Gynecomastia male breast surgery

Gynecomastia is a medical term that comes from the Greek words for "woman - like breasts." Though this oddly named condition is rarely talked about, it is actually quite common. Gynecomastia affects an estimated 40% to 60% of men.

It may affect only one breast or both. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast over development, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases. The enlargement can be from excess glandular tissue or fat or both.

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. The procedure removes fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter, firmer, and better contoured.

If you are considering surgery to correct gynecomastia, these web pages will give you a basic understanding of the operation, when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. This can only be an introduction. Our patients can continue their exploration of this problem with an in office consultation with Dr. Bermant. After an examination and evaluation, we can better tailor your education for your particular condition and anatomic problem.
Gynecomastia male breast reduction in men picts before and after male breast reduction. Images of nipple, areola, gland, and glandular male breast and fat suction or liposuction treatment. Photographs of lyposuction. We see patients from richmond, virginia, VA, MD, NC, north carolina, washington, DC,D.C., fairfax, alexandria, fredericksburg, williamsburg, newport news, hampton, virginia beach, lynchburg, roanoke, charlottesville, charlotte, and raleigh.
The best candidates for gynecomastia correction Before Surgery 5 Weeks After Surgery

Surgery to correct gynecomastia can be performed on healthy, emotionally stable men of any age. The best candidates for surgery have firm, elastic skin that will reshape to the body's new contours.

This is not the way to lose weight. Surgery may be discouraged for obese men, or for overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss. Individuals who drink alcoholic beverages in excess or smoke a significant amount of marijuana are usually not considered good candidates for surgery. These drugs, along with anabolic steroids, may cause gynecomastia. Stopping these drugs may reverse the breast enlargement, and you may be able to avoid the surgery or at least require a smaller operation.

All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
When male breast-reduction surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Dr. Bermant has been resculpting male breasts for many years. Nevertheless, as with any surgery, there are risks. These include infection, skin injury, excessive bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and excessive fluid loss or accumulation. The procedure may also result in noticeable scars, permanent pigment changes in the breast area, or slightly mismatched breasts or nipples. If asymmetry is significant, a second procedure may be performed to remove additional tissue.

The temporary effects of breast reduction include loss of breast sensation or numbness, which may last up to a year.

Your consultation with Dr. Bermant
Since Dr. Bermant sees patients from around the world, some prefer to start the process with his preliminary remote package to minimize travel to Richmond. Call our office or E-mail us to learn more about this process.

The initial consultation with us is very important. We will need a complete medical history, so check your own records ahead of time and be ready to provide this information. Bring your medications or a complete list with dosages and frequency. There are many medical problems and conditions that can cause gynecomastia:

* impaired liver function
* use of estrogen containing medications
* other medications
* use of anabolic steroids
* herbal testosterone additives
* problems of testicular hormone production
* and many others

If a medical problem is the suspected cause, you will be referred to an appropriate specialist.

Dr. Bermant will then examine you. There are many anatomic conditions resulting in enlarged breasts. By examining the problem, the exploration of what needs to be done can be individualized. In some cases you will need a mammogram, or breast x-ray. This will not only evaluate the very small possibility of breast cancer, but will reveal the breast's composition.

Solutions depend how much gland, fat, and extra skin are present. With the anatomic problem defined, Dr. Bermant can outline a surgical approach to best suit your needs.

Don't hesitate to ask Dr. Bermant or our staff any questions you may have during the consultation, including your concerns about the recommended treatment or the costs involved. Treatment of gynecomastia may be covered by medical insurance, but policies vary greatly. Check you policy or call your carrier to be sure. If you are covered, make certain you get written pre-authorization from your insurance company for the treatment recommended by Dr. Bermant.