Gynecomastia, a condition casually known as “man boobs,” is a vexing problem experienced by an estimated 40-60 percent of all men. The number of men inquiring about corrective surgery for the condition is increasing at a rapid rate, with one clinical research site reporting a whopping 65 percent increase in inquires for treatment in the past year.
With decades of experience treating patients with gynecomastia, Dr. Ary Krau can advise you of how to remedy the problem and the specifics of the corrective procedure for gynecomastia.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia denotes excessive glandular breast tissue in men. Pseudogynecomastia is a condition wherein there is excess fat in the chest area that gives the illusion of enlarged breasts. Sometimes men have a combination of both glandular and fatty tissue.
Gynecomastia can be caused by a number of hormonal and environmental factors, including the following:
- Obesity, which increases the potential for man boobs to appear
- Puberty; as hormones flood the body during puberty, an imbalance can occur, with an occasional propensity to shift towards estrogen
- Aging; as men age, the production of testosterone decreases; combined with the fact that men tend to gain weight as they age, man boobs become more likely to appear as men get older
Other factors that can contribute to the condition include alcohol consumption, certain prescription drugs (including some cancer drugs) and recreational drugs.
The Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Male breast reduction is an outpatient procedure performed in Dr. Krau’s accredited surgical facility. A small incision is made around the areola, and excess glandular tissue is removed. Sometimes, liposuction is used to remove excess fatty tissue. If the areolas are oversized, they can be reduced. The goal of the operation is to create a firmer, flatter, more masculine-looking chest.
After the modifications are complete, Dr. Krau closes the incision with sutures, and he may place a compression garment over the area. It is advisable to wear the compression garment for several weeks after the procedure. Although male breast enhancement surgery is generally very safe with few complications, Dr. Krau remains very involved in your recovery, and is always available in the unlikely event of any complications.
Dr. Krau is highly qualified to address your concerns about gynecomastia or any other questions relating to aesthetic surgery. Please call the office at (305) 861-6881 to schedule an appointment.