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CALL USPosted on September 9, 2022 in Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can be a difficult condition to live with for men of any age. It’s characterized by having enlarged male breasts and can make it difficult to feel confident with your shirt off. Sometimes called “man boobs,” gynecomastia has treatment options when you don’t find results by addressing underlying causes. The best way to feel more confident with your chest is by partnering with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can create a customized treatment plan with gynecomastia surgery. Here’s what to know about this option and how to prepare for surgery.
Is it gynecomastia or something else?
The first step in your treatment process with your plastic surgeon is determining the makeup of your chest. What may seem like gynecomastia can actually be something else and require different treatment methods. Enlarged breasts can sometimes be caused by:
- Excess breast tissue
- Excess fat
- Loose skin
- A combination of some or all three of the above
For patients who have undergone substantial weight loss, enlarged breasts are often caused by loose, stretched skin. This can usually be corrected with a skin excision procedure. Enlarged breasts that are caused by fat (called pseudogynecomastia), liposuction is an effective option. True gynecomastia is caused by enlarged breast tissue which needs to be surgically excised. However, it’s rare to have only one of these factors and most patients need a combination approach.
Non-surgical treatments for gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can have a variety of causes and not all of them require surgical intervention. Dr. Ellen will help you determine the underlying causes of your gynecomastia and whether you can adjust your lifestyle habits or medications to find results instead. Some effective ways to reduce male breasts can include:
- Improving your diet with a greater variety of foods
- Limiting processed sugars
- Reducing drug and alcohol use
- Increasing cardiovascular exercise (at least 30 minutes three times per week)
- Increasing resistance training with weights or bodyweight-based exercises
- Adjusting prescription medications or supplements
When adjusting your medications, make sure to consult your regular physician to find alternatives or safe doses.
Selecting your gynecomastia surgeon
In order to get best results from gynecomastia surgery, it’s important to find an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. Your chosen plastic surgeon should also have experience treating gynecomastia in a variety of ways, understanding the various causes. Your plastic surgeon should never recommend gynecomastia surgery without first determining if other treatment options can produce results. Also, be wary of plastic or cosmetic surgeons who are self-styled or not board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Board certification means that Dr. Ellen has undergone rigorous training and maintained ongoing requirements to meet her board certification – which in turn means you can feel confident in your treatment process.
Gynecomastia recovery
Recovery is the most important part of your surgical process. You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions and should follow them as closely as possible. This includes avoiding exercise for at least 4-6 weeks and taking 1-2 weeks to rest. You’ll also be given a compression garment to wear in order to reduce swelling and fluid buildup. You should wear this as much as possible. You may also have drains to manage over the first 2-3 days. If you’re unable to dedicate significant time to your gynecomastia recovery, you may not achieve the results you’re hoping for.
Schedule an Appointment
The best way to learn more about gynecomastia surgery is by meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Ellen Janetzke is one of the most experienced and sought-after plastic surgeons in the Bloomfield Hills and greater Detroit, MI areas. To get started, contact our office by calling or filling out our online contact form.
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