Gynecomastia in La Mesa, CA

Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged male breasts. It is a condition that can create a female-like chest due to abnormally growing breast tissue. In many cases, gynecomastia is caused by an underlying hormonal issue. This condition can also be caused by certain drugs, steroids, obesity, or genetics. Men with this issue typically feel frustrated and anxious, especially in circumstances where the upper body and chest are seen, such as by the pool or in the gym. Scott Sessions, a board-certified plastic surgeon in La Mesa, CA, offers male breast reduction surgery for men who have gynecomastia. This surgical procedure has a very high success rate. It is considered one of the more popular cosmetic procedures for men at Dr. Sessions's AAAASF-accredited surgical facility, Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre.

Male breast reduction surgery is a procedure for men who have enlarged breasts that cannot be reduced with a healthy lifestyle or exercise and diet. If you are a physically healthy adult male who is troubled by the appearance of your chest, you may benefit from gynecomastia surgery by Dr. Sessions at Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre. Teenagers may also benefit from gynecomastia surgery; however, a secondary procedure may be warranted later during adulthood if abnormal breast tissue continues to form. During your first appointment with Dr. Sessions, you will learn about all of your treatment options, which may include the possibility of undergoing surgery to repair the condition.

Male breast reduction surgery is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia. For cases where gynecomastia is primarily the result of excess fatty tissue, liposuction techniques alone may be used. However, in severe cases of gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause the breasts to sag and the areola to become stretched. In these cases, the position and size of the areola can be surgically improved, and excess skin may be reduced. Sometimes gynecomastia is treated with both liposuction and excision.

Once the fat and loose skin have been removed, Dr. Sessions will pull and tighten the remaining skin. The result is a better-proportioned, more masculine-contoured upper body and the freedom and self-confidence to lead an active life.

Following your gynecomastia treatment, your chest will be secured with a medical garment to help decrease bruising and swelling. In advanced cases where a reconstructive method was required, a drainage tube may be placed in your chest temporarily to assist with fluid drainage. The results following male breast reduction surgery are immediately noticeable, and most patients are extremely satisfied with the physical change. The incisions made during treatment take several weeks to heal, and scarring is usually barely visible. Within several weeks, you can get permission from Dr. Sessions to engage in exercise and strength training, which will complement the end results.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
The cost for male breast reduction surgery is different from patient to patient and depends on factors, such as the amount of tissue that needs to be removed and the technique Dr. Sessions will use. Any breast reduction surgery, male or female, requires a skilled surgeon. This is why Dr. Sessions urges you to focus on getting quality results over costs. To make your surgery easier to afford, Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre accepts many payment methods, and we can also help you find low-interest financing. 

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by a disruption in hormone balance. Typically, gynecomastia is linked to the use of anabolic steroids or androgens. It can also be caused by using illegal drugs, like heroin and marijuana. Gynecomastia may also be caused by certain health conditions (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and tumors) or some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, anti-anxiety medications, and chemotherapy).

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is excess breast tissue growth in the male chest, which may cause pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some men may have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia) so Dr. Sessions encourages patients to lose weight with a healthy diet and exercise before seeking surgery for gynecomastia. If you have enlarged breasts at a healthy weight, Dr. Sessions can perform an examination and tests to diagnosis gynecomastia. This may include blood tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy to rule out other conditions, like breast cancer and mastitis (infection of the breast tissue).

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. While they are not approved for gynecomastia, some breast cancer medications (Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) may have limited effects. Strength training to build the pectoral muscles cannot reduce the amount of breast tissue and may make the breasts appear larger.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If this is a concern for you, please talk to Dr. Sessions during your consultation. He will customize your treatment plan to use the best technique and incision pattern to correct your nipples. Large areolas can also be reduced during male breast reduction surgery. It's important to be open with Dr. Sessions about your needs and goals in your consultation so he can ensure you get the kind of results you are looking for.

If you suffer from the effects of gynecomastia, we welcome you to get in touch with our office to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Sessions to learn more about our male breast reduction surgery. After treatment for male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), you can stop covering up your chest at the gym and pool. At Sessions Plastic Surgery Centre, we have worked with many La Mesa, CA men and have enjoyed watching them reclaim their confidence.