Gynecomastia in Westlake Village, CA

Gynecomastia is a medical condition that causes overdeveloped breast tissue in men, which may resemble female breasts. Many times, gynecomastia is related to an unknown hormonal problem. It may also be caused by certain medications, steroids, weight gain, or it can be hereditary. Men with this condition often feel anxious and worried, most commonly in situations where the chest is exposed, such as at the beach, pool, or at the gym. Plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ethan Baughman performs surgical breast reduction for men in Westlake Village, CA who suffer from gynecomastia. Male breast reduction surgery has a high success rate and can greatly improve your confidence. To learn more, schedule a consultation at Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery.

Male breast reduction treatment is reserved for men with overdeveloped breasts that cannot be treated through medications or diet. If you feel anxiety or are bothered by the size and shape of your chest (but you're healthy and at a good weight), you could possibly benefit from male breast reduction surgery by Dr. Baughman at Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery. Adolescent teens may also attain positive results from gynecomastia treatment; however, an additional procedure may be needed later as an adult if excess breast tissue continues to develop. In your initial consultation with Dr. Baughman, he will determine if you have gynecomastia and if you would benefit from male breast reduction surgery.

While you are under general anesthesia, Dr. Baughman will use liposuction to remove excess fat and breast tissue from the chest. Afterward, any lax skin will be carefully trimmed away to produce a taut look. If needed, the nipple-areola complex can be reduced and/or moved to a higher position. Before closing the incisions, Dr. Baughman will ensure the chest is smooth and even.

After gynecomastia surgery, the chest will be supported with a compression bandage to help reduce swelling, bleeding, and bruising. For complex cases where a more intricate approach was used, a small tube for draining may be properly positioned to help with fluid. The outcomes following this procedure are almost immediately visible and most men are extremely excited with the improvements. When your recovery is complete, you may get medical clearance from Dr. Baughman to incorporate exercise and weight training, which will help accentuate your results.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
Excessive male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is a medical problem that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. For this reason, Dr. Baughman suggests you focus on how to get your best results rather than costs. To make male breast reduction surgery fit your budget, Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods, and we can also help you locate low-interest financing. While surgery for gynecomastia is generally not covered by insurance, it's worth contacting your insurer to check.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia develops in men when there is an imbalance in the hormones. In most cases, gynecomastia is connected to the use of androgens and anabolic steroids. Gynecomastia might also be triggered by some medical conditions (hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors), plus some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications).

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 pain, swelling, and tenderness. Some patients might have pseudogynecomastia (false gynecomastia) so Dr. Baughman suggests patients try 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, Dr. Baughman will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include a mammogram, blood tests, or a biopsy to look for other causes, like an infection of the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn't approved any medications for the treatment of gynecomastia. Although they aren't approved for gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (Raloxifene or Tamoxifen) might give you minimal improvements. Upper body weight training to increase the pectoral muscles will not reduce the excess breast tissue and could even make the breasts look bigger.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Dr. Baughman at your consultation. He will personalize your surgical plan to select the best incision pattern and technique to improve your nipples. Oversized areolas may also be corrected in surgery for gynecomastia. It is crucial to be honest with Dr. Baughman about all your concerns and wants during your initial consultation so he can make sure you get the results you want.

If you are frustrated with the side effects of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), we invite you to call our office and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Baughman to learn about our male breast reduction procedure at Ethan Baughman Plastic Surgery. Once you've had treatment for gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), you won't have to keep hiding your chest when you go to the gym and beach. Dr. Baughman and his team have assisted so many Westlake Village, CA men restore their confidence through male breast reduction surgery.