The perfect synonym for gynecomastia could be “embarrassing.” Not only is the development of breasts embarrassing for a man, but even the terminology is wrapped in layers of derision. As if the term “man boobs” wasn’t comically humiliating enough, now they are sometimes referred to as “moobs.”
Not surprisingly, the sudden appearance of moobs will greatly focus the mind of any man. The good news is there are effective surgical treatments to reverse the condition, restoring sharper lines and angles to the male chest. Below, experienced Southeastern Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. Mune Gowda reviews causes and treatment options for gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Factors
Enlargement of the male breast tissue happens in different ways for different types of people. For example, patients who were once obese and have lost substantial weight will often experience loose folds of skin on the chest. The amount of this excess skin depends on whether a patient’s skin is flexible enough to shrink as fat volume is reduced.
Patients with normal weight often see glandular enlargement, the type of gynecomastia that is triggered by changes in hormones. Patients who have a very low BMI, including bodybuilders who have used steroids, may develop an enlarged breast profile when excess tissue develops behind the areola. This tissue often feels like a solid lump.
Each type of patient will require a different surgical solution, ranging from removal of tissue through a small incision to removal supplemented by liposuction or even surgically cutting away excess skin.
Liposuction and Excision
In some cases, liposuction can completely resolve gynecomastia. It depends upon whether the excess volume in the breast area is caused by growth of fat or glandular tissue. If you are overweight, there is a good chance that most of the breast volume is comprised of fat. Men who are thin or who have taken steroids usually need to undergo an excision procedure to restore a masculine profile. In some patients, using both liposuction and excision will be appropriate.
Gynecomastia surgery requires both skill and artistry. Shaping a natural profile involves removing strategic amounts of fat and glandular tissue, rather than performing an extensive reduction that will create surface depressions or, in overweight patients, may make the chest seem unnaturally out of proportion with the abdomen. This is especially true if the patient later loses a great deal of weight. An experienced surgeon knows that a satisfying result depends on the aesthetic appeal of the new profile, not the quantity of fat removed.
If you would like to learn more about gynecomastia, we invite you to schedule a personal consultation with experienced Southeastern Michigan plastic surgeon Dr. Mune Gowda by using our email form, or calling our Novi office at (248) 305-8400 or our Troy office at (248) 530-0000.