Gynecomastia Repair
The scientific term, gynecomastia, is used for enlarged male breasts. This condition is one that can produce a feminine chest due to the increase of growing breast tissue. Many times, gynecomastia is related to an unknown hormonal problem. It may also be caused by certain medications, steroids, weight gain, or it can be hereditary. Men with this condition often feel frustrated and anxious, most commonly in situations where the chest is exposed, such as at the beach, pool, or at the gym. Dr Efraim vd Walt performs surgical breast reduction for men who suffer from gynecomastia. This surgery does have a high success rate. It is known as one of the more common cosmetic treatments for men.
Ideal Candidates
Male breast reduction treatment is reserved for men with oversized breasts that cannot be treated through medications or diet. If you are troubled by the size and shape of your chest (but you are healthy and at a good weight), you could possibly benefit from male breast reduction surgery by Dr. Van der Walt. Adolescent teens may also attain positive results from gynecomastia treatment; however, an additional procedure may be needed later as an adult if excess breast tissue continues to develop. In your initial consultation with Dr. Efraim, treatment considerations will be provided, including the chances of moving forward with surgery to correct the condition.
Surgical Technique
A form of liposuction is almost always utilized during male breast reduction surgery. While you are under general anesthesia, liposuction helps eliminate excess fat tissue from the internal chest region. Afterward, any lax skin will be carefully trimmed away to produce a taut look, and then the nipple area and surrounding areola will be surgically reshaped and placed into a proportionate position. For most men, this treatment strategy requires an incision in proximity to where the glandular tissue has formed. After the pockets of fat and excess skin have been appropriately handled, Dr. Van der Walt will pull together the remaining skin.
What To Expect
At the conclusion of your gynecomastia surgery, a compression garment will be fitted to help decrease swelling, bleeding, and bruising. For complex cases where a more intricate approach was used, a small tube for draining may be properly positioned to help with fluid. The outcomes following this procedure are almost immediately visible, and most men are extremely excited with the cosmetic enhancement. Any incisions made during surgery take time to heal, and any scars left behind are barely seen. With your new, masculine-appearing chest, you may get medical clearance from Dr. Van der Walt to incorporate exercise and weight training, which will help accentuate the surgical results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Excessive male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is a medical problem that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. For this reason, Dr. Van der Walt suggests you focus on how to get your best results rather than costs. While surgery for gynecomastia is generally not covered by Medical aids, it is worth contacting your insurer to check.
Gynecomastia develops in men when there is an imbalance in the hormones. In most cases, gynecomastia is connected to the use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It may also be the result of using illegal drugs, including marijuana or heroin. Gynecomastia might also be triggered by some medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors), plus some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications).
Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some patients might have pseudogynecomastia (false gynecomastia) so Dr. Efraim suggests patients lose weight by following an exercise plan and a healthy diet before considering surgery. If you have excess breast tissue when you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Van der Walt will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests and possibly refer you to an Endocrinologist.
Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the USA has not approved any medications for the treatment of gynecomastia. Although they are not approved for gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (Raloxifene or Tamoxifen) might give you minimal improvements. Upper body weight training to increase the pectoral muscles will not reduce the excess breast tissue and could even make the breasts look bigger.
Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Dr. Efraim at your consultation. He will personalize your surgical plan to select the best incision pattern and technique to improve your nipples. Oversized areolas may also be corrected in surgery for gynecomastia. It is crucial that you be honest with Dr.Efraim about all your concerns and wants during your initial consultation so he can make sure you get the results you want.