As a man, having gynecomastia, or enlarged, woman-like breasts, can be awkward and embarrassing. Your breasts may damage your body image, self-esteem, and confidence. They can harm your romantic interactions and hold you back from wanting to take your shirt off by the pool or at the beach. If you suffer from gynecomastia, you’re not alone. The condition afflicts up to 70 percent of men during their lifetimes.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. J. Douglas Cusick believes that no man should have to live with the discomfort of having large breasts. That’s why he’s proud to offer his patients male breast reduction surgery. Dr. Cusick has nearly 30 years of experience. He is committed to giving you a body you’re proud to show off and restoring your self-confidence.
Dr. Cusick serves Kansas City and nearby areas of Kansas and Missouri. Call (913) 661-0202 today to schedule a consultation.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the presence of enlarged, woman-like breasts in a man. It can be caused by excess fat deposits in the breasts or a hormonal imbalance that leads to the development of more breast tissue.
One of gynecomastia’s most frustrating aspects is that it can occur in otherwise fit men. You can work out frequently and have strong, large pectoral muscles underneath your breasts, but be unable to see them behind your excess breast tissue.
Gynecomastia can occur because external forces cause a hormonal imbalance, but it also often occurs naturally at one of three stages of life:
- Infancy: More than 50 percent of male infants are born with gynecomastia, but this usually goes away within three weeks of birth.
- Puberty: Both men and women go through intense hormonal changes during puberty. Men can develop gynecomastia at this time, but most cases go away without treatment.
- Mature age: Male testosterone production naturally decreases with age. Because of this, at least one-quarter of men between the ages of 50 and 69 suffer from gynecomastia.
Causes of Gynecomastia
There are two primary causes of gynecomastia:
- Fat: A buildup of excess fat in your breasts can cause them to grow larger.
- Hormonal imbalance: Everyone is born with a combination of male hormones, such as testosterone, and female hormones, such as estrogen. Testosterone controls functions such as muscle growth, body hair, and sex drive, while estrogen regulates women’s menstrual cycles and breast size. Typically, men have far more testosterone than estrogen in their bodies. Gynecomastia develops when that balance is thrown off and a man’s testosterone levels decrease or estrogen levels increase.
If your gynecomastia is hormone-based, your hormonal imbalance could have numerous causes, including:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Kidney failure
- Liver failure
- Tumors
- Malnutrition
- Anabolic steroids
- Antidepressants
- Chemotherapy
- Heart medication
Gynecomastia and Marijuana
Marijuana use has become the most common cause of gynecomastia among men aged 18-35, and studies have indicated a relationship between the two. THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, interferes with numerous functions of the body’s adrenal and hormonal systems.
GnRH is a hormone that is responsible for the release of other hormones. The release of GnRH catalyzes the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, or HPG, axis. The HPG axis is responsible for testosterone production in men. By blocking the release of GnRH, marijuana hampers every part of the HPG axis, including the manufacturing of testosterone. This can lead to the hormonal imbalance that causes gynecomastia.
Male Breast Reduction Procedure
How Dr. Cusick addresses your gynecomastia depends on whether it was caused by fat or hormonal imbalance. During your initial consultation, Dr. Cusick will examine your breasts and go through your medical history to determine the source of your gynecomastia. Once he has identified the problem, he will come up with a treatment plan to address your specific needs.
If your gynecomastia is the result of excess fat, Dr. Cusick will treat it with liposuction. After you’re anesthetized, he’ll make incisions in the treatment area, then insert a thin tube called a cannula to suck out the fat. Finally, he’ll flatten and enhance your chest contours.
If your gynecomastia was caused by a hormonal imbalance, Dr. Cusick will use a technique called excision to remove excess glandular tissue. He may also reduce the size of your areolas and reposition your nipples to a more natural male contour. Dr. Cusick may also refer you to a specialist to address the cause of your hormonal imbalance.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
You may experience some swelling and discomfort in the days after surgery. Dr. Cusick will prescribe medications to manage your pain. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery.
Dr. Cusick will give you a support garment to wear for one to two weeks to help swelling dissipate. You should avoid heavy exercise for about four weeks after your procedure, but light activity such as going on walks will aid your recovery.
Contact Our Kansas City Male Breast Reduction Surgeon Today
Dr. Cusick will listen intently to your needs, goals, and desires as he develops a treatment plan to help you claim a more masculine body. He wants to help you restore your self-confidence, and he has the experience and expertise to do so.
Dr. Cusick serves Kansas City and nearby areas of Kansas and Missouri. Call (913) 661-0202 today to schedule a consultation.