Gynecomastectomy

Causes of male breasts

It is common for adolescent males to experience a limited amount of breast development. This most commonly goes away by the later teenage years. For some males, however, breasts grow to a more noticeable size and do not spontaneously disappear. They are often somewhat painful when pressure is applied to them.

Though this can occur for no reason, it can be due to certain medications, marijuana use, hormonal abnormalities, tumors, or severe kidney or liver disease. These possible causes of gynecomastia need to be ruled out or treated prior to considering surgical treatment of the problem.

Treating male breasts (gynecomastia)

For those men without other problems, as well as for those where other problems have been effectively managed, the surgical removal of the excess tissue frequently relieves the embarrassment and discomfort it causes. The procedure where the excess tissue is removed is known as a gynecomastectomy.

There are a variety of techniques that can be utilized, depending on the severity of the problem being treated. Some involve limited incisions around the areola (the brown tissue surrounding the nipple), though more extensive incisions may be required if there is a significant amount of excess skin. Almost all gynecomastectomies are performed as outpatients, though all but the most limited cases require general anesthesia. The most appropriate procedure for each man’s breast problem will be discussed during a consultation.