Liposuction is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures for fat removal. The main types are: tumescent, ultrasound, and laser assisted. Due to the demand for fat removal, there are multiple marketing gimmicks and catchy names for various liposuction methods.
“The Doctors” TV show recently had an episode featuring “BodyTite.” BodyTite combines liposuction with a special instrument that tightens skin using radio frequency energy. The advantage of tightening skin during male breast reduction surgery is ridding the patient of excess skin and avoiding the necessity of a secondary procedure. However, for “true gynecomastia,” surgical excision of breast tissue is required. Breast tissue is too dense to be removed successfully by a cannula.
Over 40% of Dr. Miguel Delgado’s gynecomastia practice is revision cases where other surgeons attempted male breast reduction by liposuction alone. Dr. Delgado does, however, use a technique for tightening skin during surgery where he applies controlled heat directly to the underlying skin.
Only in the case of “pseudo-gynecomastia” can liposuction alone be successful. Surgical excision combined with liposuction for fat removal and contouring remain the “gold standard” for male breast reduction.
When choosing your surgeon, be sure to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Affecting at least 60% of all men at some time in their life is the development of female-type breasts, which is caused by a condition known as gynecomastia. The most prevalent time this occurs is the adolescent years as young men pass through puberty and experience hormonal changes. As their hormones are changing and the estrogen level is temporarily high, they may have what is referred to as “puffy nipples.” Fortunately for most, their gynecomastia will resolve on its own without any intervention. However, for some, if their chest is not back to normal after two years, it may be permanent, with gynecomastia surgery as the only effective option.
Gynecomastia Causes
Overall, there are many different factors that can cause gynecomastia or breast enlargement in males. The most common cause is a hormonal imbalance with estrogen levels being higher than testosterone levels, while certain medications may also lead to male breast enlargement. Anabolic steroids can also lead to gynecomastia, which is common among the bodybuilding community.
True Gynecomastia and Pseudo-Gynecomastia
True gynecomastia occurs when there is excess glandular tissue in the male breasts along with excess male breast tissue resulting in enlarged male breasts. Surgical treatment is often the best solution for true gynecomastia.
It is important to note that true gynecomastia should not be confused with false gynecomastia, or pseudo gynecomastia, which results in enlargement of the male breasts due to weight gain, excess fat, and fatty tissue on the body. The main cure for pseudo-gynecomastia is often weight loss.
Gynecomastia Grades
Gynecomastia can be divided into different grades to determine severity. These grades include:
Grade I: severity is mild with enlargement centered around the areola. At this grade, gynecomastia is usually not noticeable with clothing.
• Grade II: enlargement is moderate without excess skin past the areola. At this stage, gynecomastia can still be concealed with loose clothing.
• Grade III: enlargement is moderate with excess skin. At this point, the swelling of the breast tissue is moderate to severe, and is highly visible.
• Grade IV: significant enlargement with feminine-type breasts and excess skin. This is the most severe stage of gynecomastia.
The severity of the gynecomastia will determine how the male breast reduction surgery is to be performed. It is imperative to select a board-certified plastic surgeon that has extensive experience with gynecomastia.
For patients with mild to moderate gynecomastia, the less invasive “pull-through technique” procedure may be an option. For those with more severe gynecomastia, a “Two Stage Procedure” may be necessary in order to reduce the excess skin.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are tired of living with the symptoms of gynecomastia and are ready to make a change, contact Dr. Delgado in San Francisco today! Your first step will be to schedule a one on one consultation appointment to discuss your concerns and gynecomastia treatment options.
Gynecomastia in San Francisco FAQs
What is the most severe grade of gynecomastia?
The most severe grade of gynecomastia is grade 4, which involves severe levels of excess breast tissue and glandular tissue. This excess tissue will create a noticeable condition regardless of whether the patient is wearing a shirt.
What is the best treatment for Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia surgery is often the best way to treat gynecomastia. This surgical procedure is performed to correct moderate breast enlargement through the removal of excess glandular and fatty tissues.
Do all adolescent males experience gynecomastia?
No, not all adolescents will experience gynecomastia symptoms. However, most males do experience gynecomastia during their teen years as this is when their hormones are fluctuating.
Does gynecomastia cause breast pain?
For some males, gynecomastia can cause the breasts to be tender or painful to the touch.
So, you have put in the work and have finally shed that stubborn extra weight, congratulations! While you are now a healthier version of yourself, you may notice that you are left with excess skin and tissue on your body, including on your chest. This can result in the look of enlarged breasts, which some people call “man boobs“. Thankfully, gynecomastia surgery after weight loss is an effective solution to help you enjoy your new body without that excess tissue. Read on to learn more about what gynecomastia is, what to expect during surgery, and how this procedure can be especially beneficial after losing weight.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common condition that causes an increase in breast tissue on the male chest. It is usually caused by hormonal changes or an imbalance in hormone levels, but may also be caused by certain medications, certain drugs, and the use of anabolic steroids. Surgical correction is often the best option for those who have not found success with other avenues.
What to Expect During Gynecomastia Surgery After Weight Loss
Gynecomastia surgery after weight loss requires the expertise of a board-certified gynecomastia specialist. There can be a large amount of skin, fat, and tissue after weight loss that requires special skills for reduction beyond the traditional male breast reduction surgery.
For some men, the 2 stage procedure is an excellent solution to remaining tissue and skin after weight loss. The first stage reduces the amount of skin and tissue by excision in a doughnut shape around the areola which is then closed with purse string-type sutures. The second stage can be done as an office procedure under local anesthesia.
The 2 stage procedure is not an option for some men with excessive amounts of skin to be removed. In order to achieve a more masculine chest, your surgeon will need to make incisions around the areola, and vertical to the breast crease, known as an inverted T or the anchor incision. This incision will leave visible scars, but most men are comfortable with the trade-off.
Gynecomastia After Weight Loss
After Gynecomastia Surgery
Unless the patient is prone to keloids or developing raised scars, the incision heals nicely. However, for those who end up with more visible scarring, there are several treatments today that can minimize the final result. A skilled gynecomastia surgeon will use deep suturing techniques to reduce tension on the skin.
Silicone sheeting has proved to be a good treatment once the incision has healed by keeping the skin hydrated. Steroid injections, massaging, and laser treatments are all possible treatments. For the most difficult scars, scar revision surgery may be needed.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment
For the best possible results, it is important that you seek out a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your male breast reduction surgery. With more than 30 years of success treating gynecomastia patients, you can feel confident that you are in good hands with Dr. Delgado. To learn more about gynecomastia surgery and if it is right for you, please contactDr. Delgado today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Gynecomastia Surgery FAQs
Is gynecomastia surgery a cosmetic surgery?
Yes, if a surgery is electively chosen for cosmetic reasons, it is considered a cosmetic procedure. Gynecomastia surgery falls under this umbrella.
Can obesity cause gynecomastia?
Those who are experiencing enlarged male breasts due to excess fatty tissue have what is known as pseudo-gynecomastia. Weight loss is an effective way for those who are overweight to reduce the size of their chest.
What can I expect during a consultation?
During a consultation, you will have a chance to speak with Dr. Delgado regarding your medical history and the reason for wanting to correct your gynecomastia. He will determine if you are an ideal candidate and then create a personalized treatment plan to help boost your self-confidence and overall sense of well-being.
Are you tired of living with excess male breast tissue, or “man boobs” and are researching if male breast reduction surgery is right for you? If so, it is vital that you do the necessary research regarding this procedure, as well as what to expect afterward such as scarring.
About Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition that results in male breast enlargement. The main cause is hormonal changes or imbalances between the hormones testosterone and estrogen, though it can also be caused by the use of certain medications, drugs, or anabolic steroids.
Commonsymptoms may include swollen breast tissue, nipple sensitivity, breast pain, enlarged breasts, puffy nipples, and nipple discharge. However, for some, the only sign of gynecomastia is enlarged male breast tissue.
Individuals living with gynecomastia in one or both breasts often experience feelings of low-self esteem or embarrassment and therefore seek out treatment options. Gynecomastia surgery is a cosmetic procedure that can correct gynecomastia for long-term outcomes. However, there are some things to consider regarding surgery, including the risk of scarring and how to treat gynecomastia surgery scars. Read on to learn more.
What Causes Scarring?
Scars form on the skin as the body is healing from an injury (or from an incision created during surgery). For a scar to form, a wound must be deep enough to injure the inner layers of the skin or the dermis. Cells will quickly create collagen to repair the wound, which results in tissue that is thicker and less flexible than the surrounding skin (the scar).
Overall, there is an array of factors that ultimately determine the extent of scarring after gynecomastia surgery. This includes the surgical technique used, the patient’s genetic makeup, and how well aftercare instructions are followed.
Because gynecomastia surgery involves the creation of incisions, there is a risk of scarring. The incision forgynecomastia surgery is made in the breast tissue partially around the areola. As it heals it usually is well hidden due to the change in skin texture and color. However, for some, a thick scar known as a keloid or hypertrophic scar may form leaving the patient with a new problem that may make him still feel uncomfortable going shirtless. The more excess skin that needs to be excised during surgery, the higher the risk of additional scarring.
This may also come down to genetics, as some men produce more collagen than others during the healing process. It is the excess collagen that makes a raised and noticeable scar.
Choosing an experienced board-certifiedgynecomastia surgeon is your best bet in getting optimal surgical results including the healing of your incisions.
Scar Solutions Following Gynecomastia Surgery
Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions plays a large part in reducing scarring. The visibility of scarring can be exacerbated when incisions are not cared for properly after surgery.
Dr. Miguel Delgado, M.D. stresses to his patients the importance of following all preoperative and postoperative instructions in order for them to get the best results. When it comes to the care of the incisions, he warns patients to avoid direct sunlight for 6 months to a year and to wear protective clothing or broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent the development of hypertrophic scars. Prioritizing proper hygiene after surgery is also paramount.
After the healing of the incisions, silicone sheets are used to control the formation of keloids. Silicone sheets or scar gels are effective as silicone hydrates the scar tissue and reduces the production of collagen fibers. Using dermatology-grade skin care products sold at a plastic surgery or dermatology office can also be useful for keeping the skin healthy and strong.
Schedule a Consultation in San Francisco
Gynecomastia surgery is not deemed medically necessary nor is the removal of the resulting scars, but many men suffer severe psychological distress making solutions essential. If you are interested in learning more about gynecomastia surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area,contact Dr. Delgado today.
As one of the premier gynecomastia plastic surgeons in the San Francisco and Novato areas, you can trust Dr. Delgado to provide the professional and natural-looking results you desire. He takes the time to create a treatment plan for each individual patient to help achieve the desired chest appearance.
Gynecomastia Scar FAQs
Does gynecomastia surgery involve large incisions?
The incisions created during gynecomastia surgery are not particularly large, though the length of the scar depends on the grade or severity of the gynecomastia.
Do most patients with gynecomastia find surgery to be the best treatment?
Individuals with true gynecomastia (gynecomastia caused by glandular tissue in the breasts) find that gynecomastia surgery is an effective and long-lasting solution.
Will all gynecomastia surgery patients experience scars?
Because gynecomastia surgery involves the creation of incisions, all patients will experience scars. However, the degree of scarring will vary depending on genetics and how well an individual follows aftercare directions.
What does good hygiene look like after gynecomastia surgery?
While Dr. Delgado will provide you with specific aftercare instructions it is important to properly clean your incisions with proper hygiene. This may include washing the wounds with antimicrobial soap to keep them clean of sweat and bacteria.
Can male breast cancer impact my gynecomastia surgery results?
Puffy- nipples | Gynecomastia (male breasts) before and after
The results of gynecomastia surgery should be natural-looking and help men achieve a flatter chest. Unfortunately “puffy nipples” aftergynecomastia surgery seems to be a common problem; it is mentioned frequently on the forums on this site and the popular website “Real Self.” Read on to learn why some men may have puffy nipples after gynecomastia surgery, how this can be corrected, and more.
Gynecomastia Overview
To begin, let us give a brief overview of gynecomastia and how to treat it. Gynecomastia is a condition that can affect males of all ages, resulting in enlarged breasts. It is most often caused by imbalanced hormone levels, though it may also be caused by the use of anabolic steroids, some recreational drugs, or certain prescription medications.
To diagnose gynecomastia, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or gynecomastia surgeon. Some patients may believe that they have true gynecomastia, when in fact, their high level of body fat is the cause of their enlarged breasts. These cases are known as pseudo-gynecomastia, which can often be corrected with weight loss alone.
In individuals with true gynecomastia, the most effective gynecomastia treatment is male breast reduction surgery. This is because the cause of enlarged breasts is glandular tissue and excess breast tissue, which cannot be corrected with diet and exercise alone.
What Can Cause Puffy Nipples
In less experienced hands, some gynecomastia surgeons will try to reduce male breast enlargement with liposuction alone which will not remove the breast gland or glandular tissue. Other surgeons are very conservative in the surgical removal of breast tissue for fear of a “crater deformity.” In both cases, “puffy nipples” and “crater deformity” will require revision surgery for correction.Gynecomastia revision surgery for a “crater deformity” will involve fat grafts or a fat flap. Revision for “puffy nipples” will require additional excision which will be more complicated due to formed scar tissue from the original surgery.
It is vital that surgeons remove all of the glandular tissue to ensure that puffy nipples do not occur following surgery. When this is done, the recurrence of gynecomastia is very rare.
The Best Way to Avoid Complications Like Puffy Nipples
Overall, it is imperative to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes ingynecomastia surgery to avoid puffy nipples. Sculpting the chest with the right balance of remaining fat and breast tissue is an art and needs to be performed by an expert. If too much breast gland is removed a “crater deformity” will be the result. If too much gland is left behind the areola /nipple complex it will push outward and “puffy nipples” will be the result.
When choosing your gynecomastia revision surgeon, do your homework. Be sure your surgeon has experience in revision surgery. Also, ask to see before and after pictures of patients who have had corrective surgery. This will help to give you a clearer idea of what the surgeon can accomplish.
Gynecomastia Surgery in San Francisco and Novato
If you are experiencing gynecomastia symptoms or are bothered by enlarged male breasts due to gynecomastia, gynecomastia surgery may be right for you. Pleasecontact Dr. Delgado today to schedule a consultation appointment. During this consultation, he will discuss your health conditions, health history, and your desired results to create a personalized treatment plan for you.
Gynecomastia/Puffy Nipples FAQs
What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?
While some individuals only experience enlarged breast tissue and/or excess breast tissue in one or both breasts, others may also experience furthersymptoms such as puffy nipples, sensitivity in the nipple area, nipple discharge, and breast pain or discomfort.
What do puffy nipples look like?
Puffy nipples have a noticeable cone shape, causing the areola to appear puffed out. They may be more pronounced during warmer temperatures, which can be distressful for individuals during the summer when many males go shirtless. Most patients with puffy nipples who visit Dr. Delgado explain that they avoid situations that involve taking their shirt off or tight clothing such as physical activity or spending time at the beach due to their gynecomastia and puffy nipples.
How do I know if gynecomastia surgery is right for me?
Overall, treating gynecomastia effectively depends on the underlying cause. Meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon is a great chance to discuss your treatment options. Those with true gynecomastia often find that breast surgery is an effective option for them.
Do all males with a hormone imbalance develop gynecomastia?
No, not all men with hormonal imbalances will acquire gynecomastia. Though, those with certain changes in testosterone levels and estrogen levels may develop this condition. Individuals who take certain medications such as those to treat prostate cancer may also experience gynecomastia. The best way to determine if you have gynecomastia is to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Do all surgeons perform gynecomastia surgery?
No, not all surgeons perform male breast reduction. To ensure that you employ the best possible surgeon for your individual case, you must be sure to do your research. Specifically, seek out board-certified plastic surgeons who have experience performing techniques to correct gynecomastia.
