Gynecomastia Mountain View

Conveniently located to serve Mountain View

Removal of excess fat and breast tissue from enlarged male breasts is effectively done through minimal incisions. Vaser or Smartlipo is used to melt the fat, and if there is residual breast tissue to be removed, it is done through small incisions at the base of the areola.

While the causes of gynecomastia are not fully understood, the most common type seen has no specific cause. It arises during and after puberty and is not because of an underlying medical problem. Initial work up of gynecomastia in the teen years may be done by an endocrinologist to rule out medically treatable causes. We commonly see men in their twenties and later who are healthy but have residual breast tissue and excess fat in their breasts. No involved medical work up is needed unless the gynecomastia has recently developed.

This is a very satisfying operation for doctor and patient as it gives men the self-esteem, self-image and confidence that they have been missing. Surgery is done as an office procedure under tumescent local anesthesia for enlargement that is primarily fatty, or in the outpatient surgery center if there is, in addition, breast tissue that must be surgically removed.

Why Does Gynecomastia Occur?

Gynecomastia comes about as a result of an imbalance of estrogen and androgen hormones. Estrogen, the hormone that governs breast growth, is produced in modest levels by men’s bodies. Your breasts may grow if your body produces too much estrogen or if you have little testosterone (hypogonadism).

Obese men may acquire larger breasts as a result of extra fatty tissue. Pseudogynecomastia is the medical term for this condition.

Gynecomastia Symptoms

A bulge of fatty tissue under the nipple could be the first sign of gynecomastia. This bulge might be uncomfortable or painful at times. This could make you concerned that you have breast cancer, which affects a small percentage of men.

Although gynecomastia is not always an indication of cancer, your doctor may order testing to rule it out. The breasts may swell in different ways, with one becoming larger than the other. Tenderness in the breasts is also a possibility.

Diagnosis

If Dr. Lowen suspects that you have gynecomastia, he will most likely check you to look for hard lumps, seeping fluid, or skin problems that could indicate malignancy. You will be asked questions regarding your medical history, including questions about kidney problems, liver disease, and mumps.

You may also be subjected to testing. The following tests may performed:

  • Urine sample or blood testing
  • Mammogram
  • Biopsy
  • CT scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
  • Ultrasound of the testicles

Treatment Options

If a medicine or other substance is causing your breasts to expand, you may need to stop using it or switch to another. If the cause is a disease, the swelling should subside as the disease is treated.

Surgery is the most effective treatment for oversized male breasts. During male breast reduction surgery, also called gynecomastia surgery, Dr. Lowen removes excess breast tissue, excess fat, and excess skin to make the chest smaller. At the end, incisions are closed using sutures.

Arrange Your Consultation

To learn more about the treatment of gynecomastia in Mountain View, contact us and schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Lowen.