Gynecomastia

If you’re a man who’s uncomfortable taking off your shirt at the pool or the gym due to enlarged breast tissue, surgery can help. Gynecomastia, or swelling of the breast tissue in men, is common and is treatable by expert plastic surgeon David Davila, DO, FACOS, at Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center, in Houston, Texas. Call the office or book an appointment online to learn what options are available to make you feel more confident about your chest.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the clinical term for swelling of the breast tissue in men. It may occur due to an imbalance of sex hormones, and it may happen in both breasts or just one.

The condition isn’t dangerous but can make you feel self-conscious and sometimes cause discomfort.

What causes gynecomastia?

If the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone are out of balance, gynecomastia may result. These sex hormones are responsible for the development of sexual characteristics in men and women. Testosterone governs male characteristics, such as muscle mass and body hair; and estrogen controls the female traits, including breast development. 

While men only produce small amounts of estrogen, if you produce more than normal or have amounts that are out of balance with your testosterone, gynecomastia may occur. Certain medications, including anabolic steroids and some cancer drugs, as well as medical conditions, including hyperthyroidism and hypogonadism, can also be responsible.

What are the treatments for gynecomastia?

If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight can sometimes reduce excess breast tissue. But if you have excess glandular tissue, you can have the appearance of large breasts even if you’re quite lean.

Male breast reduction performed by an expert plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Davila, is a long-lasting (and usually permanent) way for a man to reduce excess breast tissue. Because he uses state-of-the-art technology and methods, male breast reduction is a quick, safe surgery with a short recovery period and excellent results.

The surgery may involve liposuction to remove excess fat tissue or tissue excision if you have notable glandular tissue causing your enlarged breasts.

What is recovery like following male breast reduction?

After male breast reduction, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of your chest. Pain is usually minimal, with just a few days of soreness post-surgery. Vigorous exercise is off-limits for at least three weeks, and Dr. Davila will give you a customized recovery plan.

Most men are able to return to work just a few days after breast reduction. If you experience any loss of sensation in your chest, it is likely temporary, and you regain feeling in the months following the procedure.

To learn more about how you can treat gynecomastia to achieve a more manly chest, call the Houston Cosmetic Surgery Center, or book an appointment online.