Gynecomastia

Conveniently Located to Serve Houston, Katy, and The Woodlands.

Las imágenes de la cara y el cuerpo que no sean del personal y los pacientes de la Dra, Rodríguez son modelos estándar

A small amount of breast tissue is naturally present in men. However, when that breast tissue overdevelops or gets large in a man, it can create the appearance of a feminine breast. In addition to the increase in breast volume, gynecomastia can cause the breast skin to stretch and sag, and it can cause widening of the areola (the darkly pigmented skin around the nipple).

What causesgynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can be caused by natural changes in hormone levels, such as during puberty. It is a relatively common occurrence during puberty but resolves without any treatment in most cases, in about a year or so.

Some men develop gynecomastia due to genetics, age, or other hormone imbalance issues. There are many different medications (most of them are prescription medications) that can cause gynecomastia, including some anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, antibiotics, and heart medications. Anabolic steroids (used by athletes to help build muscle), alcohol, and many illegal drugs (even marijuana) can also cause gynecomastia.

A very similar change in appearance can happen to a man’s breast when excess fat accumulates in the chest region. This commonly happens with weight gain and is called pseudogynecomastia.

Both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia can cause significant embarrassment and impair self-confidence. Those affected may feel uncomfortable with taking off their shirt at the pool. They may wear extra layers to hide the chest fullness.

Some lifestyle changes may help correct the breast enlargement. However, if these changes do not adequately help, then gynecomastia surgery can be considered.

How is Gynecomastia Surgeryperformed?

There are several different names used for gynecomastia surgery including male breast reduction and reduction mammaplasty. Regardless of the name used, there are 3 main tools Dr. Rodriguez uses to remove breast tissue and improve chest contour in males with gynecomastia:

R

Liposuction

Through several tiny puncture incisions made in discrete locations (such as the armpit), fat and breast tissue can be removed from the chest using a liposuction cannula. This sucks the fat and breast tissue out from underneath the skin to create a flatter appearance to the chest.

R

Breast tissue excision

Through a small incision hidden in the areola, breast tissue can be removed more aggressively. This is often called a periareolar excision.

R

Skin excision

When there is loose skin at the breast or when the breast sags down, skin excision may be required. This will help tighten and flatten the chest contour. It also provides a way to move the nipple and areola into the correct position higher on the chest, so that it is no longer pointing downwards.

Dr. Rodriguez may combine these 3 tools in different ways to provide the best result possible. This surgery is done under general anesthesia. You can go home the same day of surgery.

am i a goodcandidate?

If you are a man with gynecomastia (or pseudogynecomastia) in the Houston area, you may be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery with Dr. Rodriguez. Contact Dr. Rodriguez’s team to make a consult if you:

  • RHave overdeveloped breasts
  • RHave larger breasts
  • RAre self-conscious about your chest appearance
  • RAvoid activities due to concern about your chest appearance
  • RHave already tried eliminating reversible causes of gynecomastia
  • RAre at a healthy weight
  • RHave realistic expectations for this surgery
  • RAre a non-smoker and do not use nicotine
  • RHave all health conditions under good control

gynecomastiarecovery

After surgery, you will be instructed to wear a compression garment to help support the chest. Most of the swelling will take several weeks to go down. After about a week, most patients can return to work. For some patients, very light exercise can be resumed around 4-6 weeks after surgery. You should not start weightlifting or more intense exercise for about 8 weeks after surgery.

gynecomastiaresults

An improvement in the chest contour will be noticeable right after surgery, but it will take several weeks for most of the swelling to go down. It will take a couple months to see the full change in contour.

Will it come back?

Usually not, but it depends on what the cause of the gynecomastia was, your lifestyle going forward, your weight going forward, and other factors. Most patients have good long term results if they maintain a healthy weight and avoid things that may have initially caused the gynecomastia.

contact Ustoday

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in learning more about a Gynecomastia. Our skilled team is dedicated to providing excellent cosmetic services to Houston and the surrounding area. We’re here to help you achieve a look that will help you feel more comfortable in your body.

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