60% of Men Suffer From Gynecomastia. Are You One of Them?

No doubt about it, Fall is officially here, and with it, a plethora of all things pumpkin spice… and mustaches? Just in case you’ve been living under a rock, here’s the meaning behind the ‘stache brigade.

Born in 2004, the Movember Foundation created a movement–signified by men flaunting their varied and impressive mustaches–to take place during the month of November. Dedicated to “changing the face of men’s health” and raising awareness for issues such as suicide, testicular and prostate cancer, the foundation has since raised $175M worldwide.

Barrett Plastic Surgery is showing support for Movember by highlighting a problem that affects nearly sixty percent of all men at some point in their lives–namely, gynecomastia, or swollen breast tissue. We’ve all heard the term “man boobs,” so it’s no wonder many men are too embarrassed to seek help for this condition despite the fact that it is very common. So as long as we’re raising awareness for men’s health this month, we wanted you to know there is hope! In fact, there are many possible solutions for your gynecomastia, as well as your other “Dad Bod” features, and Dr. Barrett is an expert at helping men reach the goals they’ve set for their physique.

Gynecomastia Causes

Swollen or enlarged breasts in males usually appear during puberty as a result of hormonal imbalances and disappear by the age of 20, although they can occur among middle-aged and older men too–typically between the of ages 50 to 69. Furthermore, the condition can be induced by certain medications or be linked to a medical issue such as endocrine disorder, liver malfunction or tumor.

In the majority of cases, gynecomastia will resolve on its own. If this does not occur, it’s important to have the condition assessed by a physician. If an underlying cause cannot be identified and addressed, male breast reduction may be necessary to restore a masculine profile.

Types of Gynecomastia Surgery

This is where Dr. Barrett comes in. A sufferer of gynecomastia himself in his early years, Dr. Barrett understands the toll it takes on a man’s self-esteem. For this reason, he’s dedicated to scar-prevention and uses the least invasive procedure possible for the individual. Oftentimes liposuction is all that’s needed; however, if excision of tissue is required, this can also be done with a very small incision. The right treatment will depend on how much correction is called for and whether there is also skin laxity to address.

LIPOSUCTION

When the breast enlargement is minor, and the skin has much of its firmness and elasticity intact, Dr. Barrett will use the revolutionary S.A.F.E. liposuction technique to achieve the desired outcome. S.A.F.E. is an acronym that stands for separation, aspiration and fat equalization–the three phases of the treatment.

Liposuction is less invasive than traditional breast reduction surgery and involves smaller incisions that minimize post-procedural scarring.

And while we’re on the subject: often, a small amount of high definition liposuction can reduce other stubborn fat areas such as “love handles,” as well as sculpt the underlying muscle. For the right patient, this process can offer excellent overall slimming and rejuvenation with less discomfort and downtime.

SCARLESS MALE BREAST REDUCTION

Dr. Barrett will likely recommend internal surgical breast reduction if there is more glandular tissue than can be removed solely via liposuction, combined with a significant amount of loose skin. His proprietary scarless technique is the first of its kind and remains unparalleled among minimal-scar male breast reduction techniques.

His approach combines the liposuction process with minimally invasive endoscopy to gently break down and remove the fat and glandular tissue. The tools used for the procedure are inserted into the chest area through a tiny incision. Once the tissues are removed, Dr. Barrett uses a cautery coagulation technique to tighten the skin and underlying tissues for a smooth, flat result. The coagulation causes the small incision to contract, close and heal without the need for sutures, thereby eliminating visible scarring.

While the surgery requires more anesthesia and a longer recovery process than liposuction alone, the results can be dramatic and last a lifetime.

Complimentary Procedures

If you’re one of the many men who haven’t quite embraced the “Dad Bod” trend, Barrett Plastic Surgery can address other stubborn areas that won’t respond to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty—more commonly known as a tummy tuck—can surgically tighten the abdominal muscles that lose their shape as you age, and completely remove the excess skin often known as the “muffin top.”

This procedure offers some of the most dramatic body contouring, with results that will last forever if you maintain a healthy lifestyle. It can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or combined with the above treatments to enhance the outcome further.

To learn more about the gynecomastia or a full-body “Dad Overhaul,” contact our office today and schedule a consultation. Dr. Barrett will take as much time as is necessary to develop a treatment program that will meet your goals and help you restore your confidence.

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Are you interested in a male chest reduction? Call us at (310) 398-2648 or fill out this virtual consultation form and we will reach out to you as soon as possible. We’re excited for you to take this next step!  

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