Gynecomastia in Overweight Men
Written by Dr. Babak Dadvand
The male breast consists of a combination of both fatty and glandular tissues. When balanced, this combination results in a flat, masculine chest. However, when there is too much of either type of tissue, it can make the chest look like male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. This condition can affect men of all ages and body types, including overweight and obese males.
Obesity affects almost 40% of the US adult population. This is the reason why Dr. Dadvand specializes in treating overweight men with gynecomastia and understanding the unique challenges these patients face. He is familiar with gynecomastia variations commonly present in overweight men and takes these into consideration to help his patients achieve their goals.
What is Gynecomastia and What Causes It?
In the majority of cases, gynecomastia is due to excess glandular tissue. This type of natural tissue is found beneath the areola and it is usually surrounded by a variable amount of fatty material. Obese men usually experience this type of gynecomastia because of the increased transformation of androgens to estrogens by aromatase enzymes.
Furthermore, overweight men may also experience an excess of fatty tissue and little-to-no glandular material. It is important to note this difference, as excess fatty tissue may respond to a strict diet and exercise regime. If this course of action does not produce visible results, liposuction may be a good alternative to solve the problem.
If you are a man who wants to get rid of his gynecomastia and is looking for a doctor you can connect with and is a master at what He does, go to Dr. Dadvand. I am almost 5 months after the procedure, still healing but I can see I chose the perfect doctor. Thank G-d no scar tissue was formed, the stitches are not noticeable, and the results are outstanding. He is a really good doctor, highly recommended.READ MORE
Breast Droopiness and Gynecomastia
Some male overweight gynecomastia patients also present breast droopiness. Also known as breast ptosis, this particular condition may require areola reduction, breast lift, skin excision, or a combination of all the aforementioned treatments. These specific cases need to be assessed individually. The surgeon should set the right expectations when it comes to scarring, and patients need to understand the additional risks before the procedure.
There are cases where the procedure has to take place in stages. During the initial stage, excess fatty and glandular tissue are removed so that the skin can retract. The following stage will take place months later, during which excess skin is removed. This will limit the number of scars that are left after the procedure.
Side-Effects and Potential Risks of Gynecomastia for Overweight Men
Gynecomastia is a cosmetic procedure, which has some inherent risks. Furthermore, being too heavy for your size can also complicate the procedure and present additional risks. Some of these include:
- Negative reaction to sedation
- Bleeding at the incision site
- Skin necrosis
- Breast or nipple shape irregularities
- Potential for the development of gynecomastia after the procedure
Ideal Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery for Overweight Men
Before any operation, the most important step is to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for surgery. Dr. Dadvand has observed that patients who are closer to their ideal body weight usually get the best results.
Overweight patients have a higher chance of experiencing complications during surgery and a smaller chance of achieving the desired results. This is one of the reasons that Dr. Dadvand encourages his overweight patients to lose weight before the procedure.
Each patient’s ideal body weight is different. Dr. Dadvand takes the time to learn about you and identify your ideal body weight in order to give you tips on achieving your objectives. To learn more about his work, contact Dr. Dadvand’s office and book a consultation today.
FAQs
How do I prepare for gynecomastia surgery?
Before deciding whether gynecomastia surgery is a suitable alternative, you have to find out if you are a good candidate. Having gynecomastia does not automatically make you a good candidate for the procedure. You need to clear medical exams and consult with Dr. Dadvand to ensure the symptoms are not being caused by a recurring problem.
Does gynecomastia come back after surgery?
As all gynecomastia surgery patients should know, there is a chance that the symptoms will return after the procedure. Although rare, it commonly occurs in men that take certain types of steroids, which may cause hormonal imbalances.
What are the side-effects of gynecomastia surgery?
Gynecomastia surgery is safe and relatively simple. Some of the possible side-effects include:
- Mild discomfort during the recovery
- Potential for bleeding at the incision site
- Small chance of infection
Can testosterone reduce breast size?
While testosterone does regulate the distribution of mass and body shape in general, taking testosterone will not guarantee a smaller breast. As a matter of fact, excess testosterone is transformed into estrogen in the body, which may have the opposite effect.
How long does swelling last after gynecomastia surgery?
All patients are different, which means that all recovery processes are different. In most cases, swelling recedes after the first few days, so you can return to your daily activities. Dr. Dadvand creates a unique aftercare plan for all his patients and he goes over it in detail to ensure you make an informed decision before the procedure.
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.