Gynecomastia

Conveniently located to serve Austin, San Antonio, Round Rock, and Lakeway

Home / Procedures / Breast / Gynecomastia

 

Gynecomastia Plastic Surgeon

Gynecomastia is a condition in which the glandular breast tissue of boys and men become enlarged or swollen. This condition can affect one or both breasts, but it is usually bilateral. As with most conditions, it can be mild in some and very severe in others. This fullness in the breasts can make males very self-conscious. It can also be associated with pain and discomfort. The procedure is usually a combination of liposuction and excision. For treatment of gynecomastia in Austin, consider visiting the office of Dr. Scott Haydon. Dr. Haydon has years of experience alleviating the effects of this condition.

Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective solution for gynecomastia, and it is recommended when other treatment options have proven ineffective. This cosmetic procedure removes excess fat, skin, and/or glandular breast tissue. First, anesthesia is used to ensure patient comfort. Two ¼” incisions are created in the crease so that they are hidden and then the basket cannular is used with the PALS system to emulsify and liquify the fat. The fat is then aspirated and the breast inspected. The majority of the time, there is still some nodularity that the liposuction cannot remove beneath the nipple areolar complex. In that case, a small incision is made along the inferior base of the areola and the remaining gland is sharply excised. A drain is often placed to help evacuate fluid that accumulates after the surgery and it is removed in 3-5 days. Finally, incisions are closed with sutures. After the procedure, the patient begins his recovery process. This involves temporary swelling and bruising, wearing a compression garment, staying home from work for about one week, and avoiding physically taxing activities like sports and heavy exercise for 2-3 weeks is the routine. There is more muscle soreness than intense pain. Lymphatic massage is also a helpful adjunct to minimizing recovery and downtime.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is usually caused by an imbalance in the hormone levels of testosterone and estrogen. Most of the time the actual cause is unknown. The levels of male estrogen become either too high or fail to balance with testosterone. In addition to natural hormone changes in the body, several other factors can cause gynecomastia. Many types of medication can lead to gynecomastia:

• Anti-androgens, which are used for the treatment of prostate cancer, prostate enlargement, and other conditions
• AIDS medicines
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Antibiotics
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Androgens and anabolic steroids, which are illegally used by athletes to enhance their performance. These medications are also sometimes prescribed by doctors for specific medical conditions.
• Ulcer medicines
• Cancer medications
• Stomach-cleaning medicines
• Medicines for heart conditions

Certain health conditions can also cause gynecomastia: Advancing Age – As men age, hormonal changes occur. These changes can lead to gynecomastia, especially in men who do not maintain a healthy weight. Hypogonadism – This is a condition where the male body fails to produce adequate testosterone, increasing the risk of gynecomastia. Tumors – Tumors (especially those that affect the pituitary gland, testicles, and adrenal glands) can lead to hormone production. This development alters hormonal balance. Other Conditions – Conditions such as kidney failure, hyperthyroidism, and cirrhosis can cause gynecomastia. Street drugs like heroin, marijuana, and methadone can also result in the development of gynecomastia. Alcohol is another potential causative factor.

Gynecomastia Prevention

To prevent the formation of gynecomastia:

• Avoid drugs such as marijuana and heroin, as well as androgens and steroids.
• Limit your intake of alcohol.
• Be aware of the effects of medications you are prescribed. If any of these medicines is a risk factor for gynecomastia, then ask about alternative medications.

Is Gynecomastia Serious?

Gynecomastia can occur in newborns, seniors, and boys of puberty age. It is not usually serious. Patients may find it difficult to handle the condition, however, either because of embarrassment or pain in the breasts.

Your Consultation

Gynecomastia may resolve itself over time. However, you may want to see a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

• Swelling
• Discharge from nipples of one or both the breasts
• Tenderness or pain in the breasts

Dr. Haydon examines your physical symptoms and performs a breast exam. He may also recommend others tests such as a mammogram and ultrasound to rule out breast cancer. He reviews your medical history and current medications to diagnose the cause of your gynecomastia. If Dr. Haydon diagnoses a medical condition as the reason for gynecomastia, then treatment for the underlying condition is recommended. If a medication is found to be the cause, the specific medication is stopped and an alternative medication is prescribed. In other cases, counseling may be recommended to enable patients to cope with social situations that may cause embarrassment. A counselor can also help with anxiety, stress, and depression that usually accompany the condition.

Arrange a Consultation

To find out about treatment options for your gynecomastia in Austin, contact the office of Dr. Scott Haydon. We can arrange a consultation, where you will be able to ask any questions you may have.