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Male Breast Reduction

CHEST-CONTOURING MALE BREAST REDUCTION IN LOS ANGELES

Male Breast Reduction

CHEST-CONTOURING MALE BREAST REDUCTION IN LOS ANGELES

Gynecomastia, the development of breast tissue in men, is very common. Removal of the extra tissue (and extra skin or excess fat, if needed) can be performed with outpatient surgery to restore a masculine look to the male chest. When it comes to gynecomastia in Los Angeles, Dr. Lisa Cassileth has helped many patients find renewed confidence through gynecomastia surgery. She is skilled in a variety of techniques and can create a treatment plan to give you more angled, muscular contours.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, sometimes called gynaecomastia or male breast enlargement, is a common condition characterized by excess glandular tissue and/or fatty tissue in the chest. This condition affects up to 70% of men, with a higher prevalence in teens and men over the age of 50.1 Gynecomastia does not usually present any medical concerns and will sometimes go away without treatment.2 However, men with gynecomastia are often embarrassed or frustrated by enlarged breast tissue. Surgical treatment of gynecomastia can help men with gynecomastia look and feel more masculine.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

The exact cause of gynecomastia is not always clear, but it is often associated with hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone, increased estrogen, or both. Common causes of gynecomastia include:

  • Natural hormonal changes, such as those that occur during puberty or in older men
  • Medical conditions such as kidney disease, prostate cancer, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases can cause gynecomastia
  • Gynecomastia can be a side effect of prolonged use of certain medications, including anabolic steroids, spironolactone, tricyclic antidepressants, diazepam, cimetidine, tamoxifen, amphetamines, anti-androgen medications, or cardiac medications such as calcium channel blockers
  • Weight gain or obesity (gynecomastia that is primarily due to weight, without abnormal glandular tissue, may be pseudogynecomastia)

Gynecomastia can resolve when the hormones are brought back into balance, but sometimes excess breast tissue remains. Surgery is often the most effective treatment for chronic gynecomastia.

Benefits of Gynecomastia Surgery

Improve Chest Definition

Male breast reduction surgery improves the appearance of the chest by removing unwanted tissue for a more defined, masculine chest.

Correct Male Breast Asymmetry

Gynecomastia surgery can correct a “lopsided” chest by making both sides even in size and shape for a more balanced and symmetrical look.

Gain A More Masculine Appearance

Feel confident with your shirt off after gynecomastia surgery and enjoy an overall improvement in your body image and quality of life.

healthy, attractive young man

What to Expect

Preparing for ​​Gynecomastia Surgery

During your consultation appointment, Dr. Cassileth will discuss your goals and concerns and perform a physical examination before reviewing your treatment options, which may include tissue removal, liposuction, and skin tightening.

Dr. Cassileth may also refer you to an endocrinologist for blood tests to check your thyroid function and hormone levels, particularly your testosterone level and estrogen levels.

Your Gynecomastia Procedure

For most patients, male breast reduction procedures are straightforward, almost incision-less outpatient surgeries that are low risk and require little recovery. Dr. Cassileth will make a small incision in an area where the resulting scar will not show, then remove tissue and suction out fat as necessary. The result will be a smooth, slim, muscle-revealing chest. For patients with a great deal of excess skin, the scar is placed under the pectoral muscle shadow to remove the excess skin and fat.

Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery

Male breast reduction uses all dissolvable stitches that cannot be seen. Patients usually return to work within days of their surgery, depending on how much tissue was removed.

Who is a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?

If you are a man who is bothered by excess tissue in your chest or the appearance of breasts, you could be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery. Ideal candidates are non-smokers in good general health and are at a stable, healthy weight.3 If you have talked to your doctor about the cause of your gynecomastia and have not been able to correct it through medical treatment, then surgery may be right for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gynecomastia Surgery

In most cases of gynecomastia, Dr. Cassileth is able to use tiny incisions that leave almost no noticeable scarring. In cases that require more extensive incisions, Dr. Cassileth will advise you on skincare to minimize the appearance of any scarring.

Many gynecomastia patients choose to combine liposuction with their breast reduction surgery. If you seek comprehensive rejuvenation, Dr. Cassielth has developed the Man Plan to give men cosmetic options that deliver customized results without requiring significant recovery time. Male-focused options include BROTOX for smoothing forehead lines and more, hair restoration, hair removal, and microneedling for skin rejuvenation.

Dr. Cassileth will develop a treatment plan and discuss it with you before surgery to ensure your results are tailored to your goals. In general, you can expect a flatter, more masculine contour. Results are typically permanent as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight.

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We believe that the connection between the patient and the provider is at the heart of every successful procedure and look forward to meeting you in person to discuss your goals.

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1 Johnson RE, Murad MH. Gynecomastia: pathophysiology, evaluation, and management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2009;84(11):1010-1015. doi:10.1016/S0025-6196(11)60671-X

2 Mayo Clinic. Gynecomastia. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gynecomastia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351793 Accessed September 3, 2021

3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Gynecomastia Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/gynecomastia-surgery/candidates Accessed September 3, 2021.