Posted in Body Plastic Surgery
Gynecomastia, commonly known as male breast enlargement, is highly bothersome to many of the men who are affected by it. To improve their appearance, men seek out various treatments that claim to eliminate male breasts. While some non-surgical treatments for gynecomastia are helpful, surgery is often the only way to correct gynecomastia. Gynecomastia surgery offers certain, immediate, and permanent elimination of excess breast tissue and fat and improvement of the appearance of the chest.
The Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Gynecomastia
Various non-surgical approaches to male breast reduction have surfaced over the years. Some of the more popular methods include:
- Losing weight
- Dieting and exercising
- Abstaining from steroid or drug use
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Getting hormone treatments
These treatments can be effective to a some extent. Since hormonal imbalances often lead to male breast development, hormone balancing treatments can help minimize its appearance. Likewise, quitting triggers for gynecomastia (such as steroids, drugs, and excess alcohol consumption) can eliminate the cause of gynecomastia. Weight loss, dieting, and exercising can reduce body fat, which may also decrease the size of male breasts. Some men with gynecomastia who rely on these non-surgical treatments may see the changes they desire.
However, for many men with gynecomastia, male breast reduction without surgery will frequently fall short of success, especially when this condition has persisted long term. For instance, abstaining from certain steroids or drugs may prevent further breast growth, but it will not eliminate the present amount of breast tissue. Hormone treatments can minimize gynecomastia but may fail to get rid of it completely, especially for those with moderate to severe cases.
Why Weight Loss Isn’t Enough
Perhaps the best example of how non-surgical male breast reduction falls short is with weight loss. True gynecomastia is when breast tissue is overdeveloped, not when there is excess fat on the chest. Because gynecomastia is usually accompanied by some fat, it is true that weight loss may improve your appearance. However, weight loss cannot target chest fat directly, so the area may remain unaffected. Even more importantly, this treatment for gynecomastia does nothing to resolve the problem of excess breast tissue. Even major weight loss will never get rid of glandular tissue.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery
As non-surgical methods are insufficient, gynecomastia surgery has been developed to permanently and fully address this condition. This surgery is highly effective and tends to produce permanent results. Depending on your case, your surgical technique may be one of the following:
- Liposuction (for excess fat removal)
- Incisional Technique (for breast tissue and fat removal)
- Extended Incisional Technique (for breast tissue, fat, and skin removal)
Gynecomastia surgery restores a flatter and more masculine chest. Men who undergo male breast reduction surgery may feel more confident in their appearance, have reduced anxiety and embarrassment, and develop a more positive self-image.
Dr. Benjamin Schlechter has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified plastic surgeon. To schedule your consultation with him, call (847) 393-4770 or complete our online contact form today.
