Gynecomastia

Pros

• You can feel comfortable revealing your chest contours, clothed or unclothed.

• You can gain more social confidence.

• You can enjoy permanent results.

Cons

• Scarring may make you feel self-conscious.

• You may be disappointed with your final results.

• Weight gain following this surgery will compromise results.

These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering gynecomastia treatment. It is always best to come meet with Dr. Shatkin  in a consultation for evaluating your condition.

Gynecomastia is usually not caused by any serious medical problems; in fact, its cause is rarely identified. However, because there are some medical problems that do cause gynecomastia, your first step is to see your family doctor to rule this out.

1. Diet and exercise-resistant fat in the chest area can cause both physical and social discomfort.

2. Maintaining a stable weight will ensure that your improved body contour will be long lasting.

• You are unhappy with the size or appearance of your breasts.

• You experience physical discomfort because of your breasts.

• You have good skin elasticity. 

• You have first tried diet and exercise to reduce your breast size.

• You are not significantly overweight. Although surgery will help, the results will not be as good. 

• You do not use marijuana, steroids or drink alcoholic beverages excessively.

If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

Surgical options include liposuction, excision (surgical removal of tissue) or a combination of both approaches. Glandular breast tissue is denser than fatty tissue and is not appropriate for liposuction.

• The choice of surgical technique depends on the likelihood of skin redundancy after surgery. Skin shrinkage is greater in younger than older patients.

• A liposuction incision along the side of the chest and glandular incision at the bottom of the areola are typically used.

• In severe gynecomastia, skin resection (surgical removal of part of an organ or structure) and moving the nipple (nipple transposition) may be necessary.

• Ultrasonic liposuction has improved the results.