Gynecomastia in Austin, TX
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Having a broad, flat chest might be one factor that defines a man’s sense of masculinity. Despite exercising and eating healthily, some men still develop a full chest due to gynecomastia, a condition that is characterized by a deformed, overdeveloped, and more feminine-looking chest. If you are looking to correct your gynecomastia in Austin and have the masculine chest you’ve dreamed of, look no further.
Expert Hands by Dr. Erella
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a medical condition distinguished by the enlargement of male breast tissue, affecting one or both breasts, sometimes in an uneven manner. While it’s commonly associated with an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels, gynecomastia can also result from various other factors. These include certain medications, hormonal changes during puberty or aging, and health conditions affecting hormonal balance.
Gynecomastia is relatively common, especially in adolescent boys and older men. However, it’s important to note that this condition is distinct from the breast enlargement caused by excess fatty tissue in overweight or obese men, a condition often referred to as pseudogynecomastia.
Difference between Gynecomastia and Normal Fat Accumulation
The key difference between gynecomastia and normal fat accumulation in males lies in the tissue composition. Gynecomastia is characterized by an increase in glandular tissue, not merely fat, resulting in breast enlargement. This glandular tissue is typically firm, concentric, and palpable under the nipple and areola area, distinguishing it from the softer, more diffuse fat deposits seen in overweight individuals, which lack this firm glandular component.
Distinguishing between these two conditions is crucial due to their differing implications and treatment approaches. Gynecomastia, especially when persistent or causing discomfort, often necessitates medical evaluation and intervention, whereas fat accumulation might be managed with lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. Understanding the nature of breast enlargement is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment, as gynecomastia often resolves on its own, particularly in adolescents. Still, persistent or troublesome cases may require medical attention to investigate underlying causes and explore treatment options.
Signs of Gynecomastia
Breast Enlargement
Firm Tissue Under Nipple
Breast
Tenderness
Changes in Nipple Appearance
How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing gynecomastia typically involves a comprehensive medical evaluation process by a healthcare professional such as Dr. Erella. The process begins with Dr. Erella taking a detailed medical history to understand potential causes, including family history, medication use, and symptom onset. This is followed by a physical examination where Dr. Erella assesses the breast tissue, checking for size, consistency, tenderness, and any signs of hormonal imbalances or other health issues.
If an underlying medical condition is suspected, Dr. Erella might conduct additional tests, such as thyroid function tests or screenings for hormone-producing tumors. Dr. Erella’s comprehensive diagnostic approach is crucial for accurately identifying the cause of enlarged breast tissue and formulating an effective treatment plan, ensuring all underlying health concerns are thoroughly addressed.
How Much Does Gynecomastia or Male Breast Reduction Surgery Cost?
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia, Austin, TX
Treating Gynecomastia
with Excess Tissue Excision
More extreme cases of gynecomastia may require excess skin excision to achieve optimal results. Gynecomastia patients with stretched, sagging skin around the breasts will usually need this approach. Tissue excisions will allow Dr. Erella to remove a more substantial amount of glandular tissue and skin, which cannot be successfully removed with liposuction alone.
Treating Gynecomastia
with Liposuction
When treated with liposuction, gynecomastia is typically performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure requires a small incision that we will make on each side of your chest. Alternatively, this incision could be on the edge of your areola or within the armpit. Through these incisions, Dr. Erella will remove excess fat while sculpting a new chest contour that looks natural to your body. Liposuction is effective for fat removal but not for glandular tissue.
There are various liposuction techniques, and Dr. Erella usually uses Smartlipo, which removes fat and tightens the skin.
Combination of Liposuction
and Tissue Excision
Gynecomastia is most commonly treated by a combination of both liposuction and excision. Liposuction removes the fat and contours the chest, while excision removes the excess glandular tissue. This technique gives the best results by far.
Treating Gynecomastia with Excess Tissue Excision
Treating Gynecomastia with Liposuction
There are various liposuction techniques, and Dr. Erella usually uses Smartlipo, which removes fat and tightens the skin.
Combination of Liposuction and Tissue Excision
How Long Does It Take to See the Result?
Gynecomastia surgery patients often observe a noticeable change in the contour of their chest immediately after the procedure, although it’s common to experience some initial swelling and bruising. Most male breast reduction patients can resume work and light activities within a week, with the swelling usually subsiding entirely over the next few weeks. The recovery process reveals more definitive results after several weeks as the majority of the swelling decreases, and the outcome of the male reduction breast surgery becomes fully apparent within three to six months as the body completes its healing and adaptation to the new chest shape.
The speed of gynecomastia surgery recovery is influenced by factors such as the individual’s unique healing process, which is affected by overall health and genetics; the complexity and extent of the surgery, where more extensive procedures necessitate a longer recovery period; adherence to post-operative care instructions, including wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities; lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and refraining from smoking or alcohol, which play a crucial role in the healing process; and age and overall health, with younger and healthier individuals typically experiencing faster recovery.
Patients undergoing gynecomastia surgery should have realistic expectations and patience during their recovery period. Consistent follow-up appointments with Dr. Erella are crucial in tracking the recovery process, addressing any questions, and providing tailored guidance to ensure a smooth and successful recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have any diagnostic testing performed to know if I have gynecomastia?
Is gynecomastia harmful?
Why have a male breast reduction when there are so many non-surgical options available?
What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?
What type of anesthesia is best for gynecomastia surgery?
What is Pseudo Gynecomastia?
Am I a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
While gynecomastia surgery candidates share many characteristics, the most common of these include:
- Men who have concerns about enlarged breast tissue or enlarged breasts
- Individuals in good health with asymmetry of enlarged breasts
- Men who are physically healthy, of relatively normal weight, and who have realistic expectations
