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Many people believe the misconception that men do not get plastic surgery. That is simply not true. While women do make up the majority of cosmetic surgery patients, men made up around 8% of patients in 2020. However, the number of male persons undergoing plastic surgery has increased dramatically and continues to increase every year. One surgery especially for men is the treatment of “man boobs” or a condition known as gynecomastia. Dr. Scott Blyer at Cameo Surgery Center provides the best gynecomastia surgery Long Island offers.
The exact process that causes gynecomastia to form is caused by increased estrogen levels and subsequently lower androgen levels. Therefore, this can cause men to carry more fat in the chest and develop “man boobs.” At some point, 40% to 60% of men will experience gynecomastia at some point. Though, few of those will need surgery to address it.
For example, gynecomastia commonly occurs in puberty. This usually resolves on its own and is normally due to fluctuations in hormone levels. Conversely, men do experience changes as they grow older known as andropause. This is the male equivalent to menopause during which it is also common to develop excess breast tissue.
Beyond these known and expected shifts in hormones, men with gynecomastia tend to have an underlying cause of their condition. Determining and understanding the cause before undergoing surgery reduces the chances of recurrence. Below is an explanation of the common causes of gynecomastia.
Drugs—both illicit and prescribed—can cause breast growth in men. Switching or stopping these drugs may improve gynecomastia. However, this is not always possible or recommended. Examples of drugs tied to gynecomastia include anabolic steroids, some blood pressure medications, certain anti-depressants, and cancer treatment.
Even if a patient takes these medications this may not necessarily be the cause. It is important to thoroughly describe and evaluate all of the possible causes. If the drug is ceased, patients may still benefit from surgery if the skin does not retract.
Hypogonadism refers to reduced or inhibited testosterone production. This can be a symptom of certain medical conditions or a direct cause of certain conditions. Conditions known to have a direct link with increased estrogen levels include mumps and pituitary failure. Patients with hypogonadism will likely show other symptoms such as decreased or difficulty building muscle mass, decreased energy, and depression.
As mentioned above, reduced testosterone and the possible increase in estrogen levels is sometimes a symptom of a medical condition. This can include anything from alcoholic cirrhosis, adrenal tumors, thyroid conditions, and kidney failure. Treating these conditions is necessary before undergoing gynecomastia surgery. It may resolve the condition in some men, particularly younger men. However, undergoing surgery before adequately treating a medical cause makes it more likely to come back.
Medical conditions present from birth can also contribute to breast growth in men. Klinefelter’s syndrome and hermaphrodism can cause gynecomastia, even from a young age. Patients with gynecomastia caused by congenital disorders may respond well to treatment before or after treatment. However, it is still recommended that patients undergo male breast reduction surgery after treatment of any diseases or disorders, even if they are chronic.
As mentioned above, reduced testosterone and the possible increase in estrogen levels is sometimes a symptom of a medical condition. This can include anything from alcoholic cirrhosis, adrenal tumors, thyroid conditions, and kidney failure. Treating these conditions is necessary before undergoing gynecomastia surgery. It may resolve the condition in some men, particularly younger men. However, undergoing surgery before adequately treating a medical cause makes it more likely to come back.
As mentioned above, reduced testosterone and the possible increase in estrogen levels is sometimes a symptom of a medical condition. This can include anything from alcoholic cirrhosis, adrenal tumors, thyroid conditions, and kidney failure. Treating these conditions is necessary before undergoing gynecomastia surgery. It may resolve the condition in some men, particularly younger men. However, undergoing surgery before adequately treating a medical cause makes it more likely to come back.
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Plastic surgeons like Dr. B can perform male breast reduction surgery Long Island in a few different ways. The exact technique will differ depending on the severity of the condition, the patient’s goals, and the patient’s overall anatomy. Below are the three types of gynecomastia surgery.
The double incision method uses two linear incisions on either side of the chest. Dr. B will then remove the extra tissue and skin. Sometimes the nipple is removed and repositioned onto the chest. This creates a more proportionate chest. It also helps treat puffy nipples which is one of the most common presentations of gynecomastia.
A less invasive version of male breast reduction surgery involves an incision around the nipple. Dr. B can then use this incision to remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and extra skin. Unlike the double incision method, the nipples are not fully removed. Few surgeons in the United States are trained on this technique. Dr. B is the only one on Long Island who offers it.
In some mild cases, a patient may undergo only liposuction and see a great and lasting result. Liposuction may also accompany the other male breast reduction methods if necessary. This technique requires only small incisions hidden within the natural folds of the body.
All types of male breast reduction surgery are performed under general anesthesia at Cameo Surgery Center. Performed on an outpatient basis, the patient can go home the same day.
The right candidate for a male breast reduction will have determined the cause of their gynecomastia or that it has no identifiable cause. Overall, they will be in generally good health and be adequately treating any major medical conditions. Gynecomastia surgery patients should be at least 18.
Dr. B will determine candidacy at a consultation following a thorough physical examination, review of medical history, and discussion with the patient. Most healthy adult men with gynecomastia are good candidates.
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Sometimes, yes, gynecomastia can resolve on its own. This is most common when developed during puberty. If enlarged male breasts last longer than six months, does not respond to weight loss, and does not appear to be getting better, these are signs that it may require treatment.
After gynecomastia surgery, patients may experience a loss of sensation in their nipples. Occasionally, patients will experience increased sensation as well. Noticeable damage to the nipples is unlikely. Most of the time, nipple sensation returns over a number of months. The double incision method can result in total loss of nipple sensation, though this is rare.
It is a possibility. This is why it is absolutely vital for patients to try to determine the cause of their gynecomastia because it gives them the best chance at permanently getting rid of it. However, gynecomastia could recur at any time due to a totally different cause. Though, this is unlikely in the several years and even decades following surgery.
Even though teenage boys do present with gynecomastia, it is not recommended that anyone under 18 undergo the procedure. The body structures are still developing and they may even still experience hormone changes. Otherwise, there is no age limit for male breast reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery with Dr. B at Cameo Surgery Center costs $10,900. Financing through Care Credit is available. If a patient does not qualify or gets denied, they can pay their surgery in payments. Once paid in full, they can undergo the surgery.
Dr. Scott Blyer—better known as DrBfixin—is a Long Island cosmetic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery, body contouring, and Brazilian butt lifts. His practice, Cameo Surgery Center, is a boutique practice that personalizes every aspect of surgery to fit the patient, their body, and their goals. Dr. B offers the best breast augmentation Long Island provides. We the breast!
Dr. B and the Cameo Surgery Center team value honesty and integrity. We will be real with you and will not simply “sell” you a surgery. Our goal is to make a positive difference in someone’s life. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 631-232-2636. You can also reach out online via contact form or text.