Gynecomastia and Steroid Use
As a plastic surgeon specializing in gynecomastia surgery, I see a variety of causes of increased breast tissue in... Read more.
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Gynecomastia 101
Dr. Babak Dadvand explains gynecomastia as a common condition involving excess male breast tissue that can affect men at any age. On this page, he breaks down the difference between glandular tissue and fat, outlines common causes such as puberty, medications, and hormonal changes, and explains why exercise alone often isn’t enough. Dr. Dadvand focuses on long-term surgical solutions using precise gland removal with or without liposuction to restore a flatter, more masculine chest. He also discusses risks, recovery expectations, and when surgery is recommended, helping patients understand their condition before taking the next step.
All males have breast tissue. However, men that have gynecomastia experience an increased amount of glandular tissue in the pectoral area. These patients usually feel embarrassed and often avoid situations where they will need to expose their chests in public, which can affect their confidence and self-esteem.
Dr. Dadvand, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles, has dedicated a large part of his practice to deeply understanding gynecomastia and develop techniques to surgically correct this condition. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery for males of all ages in LA and strives to help his patients achieve their goals. To learn more about Dr. Dadvand’s work, get in touch with his practice and make an appointment today.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
There are many factors that can lead to an increase in gland tissue. The broad categories of causes include:
- Physiologic events, like puberty and old age
- Pharmacologic sources, like medications
- Pathologic issues, including hormone disorders and breast cancer
Puberty is a common cause of gynecomastia due to hormonal surges and imbalances. Many medications such as anabolic steroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-seizure solutions, and heart medications may also cause disturbances to the delicate testosterone pathways. This will alter the testosterone-to-estrogen ratio and can lead to the production of secondary estrogens.
An elevated estrogen level can stimulate the glandular tissue to grow, leading to the features typical in gynecomastia: puffy nipple, cone-shaped chest, and fullness on the outer and lower part of the chest. While it is important to first determine the cause of gynecomastia, for many patients gynecomastia surgery is a viable option for resolving this condition.
Risks Associated with Gynecomastia Surgery
Some of the temporary side-effects and potential risks of gynecomastia surgery include:
- Complications with anesthesia
- Swelling and discomfort
- Small potential for infection
- Scarring
- Asymmetry in the chest area
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The Difference Between Fatty and Glandular Tissue
The glandular tissue is located under the areola but in most males, it extends out to the side and to a lesser degree towards the inner chest. Glandular tissue is different than fatty tissue and so its removal differs as well. Glandular tissue tends to feel firm and rubbery.
Liposuction is generally not successful in removing excess glandular tissue. Thus, direct excision is the technique Dr. Dadvand employs to predictably treat the glandular excess. This can be used in conjunction with liposuction of the surrounding fatty tissue or as a stand-alone treatment.
If you want to learn more about Dr. Dadvand’s work, contact his practice and book a consultation today.
FAQ
What is the typical recovery timeline after gynecomastia surgery?
Most patients return to desk work within a few days, while more strenuous activity and exercise are usually restricted for several weeks. A compression garment is typically worn to support healing, reduce swelling, and help the chest contour settle gradually over time.
Will gynecomastia surgery leave visible scars?
Dr. Dadvand places incisions discreetly, typically around the edge of the areola, where scars tend to heal very well. In most patients, scars fade significantly over time and are difficult to notice once healing is complete.
How long do gynecomastia surgery results last?
When the glandular tissue is surgically removed, the results are considered permanent. Maintaining a stable weight and avoiding substances that disrupt hormone balance can help preserve long-term outcomes.
First off, I myself am a physician. I had bilateral MALE BREAST REDUCTION surgery for gynecomastia and I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. D. I had thought about getting the procedure done for the past 2 years because I was self-conscious going to the gym, going to the beach and even just wearing fitted t-shirts. I finally decided to pull the trigger about 6 months ago and I’m so glad that I did. I looked around, got several quotes and visited several doctors. I knew I wanted someone that did a lot of these surgeries for guys.
By Dr. Babak Dadvand, M.D.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon and skilled portrait artist, I bring a distinctive combination of artistic vision and surgical expertise. My commitment is to deliver exceptional outcomes while maintaining the highest ethical standards and fostering trust and satisfaction among my patients.