American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

How to get rid of gynecomastia


Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breast in adult males caused by excessive growth of the breast tissue. Although gynecomastia does not cause any major health problems, it can lead to poor self-image and have psychological effects.

It is important to determine the cause of the gynecomastia. In rare instances, it can be caused by a hormone-producing tumor, but in most cases, it is related to benign causes. Benign causes can include genetics, obesity, marijuana use, anabolic steroid use and some medications.

Weight loss and discontinuing the inciting causes can help improve symptoms, but oftentimes surgery is required to remove the excess tissue contributing to the breast enlargement. Surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

In cases where the enlargement is primarily due to an excess of fatty tissue, liposuction may be the best surgical option. When glandular tissue and excess skin are present, a male breast reduction procedure can be performed to achieve the best results. The incision is typically placed around the areola but can vary depending on the patient’s anatomy and skin removal needs.

Regardless of the type of procedure performed, the underlying chest muscles are not affected. Surgery usually takes about 2-3 hours. In some cases, surgical drains may be necessary to prevent fluid build-up at the surgery site. Some practices use an ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol which includes local anesthetic injected to the surgical site to minimize pain and discomfort following surgery. As a result, narcotics are rarely necessary for pain control.

Patients can expect to be back home the same day with some restrictions (i.e. no running or heavy lifting). Full recovery and release from all restrictions can be expected after six weeks.

It is important to note, surgery does not completely remove all breast tissue, so gynecomastia can return especially if the inciting cause is continued (e.g. marijuana/steroid use). It is important to discuss all options with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine the best treatment plan.


The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Logo

Surgeons In Your Area

Jason Lichten Headshot

Jason Lichten, MD

U.S. Board Certified
680 Buckles Court North Suite 2B
Columbus, OH 43230
United States

7406535064

Anne Taylor Headshot

Anne Taylor, MD

U.S. Board Certified
7227 North High Street #256
Worthington, OH 43085
United States

16145692649

Richard Kirschner Headshot

Richard Kirschner, MD

U.S. Board Certified
700 Children's Drive
Columbus, OH 43205
United States

1 (614) 722-3887

Tyler Sbrocchi Headshot

Tyler Sbrocchi, MD

U.S. Board Certified
5005 Arlington Centre Blvd
Upper Arlington, OH 43220
United States

16142466900

Fernando Colon Headshot

Fernando Colon, MD

U.S. Board Certified
#149, 947 East Johnstown Road
Gahanna, OH 43230
United States

1614775-6001

Roman Skoracki Headshot

Roman Skoracki, MD

Canada Board Certified
Suite 2100, 915 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43212
United States

6142939885

Walter Bernacki Headshot

Walter Bernacki, MD

U.S. Board Certified
1085 E. Johnstown Rd.
Gahanna, OH 43230-6849
United States

16146825095

William Abouhassan Headshot

William Abouhassan, Jr., MD

U.S. Board Certified
Ohiohealth / Ohio State University, 285 East State...
Columbus, OH 43215
United States

1614566-9496

Logo

Patient Care Center