Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa: Joseph F. Tamburrino, MD
800 W State St Ste 300
Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone
215-348-3415
Hours
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a scientific term used to refer to enlarged male breasts. It is a condition that can result in a feminine chest due to an increase in growth in the breast tissue. Many times, gynecomastia is caused by an unknown hormonal condition, which could be brought on by certain drugs, steroids, major weight gain or loss, or genetics. Men with this condition generally feel frustrated and anxious, especially in circumstances when the upper body and chest have to be exposed, like while at the beach, the pool, or in the gym.
To treat male patients with gynecomastia, board-certified plastic surgeon Joseph Tamburrino, M.D., offers cosmetic breast treatment in the form of male breast reduction. This surgical procedure tends to have a very high success rate and is one of the more common cosmetic procedures for men at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. If you think you might have gynecomastia, contact our Doylestown, PA office to learn about your possible solutions.
What are the Benefits of Gynecomastia Treatment?
Several benefits can be attained by undergoing gynecomastia treatment, including:
- Boosted confidence
- A more chiseled and toned chest
- Improved posture
- More clothing options
Do I Have Gynecomastia?
Male breast reduction surgery is reserved for men with visible excess breast tissue that cannot be reduced through a healthy lifestyle or exercise and diet. If you are at a healthy weight but still embarrassed by the look of your chest, you could possibly benefit from male breast reduction surgery. Teenagers may also benefit from gynecomastia treatment; however, a future procedure could be needed later during adulthood if abnormal breast tissue continues to grow. During your first appointment with Joseph Tamburrino, M.D., treatment options will be discussed. Depending on your situation, surgery may be required to fully address your condition.
How is Gynecomastia Treated?
Liposuction is almost always utilized during gynecomastia surgery under either general anesthesia or local anesthesia in the office. The procedure reduces excess pockets of fat from the chest wall. Next, any loose or wrinkled skin will be excised to create a tighter appearance. From there, the areola and nipple will be placed into a more correct position. In most cases, this technique requires a small incision close to where the glandular tissue has formed. Once the fat and loose skin have been removed, Joseph Tamburrino, M.D. will tighten the remaining skin and close the incisions with sutures.
What To Expect
After your gynecomastia surgery, the chest will be supported with a medical bandage to help control swelling. In advanced cases where a reconstructive approach was used, a small tube for draining may be inserted to help with fluid. The outcomes following male breast reduction surgery are immediately visible, and most patients are extremely excited about their smooth, masculine results.
The incisions made during treatment take a few weeks to heal and any scars left behind are often barely noticeable. With your new flatter chest, you may get medical clearance from Joseph Tamburrino, M.D. to continue exercise and strength training. Developing your pectoral muscles will help accentuate the surgical results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gynecomastia?
In most cases, gynecomastia is idiopathic, meaning there’s no known underlying cause. Genetics, environmental exposures, and diet may be contributing factors. While gynecomastia can sometimes be linked to factors such as hormonal imbalances, certain medications, or medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or low testosterone, these cases are far less common. For the majority of men, gynecomastia occurs without any identifiable health issue or concerning diagnosis.
How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause tenderness, swelling, and pain. Some men might have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia) so Joseph Tamburrino, M.D. advises patients to lose weight by following an exercise plan and a healthy diet before considering surgery. If you have excess breast tissue when you are at a healthy weight, Joseph Tamburrino, M.D. will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include blood tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy to rule out other conditions, like an infection or the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.
Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn’t approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. Although they are not approved for gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (for example, Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) may have limited effects. Strength training to increase the pectoral muscles cannot reduce the excess breast tissue and may actually make the breasts appear larger.
Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Glandular gynecomastia can cause puffy or pointy nipples. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Joseph Tamburrino, M.D. during your consultation. He will customize your surgical plan and select the best technique and incision pattern to improve the look of your nipples. Oversized areolas can also be reduced during male breast reduction surgery. It’s crucial to be open with Joseph Tamburrino, M.D. about all of your needs and goals during your initial consultation so that he can make sure you get the best results.
Restore your Masculine Chest
If you suffer from the side effects of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), we welcome you to contact our office and schedule a private consultation with Joseph Tamburrino, M.D. to learn more about male breast reduction surgery at Tamburrino Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. After your gynecomastia treatment, you can finally stop hiding your chest at the gym and pool. Our skilled team has assisted so many Doylestown, PA men and have enjoyed watching them reclaim their self-confidence.
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