Questions about Gynecomastia Treatment (Male Breast Reduction)

Hartford, Greenwich, Waterbury, and Glastonbury, Connecticut

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is when a man has enlarged breast tissue. Although gynecomastia is common, even among men with normal weight, it is also a highly embarrassing condition and may significantly impact your quality of life.

How is gynecomastia treated?

The treatment for gynecomastia depends on the cause. If you are experiencing enlarged breasts during puberty or while using medication that contains estrogen, the best first solution is to wait. Once you stop taking the medication or finish puberty, your breasts may return to a more normal size. If your enlarged breasts are the result of weight gain, losing weight may make them shrink again. If not, male breast reduction may be necessary.

What is the best exercise for getting rid of my gynecomastia?

The best exercises for getting rid of your male breasts are those designed for general weight loss. Talk to your regular doctor about a routine that is right for you. However, most men find that they are able to lose other weight, but the breast tissue remains.

Is male breast reduction like breast reduction for women?

No, the procedure is very different. In most cases, men do not have to remove skin along with the breast fat, so liposuction is used. We prefer using liposuction through a single incision in the armpit. For some men, glandular tissue and skin may need to be removed, requiring surgery with incisions around the areola.

What is recovery from gynecomastia treatment like?

After your male breast reduction, you will experience some degree of swelling, bruising, and a little discomfort. You will wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and encourage your breasts to heal appropriately. You should wear the garment for about a month. You will go home shortly after surgery, and be prescribed medication to control your discomfort. You should be able to return to non-strenuous work within a couple days, and return to all your normal activities in one to three weeks.

Can gynecomastia be a sign of a serious illness?

In some cases, yes. Sometimes, gynecomastia is a sign of a potentially serious condition, such as:

• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disorders
• Chronic liver disease
• Klinefelter syndrome
• Gilbert's syndrome

You should talk to your regular doctor about these possibilities. Note that men also get breast cancer (it kills about 2000 men a year in the US), and pay attention to any irregularities or hard masses in your breast tissue.

Gynecomastia is an embarrassing condition that seriously impacts the quality of life for many men. But you don't have to live with it. Call or email Dr. Foster today to schedule a consultation at his Waterbury, Glastonbury or Greenwich office.

Glastonbury, CT

Greenwich, CT

1389 West Main Street
Waterbury, CT. 06708

888-8CT-LIPO
(888-828-5476)