general health before any major surgery, and you should not be obese or be overweight without having attempted to lose weight first through exercise or diet. The best candidates have firm, elastic skin that can reshape to the body’s new contours.
Good candidates generally do not smoke, take anabolic steroids, or drink in excess, because those drugs may actually cause Gynecomastia. If you do partake in any of these activities, Dr. Castor will encourage you to give them up first in order to see if your breast fullness will go away on its own before scheduling a surgical procedure.
How Does the Male Breast Reduction Surgery Work?
During your consultation, Dr. Castor will walk you through what to expect. The surgery usually only involves liposuction, although he may use various methods depending on your condition. For example, VASER® Liposuction has proven successful. It uses minimally invasive ultrasound technology and produces awe-inspiring results in just one session. Dr. Castor may use this one-of-a-kind laser to remove the fatty breast tissue without the need for large incisions on the chest. For men with more developed breasts, surgical excision of excess skin may also be needed to achieve the manly contours you desire.
What Can I Expect After the Surgery?
Once removed, the excess tissue is gone for good and no follow-up surgeries are required. Some discomfort is normal after the first few days of the procedure, but you’ll see immediate positive results. You can expect minor bruising and soreness, but this will heal after a few weeks. You’ll be able to return to work in several days, but if you’ve opted for excision instead of just liposuction, you may be restricted from certain activities until the incisions heal.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery at Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Laser Center
Men! Soon you can be on your way to perfecting your body and gaining self-confidence. For more questions or to schedule a consultation, please contact Dr. Castor’s offices in Tampa or New Tampa, Florida at (813) 971-2000.