MALE BREAST REDUCTION PITTSBURGH
Cosmetic breast reduction surgery benefits many women every year, but many men could benefit as well. Men who live with gynecomastia, the medical term for male breast overdevelopment, often report embarrassment, anxiety, or self-confidence issues. For men seeking a solution for their condition, when attempts to reduce their breast size through natural means of diet and exercise have failed, cosmetic surgery becomes an option. The Pittsburgh surgeons in our office are able to remove the excess breast tissue through surgery, resulting in a smoother and more toned appearance of the male chest.
WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?
Gynecomastia is the medical term given to a condition in men in which extra breast tissue develops or excess breast skin is present. The overdevelopment can be unilateral (one sided) or bilateral (both sides) and can occur at any age (American Society of Plastic Surgeons). Some amount of breast tissue in men is normal. Gynecomastia is physically harmless and usually painless, but often causes emotional distress and lowered self-confidence (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Medline Plus). Some men experiencing this condition eliminate physical activities they previously enjoyed and avoid intimacy to conceal it (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF GYNECOMASTIA?
The causes of gynecomastia vary and are not always identifiable in specific cases. Possibilities include normal hormonal changes that affect the ratio of estrogen (female hormone) to androgen (male hormone) in men. When an imbalance in these levels is present, growth of excess mammary glandular tissue develops. It is natural for boys to develop breast tissue during puberty, but this adolescent breast growth typically subsides with time. Men over the age of 50 or who are overweight may experience hormonal changes that cause breast growth or excess loose skin around the breast area. Gynecomastia is also associated with certain health conditions such as chronic liver disease, kidney failure, low testosterone levels, genetic defects, hyperthyroidism, and tumors. Sometimes medical treatments that block receptors of androgens or activate receptors of estrogens will trigger breast tissue development. Lastly, alcohol and drug abuse may cause gynecomastia. (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Medline Plus, Mayo Clinic)
WHO SHOULD UNDERGO MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
Men who are in generally good health and whose breasts appear enlarged or appear to have sagging excess skin are good candidates for breast reduction surgery at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. Ideal candidates will refrain from smoking and will not use recreational drugs. Men interested in improving the physical appearance of their chest and who have exhausted other reduction strategies would benefit from the services offered by our Pittsburgh surgeons. (American Society of Plastic Surgeons)
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?
The medical staff in our Pittsburgh area offices will evaluate your specific case to rule out any underlying diseases or malignancy causing the gynecomastia. Our surgeons will discuss the surgical technique most appropriate for your situation. The procedures used at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology for breast reduction are minimally invasive with a low rate of complications (BreastCare).
Liposuction is used when gynecomastia is the result of excess fatty breast tissue. This eliminates the need for skin resection in many patients. (U.S. National Library of Medicine). In cases where excess skin or glandular breast tissue needs to be removed, excision is performed. In some instances, both liposuction and excision are necessary to achieve the desired result (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Mayo Clinic). Each patient is unique and an individualized approach is developed when treating gynecomastia (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Men who have undergone surgery to improve the appearance of their chests, have been highly satisfied and their confidence has increased (BreastCare).
WHAT DOES PREMIER PLASTIC SURGERY & DERMATOLOGY OFFER YOU?
The Pittsburgh based surgeons in our office are rigorously trained in gynecomastia surgery to remove unwanted breast tissue or sagging skin with care and precision. This surgery is the standard procedure to treat male breast overdevelopment (Mayo Clinic). Our entire staff seeks to provide the highest level of care to our patients. Board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology Dr. Brian V. Heil brings in-depth knowledge and extensive experience to your care. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh. He is a member of several professional associations, including American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). Dr. Brian V. Heil was selected as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor as among the top 10% of doctors in his region in Plastic Surgery. Dr. Brian V. Heil has authored or co-authored over 50 papers, abstracts, and presentations on plastic surgery related topics. Dr. Brian V. Heil and his team have been treating patients since 2001 at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, which has grown to be one of the largest and most respected plastic surgery practices in Western Pennsylvania.
BOTTOM LINE
Male breast reduction surgery is designed to remove unwanted excess skin or breast tissue, leaving the male chest with a smoother and more toned appearance. Pittsburgh surgeons at Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology will evaluate your individual situation and inform you of your options. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation with our board certified surgeon Dr. Brian V. Heil or for more information about our services, please contact us at 724-264-3608 or send us an email.
