Gynecomastia in Tucson, AZ

Gynecomastia is the medical term for male breast enlargement. This is a condition that can produce a female-like chest due to an increase in growing breast tissue. In many cases, gynecomastia is caused by an underlying hormonal problem, certain drugs, steroids, weight gain, or genetics. Men with this issue can often feel embarrassed and even emasculated, especially in circumstances that require their chest to be exposed, such as by the pool or in the gym. To address this deeply impacting concern that many men can face, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao offers surgical breast reduction for patients who have gynecomastia. This surgery has a very high success rate and is known as one of the more popular cosmetic treatments for men at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery. If you feel insecure about the size of your male breasts, learn more about male breast reduction at our Tucson, AZ office.

Men with enlarged breasts often feel self-conscious about their appearance. Even traditional diet and exercise programs may not reduce the overall size of the breasts. The most obvious benefit of gynecomastia surgery is that it can remove this excess tissue and provide a more masculine appearance in men. Patients at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery often feel more confident and empowered after surgery. Men also report a better body image and a renewed sense of self-esteem.

Candidates for male reduction treatment for gynecomastia include men who:

• Have overly large breasts that can’t be treated with diet or medications
• Are embarrassed by the shape and size of their chest
• Want a more masculine-looking chest

Adolescent teens may also benefit from gynecomastia surgery; however, an additional procedure may be needed later during adulthood if excess breast tissue continues to develop. During your first appointment with Dr. Rao, your treatment options will be discussed, and a customized treatment plan will be formulated to address your condition.

A form of liposuction is usually employed during male breast reduction surgery. While you are under general anesthesia, liposuction will eliminate excess fat tissue from the chest wall. Additional incisions may be required to address skin laxity or fullness behind the nipple-areola complex. If significant skin laxity exists, then staged surgeries may be required to address the redundant skin. 

At the conclusion of your gynecomastia treatment, the chest will be supported with a medical garment to help minimize swelling, bleeding, and bruising. In advanced cases where a more intricate approach was used, a drainage tube may be properly positioned to assist with fluid. The results following your surgery will be immediately visible, and most patients are extremely pleased with their new, masculine chest. Your surgical incisions will take time to heal, but any scarring that occurs from surgery is typically barely visible. Once you have healed enough, you may get medical clearance from Dr. Rao to incorporate exercise and strength training into your normal routine, which will help to enhance your surgical results.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
Gynecomastia is a medical issue that requires the work of a skilled plastic surgeon. This is why Dr. Rao urges patients to focus on choosing quality results over costs. To make your surgery easier to afford, Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery accepts many payment methods. We can also help you secure low-interest financing. While male breast reduction is generally not covered by insurance, it is worth talking to your provider to confirm your coverage.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is caused by a disruption in hormone balance, leading to abnormal development of breast tissue in men. In most cases, 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) and even 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 swelling, tenderness, and pain. Some men may have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia) so Dr. Rao encourages patients to lose weight with a healthy diet and exercise before seeking treatment for gynecomastia. If you have enlarged breasts at a healthy weight, Dr. Rao 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 provide mild improvements. Strength training to build the pectoral muscles cannot reduce the amount of breast tissue and may even make the breasts appear larger.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples can be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If this is a concern for you, please talk to Dr. Rao 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 honest about your needs and goals during your consultation so Dr. Rao can ensure that you get the results you want.

If you suffer from gynecomastia and bodily insecurity as a result, we welcome you to call our office and schedule a one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rao to learn more about our male breast reduction surgery. Once your treatment for gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) has concluded, you can stop covering up your chest at the gym and pool. Our skilled team at Rao Plastic & Hand Surgery has proudly helped so many Tucson, AZ men with this condition. Dr. Rao enjoys watching his patients reestablish their self-esteem after achieving their desired appearance.