Gynecomastia is the medical name for excessive breast tissue in males. The condition is often linked to hormonal fluctuations, but can also be a result of:
- Weight Gain
- General Inactivity
- Steroid Use
- Recreation Drug Use
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Gynecomastia is also linked to certain medications, including “spironolactone, cimetidine, ketoconazole, hGH, estrogens, hCG, anti-androgens, GnRH analogs and 5-α reductase inhibitors.”1
Some of the lifestyle choices that lead to gynecomastia are dangerous. Unfortunately, so too are some of the conditions that medications that lead to gynecomastia treat. However, while often emasculating and embarrassing, the condition itself is not dangerous.
Treating Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is treated through male breast reduction surgery. This procedure eliminates stubborn fat deposits from the chest, helping to improve definition and restore a more masculine physique. In many instances, additional body contouring procedures, such as abdominoplasty, are combined with gynecomastia to enhance total upper body definition. At our North Andover and Nashua offices, Dr. Chatson offers SAFELipo®, a revolutionary liposuction technique that reduces risks while optimizing results. During your initial consultation, he will provide additional information about this treatment to help you understand its benefits and limitations, and to assist you in determining if male breast reduction is the right fit for your needs.
Can Treating Gynecomastia Improve Health?
Gynecomastia and other body contouring procedures help to sculpt and tone the frame. This can result in a greater range of motion and improved comfort during exercise, which might assist with larger health goals. Still, even those procedures that remove stubborn fat deposits are aesthetic. They are designed to improve the appearance, not for weight loss or the treatment of health conditions. If your gynecomastia is weight-related or due to an underlying medical condition, lifestyle changes may be necessary to ensure the procedure creates lasting results.
Many patients find that the surgical elimination of stubborn fat deposits provides motivation to lead a more active and healthy lifestyle. In these cases, male breast reduction can assist in reaching a more satisfying state of health. During your initial consultation, Dr. Chatson will listen to your motivations for choosing the procedure and help you determine if it will be suitable for achieving your goals.
To schedule a male breast reduction consultation with Dr. Chatson, please call our North Andover office at 978-687-1151 or our Nashua office at 603-882-2103 today.