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Man Boobs: Gynecomastia

Overview

1. Also referred to as Male Breast Reduction

2. Enlargement of male breast tissue

3. Affects one or both sides of the chest

4. Occurs typically in Infancy, Teenagers, and Ages 50-70

5. Embarrassing condition

6. Many causes can be avoided

7. Definitive treatment is surgery

8. The surgery results in a grateful patient

Treatment and Surgery

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast, and is sometimes jokingly referred to as “Man Boobs”. This can be a result of excess localized fat and/or glandular tissue. It may affect one or both sides of the chest. Gynecomastia is a common deformity and can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for males who are afflicted with it. The definitive treatment for gynecomastia is a surgical procedure in Salt Lake City, UT called a male breast reduction or subcutaneous mastectomy

Causes of Man Boobs

Include but are not limited to:

1. Hormonal changes

2. Heredity

3. Obesity

4. Alcohol

5. Use of certain medications

6. Anabolic steroids and androgens

7. Ulcer medications

Cimetidine (Tagamet HB)

8. Gastric motility medications

Metoclopramide (Reglan).

9. Anti-androgens used to treat prostate conditions

flutamide
finasteride (Proscar, Propecia)
spironolactone (Aldactone)

10. Tricyclic antidepressants

11. AIDS medications

Efavirenz (Sustiva) – more common

12. Antibiotics

Isoniazid
Ketoconazole
Metronidazole

13. Anti-anxiety medications

Diazepam (Valium)

14. Heart medications

Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Calcium channel blockers(diltiazem, verapamil, nifedipine)

15. Cancer treatment (chemotherapy)

16. Use of Alcohol and Street drugs

17. Alcohol

18. Marijuana

19. Amphetamines

20. Heroin

21. Methadone

Gynecomastia is a condition in which there is a response of the male breast due to a decrease in the amount of the hormone testosterone compared to estrogen. This results in an enlargement disk of breast tissue behind the nipple, causing enlarged, frequently painful breast and protuberant nipples. Excess weight is also a cause of larger “Man Boobs”, which are mainly fat. Several causes are listed above.

Gynecomastia can be typically seen during 3 phases of a male’s life:

1. Infancy – Due to the effects of the circulating mother’s estrogen. Typically resolves within two to three weeks after birth.

2. Puberty – Relatively common due to hormone changes during puberty. Often the swollen breast tissue will resolve without the need for treatment within 3-18 months.

3. Older men – Third peak of prevalence between the ages of 50-70. Due to decreased circulating testosterone. Affects approximately 25 of this age group.

Candidates fo Gynecomastia Surgery

1. Enlarged breast tissue

2. Asymmetric breast tissue

3. Tenderness of enlarged breast tissue

4. Pronounced nipple(s)

5. Within 30-40 pounds of ideal body weight

6. Commit to abstaining from substances known to cause Gynecomastia to include:

Marijuana
Anabolic Steroids
Excess Alcohol
Tagamet
Other drugs listed above

Details of Corrective Gynecomastia Surgery

The goal of Gynecomastia Surgery in Salt Lake City is to remove the excess male breast tissue. Male breast reduction in Salt Lake City can be accomplished through a small incision around along the lower outside of the nipple. The excessive breast tissue is removed leaving a small pad of breast tissue under the nipple. This helps to ensure adequate blood circulation and to avoid indentation of the nipple. After the unwanted breast tissue is removed and sent to a pathologist for examination. Surgery for Gynecomastia is also known as a male breast reduction or subcutaneous mastectomy. Surgery for Gynecomastia is predictable and has a high degree of patient satisfaction.

Male breast enlargement caused by excess fatty tissue only is treated with liposuction followed by an elastic compression. For the enlarged hanging male breast, excision of some excess skin may be required during male breast reduction in Salt Lake City. All of the surgeries for Gynecomastia in Salt Lake City are highly successful operations and bring satisfactory results to the patient.

Recovery after Gynecomastia Surgery

1. After Gynecomastia Surgery, 7-10 days off of work is suggested

2. Pain medications and guarded use of the arms help with any discomfort

3. Heavy lifting is discouraged, greater than 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks

4. Avoid strenuous sports and other activities for 6 weeks

5. Swelling decreases from 3 weeks to 3 months

6. The redness of the scars fade over 12 months

What can I expect after Gynecomastia Surgery?

After Gynecomastia surgery, instructions are provided regarding activities and limitations. Overall, the Gynecomastia patient finds satisfaction with a more normal appearance. Best of all, we find satisfied patients

Will My Gynecomastia Surgery Results Last?

Gynecomastia Surgery results are satisfying. Male breast reduction in Salt Lake City provides desirable outcomes for years to come. The results may alter with age, weight gain and weight loss, and the use of substances known to cause Gynecomastia as noted above.

*All post-operative pictures are of real patients of Fairbanks Plastic Surgery. Identifiable images are used with patient or parent of patient permission.

Meet Grant A. Fairbanks, MD

Board Certified Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.

Meet

Grant A. Fairbanks, MD

Board Certified Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Fairbanks’ broad training in Plastic Surgery allows him to care for patients of all ages. He is highly trained as a Cosmetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon in Utah & combines Advanced Surgical Skills with his Advanced Artistic Skills in order to get results that not only deliver Improved Functionality & Aesthetic Beauty, but most importantly, Natural Looking Results. Dr. Fairbanks Innovative & Exclusive approach to Plastic Surgery is respected around the world & he is recognized among the TOP Plastic Surgeons in practice today. His areas of expertise include Facial Plastic Surgery, Breast Surgery, Body Contouring & Pediatric Facial Deformities.