More and more, men are seeking help for breast tissue that is enlarged or for a chest that is asymmetric, which are actually very common problems for men. It can be quite difficult to deal with excess tissue and fat in the breast, and that’s why many men opt for male breast surgery (gynecomastia). Here are 7 things you should know about this condition and the gynecomastia procedure.
- Excess breast tissue can be caused by hormones, certain medications (such as steroids, antibiotics, and heart medications), genetics, obesity, aging, heavy drinking, and health conditions. Before any breast surgery, your doctor will want to rule out any underlying medical condition.
- Men may have pain with excess breast tissue, but most often patients say that instead of feeling painful, their breasts feel swollen and tender.
- Scarring from gynecomastia is minimal. Incisions can be made so they are hidden, and any scars will fade over time. It can take up to one year for a scar to fully mature.
- If you are considering male breast surgery, you should be in good general health, at a healthy weight, and have no significant medical problems.
- The results from gynecomastia are permanent, as long as you work to have a healthy lifestyle. You’ll start to see a change after about 2 weeks, when the swelling starts to go down. You’ll see the finished results in about 3 to 6 months.
- Men most often have swollen breast tissue when they are teenagers or after the age of 50. Many teenagers grow out of the condition once they get into their 20s.
Women deserve to feel comfortable in their bodies – and men do, too! You don’t have to live with being embarrassed by enlarged breast tissue. Reducing the amount of your breast tissue can have a dramatic effect on your appearance and on your self-esteem. Contact Jeffrey C. Dawes, MD, FRCSC Plastic and Dermatologic Surgery in Calgary to discuss gynecomastia. Call (403) 571-3141 today!
