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What is Gynecomastia?

Most people assume that references to breast-related plastic surgery always involve women. However, men can and do undergo breast reduction surgery to treat a condition known as gynecomastia. According to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction surgery was the seventh most performed cosmetic surgery for males.   

Naples Plastic Surgery is one of the few southwest Florida cosmetic surgery practices that offer gynecomastia surgery. As such, Dr. Paul M. Gardner and Dr. Leo M. Baccaro know all about this often embarrassing condition and how it’s best treated. Read on to learn more about what exactly gynecomastia is and how Naples Plastic Surgery can help men overcome it. 

Definition of Gynecomastia

Simply put, gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes enlargement of male breast tissue. Adolescent gynecomastia occurs naturally in some preteen and teenage boys but usually resolves itself without the need for treatment. Gynecomastia can also arise in older men, affecting up to 25% of men between the ages of 50 to 80, though not to the extent that all need treatment.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is usually caused by hormonal changes that affect the natural balance between levels of testosterone and estrogen. A variety of conditions and other factors can cause the hormone balances that can result in gynecomastia, including:

  • unresolved adolescent gynecomastia
  • medication side-effect
  • chemotherapy
  • anabolic steroid use
  • illegal drug use
  • malnutrition
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease
  • lung cancer
  • low testosterone
  • primary hypogonadism
  • secondary hypogonadism
  • hypothyroidism
  • testicular cancer
  • obesity
  • trauma or injuries

How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?

Because gynecomastia symptoms vary among men and can be similar to symptoms caused by other medical conditions, doctors conduct several tests and other procedures to affirm a gynecomastia diagnosis. These may include:

  • Blood, liver function, hormone level, and urine tests
  • X-ray (mammogram)
  • Tissue sample exam (biopsy)

Gynecomastia Repair Surgery at Naples Plastic Surgery

While most cases of adolescent gynecomastia resolve themselves, and many adult gynecomastia cases present as relatively asymptomatic, the breast enlargement caused by some cases can only be resolved by surgery. Gynecomastia surgery removes and shapes a man’s breast tissue to improve its tone. The procedure is designed to produce a slimmer physique, which enhances the patient’s body image and boosts self-confidence.

Surgical options used are highly dependent upon skin quality and thickness, fat and breast tissue levels, and the shape and size of the enlarged breasts. Thus, Dr. Gardner and Dr. Baccaro tailor every male breast reduction surgery to specific patient needs and aesthetic goals. In some cases, the surgery primarily relies on liposuction to remove excess fat. In other cases, your surgeon may need to surgically excise tissue and remove fat with liposuction.

Recovering from Gynecomastia Surgery  

As an outpatient surgery, gynecomastia repair patients can return to their homes after the procedure. Many patients are fitted with temporary drainage tubes that help prevent fluid build-up in the spaces from which fat and tissue were removed. The tubes are typically removed within a couple of days but most patients need to wear a compression garment for a week or two to help the breasts adjust to their new shape. Depending upon the extent of surgery, patients may need from one to two weeks of recovery before resuming most vigorous activities, though may need to refrain from weightlifting activities for an additional week or two.  

Consult with Naples Plastic Surgery

Naples Plastic Surgery in Naples, Florida, has long offered Gynecomastia Treatment as part of its practice. Dr. Gardner and Dr. Baccaro understand the emotional distress that can be caused by gynecomastia. They and their entire staff put gynecomastia patients at ease from the initial consultation up to the surgery, and assure them the best results in the re-sculpting of their chests. To learn how Naples Plastic Surgery can help you or a family member address enlarged breasts caused by gynecomastia, contact us today at 239.566.2611 to schedule your initial consultation.

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At Naples Plastic Surgery, our cosmetic services are designed to contour and enhance your body to help you achieve the body image that you desire. Known for offering among the best facial plastic surgery in Naples, our board-certified surgeons are known as much for their artistry as they are for their surgical skills. We understand that your image is the key to feeling great, so we will provide you with the most reliable advice and services to help make you look and feel your best.

The surgical team at Naples Plastic Surgery has the training and experience necessary to help you pursue your own individual cosmetic goals down to the very last detail, all in a warm, comfortable, and private environment.

Dr. Paul Gardner, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Southwest Florida. As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Naples, FL, Dr. Gardner has more than 25 years of experience performing facial procedures including composite facelift, mini facelift, brow lift and skin cancer removal procedures. He also possesses expertise in breast augmentations, tummy tucks, and labiaplasty.

Dr. Leopoldo M. Baccaro, MD received extensive training at the prestigious Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center, where he worked with some of the most well-renowned practitioners in the art of cosmetic surgery. With honors and awards throughout medical school and his residency, Dr. Baccaro earned a stellar reputation for high quality surgical care with both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery procedures.

Dr. Mark Walsh, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving Southwest Florida. Dr. Walsh participated in the prestigious plastic surgery training program at Duke University. He has also served as an invited reviewer and has provided expert commentaries for multiple surgical journals, including the highly regarded Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

Dr. Andrew M. Bonett, MD specializes in both reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, with specific interests in reconstruction after breast and skin cancers, including Mohs reconstruction. His experience also includes reconstruction following traumatic injuries, body contouring, and general cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.

The plastic surgery process at Naples Plastic Surgery begins with a one-on-one, confidential consultation in which your surgeon conducts an examination to determine which procedures are likely to produce the most robust aesthetic improvements. This includes a comprehensive discussion with you to identify the benefits, risks and costs associated with each procedure. It may be possible to combine a number of surgical procedures into a single surgery if you desire and if your medical condition permits it.

As with any medical procedure, there is no guarantee that a desired outcome will be achieved. There are a number of health risks associated with even minor medical procedures. If you have any health issues or concerns, please feel free to discuss them any time with your surgeon at our Naples’ plastic surgery center.
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Plastic Surgeons | Paul M. Gardner, MD, FACS | Leopoldo M. Baccaro, MD | Mark Walsh, MD, F.A.C.S. | Andrew Bonett, MD

1250 Pine Ridge Road, Suite 101C, Naples, Florida 34108
(239) 566-2611 fax: (239) 431-8069
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