Gynecomastia
Dr. Cassie Hartline is dedicated to helping both men and women feel confident and comfortable in their bodies. While male chest surgery is not discussed as often as other breast procedures, it is an important surgical option to restore a masculine physique for patients with gynecomastia. Dr. Hartline offers gynecomastia surgery in Houston and The Woodlands, TX, where she is known for discretion, compassion, and meticulous surgical skill.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of male breast tissue. It can occur at any age and is often caused by hormonal imbalances, genetics, obesity, or certain medications. Gynecomastia is not necessarily a medical problem, but it can cause physical discomfort and psychological stress.
Male Breast Reduction Surgery for Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is not just fat, it is an irregular growth of glandular tissue—therefore it cannot be fixed by diet and exercise alone. For some young men who experience gynecomastia during puberty, the condition goes away on its own after adolescence. However, for men whose gynecomastia begins or persists after the teenage years, surgery is typically the only way to achieve a flatter, more masculine chest. A male breast reduction procedure, or gynecomastia surgery, involves the excision of excess glandular tissue, as well as excess fat and excess skin if needed.
Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery
- Restore self-confidence
- Relieve physical discomfort
- Balance body proportions
- Feel comfortable in social situations
Male Breast Reduction: What to Expect
Dr. Hartline has experience in performing gynecomastia surgery using the latest techniques to achieve natural-looking results. She will design a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.
Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery
The first step is a consultation appointment with Dr. Hartline. She will review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and explain your options. If gynecomastia surgery is right for you, she will create your treatment plan and go over any pre-surgical guidelines. Note that it is important to quit smoking or any nicotine products two months prior to surgery.
How Does Gynecomastia Surgery Work?
Gynecomastia surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed with general anesthesia. During the procedure, excess breast tissue and excess fat will be removed through carefully placed incisions, resulting in a flatter, more sculpted chest. For most patients, the incision can be placed along the edge of the areola (the circle of darker skin around the nipple) so that any scarring is easily concealed. Liposuction will be used to remove excess fatty tissue and Dr. Hartline will sculpt the chest contours for a natural-looking masculine result.
Recovery after Gynecomastia Surgery
After your procedure, Dr. Hartline may advise you to wear a compression garment to prevent swelling. Patients can typically resume work and non-strenuous activities a week after surgery. Physical labor and hard exercise should be avoided for several weeks after surgery. Dr. Hartline will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and results.
Schedule your Gynecomastia Consultation
If you feel self-conscious at the pool, in the gym, in certain clothing, or in social situations, we can help restore your self-esteem. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hartline to learn more about gynecomastia surgery in Houston and The Woodlands, TX.
FAQs About Gynecomastia Surgery
Am I a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery?
If you are a man concerned with
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Gynecomastia Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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excess growth
of breast tissue and you are unhappy with the look of your chest, you may have gynecomastia. Ideal candidates for surgery are in good general health and at a stable, healthy weight.
What causes gynecomastia?
There are many possible causes, from natural hormonal changes and certain medical conditions to use of medications like anabolic steroids. While there is no singular cause, rest assured that the condition is fairly common with some studies estimating that
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Patient education: Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) (Beyond the Basics)
Glenn D Braunstein, MD
Bradley D Anawalt, MD
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up to 70%
of men will experience gynecomastia.
Are there non-surgical ways to get rid of gynecomastia?
For patients with gynecomastia that is mild or obesity-induced, weight loss and exercise may help. But for patients with moderate to severe gynecomastia that persists past puberty, plastic surgery is often the only solution.
What are the risks of gynecomastia surgery?
Any surgical procedure carries some risk of side effects or complications, but this procedure is generally considered to be safe and effective. The most common side effects are swelling, fluid accumulation, bleeding, and
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Gynecomastia SurgeryMale Breast Reduction Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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infection
. Dr. Hartline prioritizes patient safety to optimize your results and your surgical experience.
Can gynecomastia surgery be combined with other procedures?
Some patients add additional liposuction procedures to their gynecomastia surgery. If you are interested in other cosmetic procedures, Dr. Hartline can discuss your options with you.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Gynecomastia Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/candidates Accessed April 25, 2024.
2 Glenn D Braunstein, MDBradley D Anawalt, MD. Patient education: Gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) (Beyond the Basics) Available: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/gynecomastia-breast-enlargement-in-men-beyond-the-basics. Accessed April 25, 2024.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Gynecomastia SurgeryMale Breast Reduction Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/safety. Accessed
Cassie Hartline M.D. has either authored or reviewed and approved this content
Page Updated: July 17, 2024