Many men experience enlarged male breasts or swollen breast tissue at some point in their lives, with up to 65% of men reporting gynecomastia symptoms. While most cases of excess breast tissue resolve without treatment through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, some men have ongoing struggles due to gynecomastia that causes embarrassment and discomfort.
Dr. Nima Naghshineh is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon who offers gynecomastia surgery. Through a customized surgical plan, patients can achieve a more masculine chest contour, which may involve a combination of liposuction, excess skin or tissue removal and skin-tightening laser treatments. Male breast reduction techniques may differ depending on if the swollen tissue is due to fat cells or glandular (breast tissue).
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Hormonal imbalances with estrogen and testosterone may cause excess breast tissue to grow or swell in males, and these changes can occur in various stages of life including in newborns, during puberty and in a man’s later years. Pseudogynecomastia occurs when obese individuals have excess fatty tissue in the breasts but is often treated in the same manner.
Certain medical conditions may cause male breasts to increase in size and sensitivity, such as diseases of the kidneys, liver and thyroid. Alcohol use, kidney failure, adrenal tumors and an inherited condition called Klinefelter syndrome may also lead to gynecomastia.
Medications taken for anxiety, depression, fungal or bacterial infections, heart failure, high blood pressure, heartburn, male infertility or an enlarged prostate can cause swollen or enlarged male breasts.
Some drugs, such as anabolic steroids, amphetamines, marijuana and opioids, can also cause gynecomastia.
When to Have Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia
Candidates for this procedure are those with gynecomastia who have not seen improvement after discontinuing medication or making lifestyle changes. The chest or breast tissue may feel uncomfortable or sensitive at times. Males with ongoing symptoms and cosmetic concerns with their chest can qualify for gynecomastia surgery.
If you’re interested in male breast reduction, contact Dr. Nima in Pasadena, California, today. Call (626) 696-8181 to schedule a consultation at Dr. Nima Plastic Surgery.
