Gynecomastia? You Are Not Alone!

For the men out there, who have been wondering if there’s something they can do about enlarged male breasts, I want you to know–you are not alone. This is a condition called gynecomastia and a very common reason men visit my practice in Columbus, OH. With the internet, there is more information available than ever to learn about WHY it happens and WHAT to do about it! Let me explain.

Why me?

First, let’s talk about why. Gynecomastia can enlarge the entire breast or just the nipple/areola, on one or both sides. There are a few medical causes including hormonal changes that are just a part of puberty or more serious conditions. Therefore, it’s important to start by having a medical work-up to rule out these concerns.

The problem is, the condition rarely resolves or regresses on its own and instead remains a permanent contour issue.

What is the answer for teens?

If the breast tissue develops suddenly in adolescence, the patient should see a pediatrician for a work up. The findings are usually negative–meaning the changes in the chest are just due to normal hormone fluctuations. If the patient is a teen, the workup is negative, and the condition does not resolve over a number of years, the answer is a surgical male breast reduction. This operation is very successful at giving the patient a normal, male contoured chest.

What about adult men?

When gynecomastia occurs in older men, it can be due to certain medical conditions or medications. In these cases, again a work-up should be done to rule out all possible causes. If no cause is found, the answer is surgery.

What is done?

The surgical plan usually includes a combination of open excision (surgical removal) of the thick breast tissue through a tiny incision concealed along the border of the areola (the darker skin around the nipple). For many of my patients, the addition of some liposuction around the edges helps feather the result and improve the contour. Review my online photo gallery to see some of my actual patient before & after photos.

Gynecomastia is an abnormal condition that can be treated safely and effectively. It is important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in male breast reduction, so you get the best result. To learn more, contact us online or call the office at (614) 569-2649.