Plastic Surgery for Men: Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, occurs fairly frequently. It can cause a great deal of embarrassment for a man, and in teens it can be the cause of frequent insults and bullying. Sometimes it is a physiological condition that arises during puberty, and it usually simply disappears within about one year.
When glandular gynecomastia does not correct on its own, or becomes very serious, surgical correction may be necessary. Pseudogynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts as a result of fat accumulation, is a common condition for elderly men, especially if these individuals have gained additional weight.
Dr. John Smoot, and Dr. Wendell Smoot, La Jolla and San Diego, California area cosmetic surgeons, understand how to address men's cosmetic needs and have assisted many patients suffering from difficulties related to enlarged breasts. They know the embarrassment this condition causes, and they are available to help. In their many years of practicing plastic surgery, they have performed many successful cosmetic procedures on men and are ready to assist as you consider your cosmetic alternatives.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia can be brought on by a hormonal imbalance, medication that contains steroid compounds or estrogens, or the liver's failure to disable circulating estrogen in patients with cirrhosis brought on by alcoholism. Though it tends to go away spontaneously if it is pronounced, it may be surgically corrected for psychological and cosmetic purposes.
Can Indicate Serious Illness
Because breast enlargement in men can sometimes be the first indicator of a serious disorder such as a testicular tumor, a thorough medical examination is always warranted when the condition develops. Occasionally, gynecomastia may result from a tumor of the lung, breast, or other organ. It may be necessary to do a biopsy to rule out cancer.
It is more common, however, in patients with Klinefelter's syndrome. Klinefelter's syndrome male condition in which those affected have an extra X chromosome in the majority of their cells. The syndrome impacts the various stages of physical and social development.
Pseudogynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia is breast development caused by the accumulation of fat. Pseudogynecomastia can be correctly identified by a physical examination, and, to the extent that it is a cosmetic condition, can be self-reported.
When to Seek Treatment
Generally, reasons to seek gynecomastia treatment include: pain and soreness and embarrassment over breast size. The most effective treatment is utilizing a periareolar incision to surgically remove the glandular tissue. If fat accumulation is either the cause or the effect of your gynecomastia, liposuction, especially ultrasonic liposuction, can be used during surgery to enhance the cosmetic outcome.
If you are a man who is suffering the embarrassment and discomfort of gynecomastia, please contact the offices of Dr. John Smoot and Dr. Wendell Smoot to schedule a gynecomastia consultation, or call 800.715.5052.
Wendell Smoot, M.D.
John Smoot, M.D.
9850 Genesee Ave. #300
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone No: (858) 587-9850
Fax: (858) 622-2066
If you live near La Jolla or elsewhere in San Diego and would like to learn more about abdominoplasty or liposuction, contact our practice today.
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