Gynecomastia in Portland, OR

The scientific term, gynecomastia, is used for enlarged male breasts. This condition is one that can result in a feminine chest due to the abnormal growth of breast tissue. Many times, gynecomastia is related to an unknown hormonal condition. It may also be caused by certain medications, steroids, major weight gain or loss, or it can be hereditary. Men with this condition generally feel frustrated and anxious, more so in situations where the chest area is shown, such as at the beach, pool, or the gym. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan performs breast reduction surgery for men who suffer from gynecomastia. This plastic surgery has a high success rate and is one of the more common cosmetic surgeries for men at Après Plastic Surgery in Portland, OR. If you are a man with excess breast tissue, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Aghayan about surgery for the treatment of gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia surgery is reserved for men with visible excess breast tissue that cannot be corrected through diet and exercise. If you are troubled by the look of your chest (but you are at a healthy weight), you could possibly benefit from this surgery by Dr. Aghayan at Après Plastic Surgery. Male teens may also attain positive results from gynecomastia treatment; however, a future procedure may be necessary later as an adult if new breast tissue continues to grow. In your initial consultation with Dr. Aghayan, treatment considerations will be presented, including the likelihood of having surgery to correct the condition.

Surgical treatment for gynecomastia is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Performed under general anesthesia, liposuction removes excess breast tissue and fat from the internal chest region. Afterward, any loose or wrinkled skin will be excised to produce a tighter look, and then the nipple will be surgically reshaped and placed into a more correct position.

After your gynecomastia surgery, the chest will be wrapped with a compression bandage to help decrease swelling. For complex cases where a more invasive technique was used, a small tube for draining may be inserted to help with fluid. The outcomes following gynecomastia treatment are almost immediately seen and most men are extremely pleased with their results. Any incisions made during this procedure take a few weeks to heal and with proper care, scars fade to be barely visible. With your new, masculine-appearing chest, you may get clearance from Dr. Aghayan to continue exercise and weight training, which will assist in complementing the final outcome.

• How much does male breast reduction cost?
  Excessive male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is a medical problem that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. For this reason, Dr. Aghayan suggests you focus on how to get your best results rather than costs. To help make male breast reduction surgery fit your budget, Après Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods and we can also help you locate low-interest medical financing. While surgery for gynecomastia is typically not covered by health insurance, it’s worth contacting your insurer to check.
• What causes gynecomastia?
  Gynecomastia develops in men when there is an imbalance in the hormones. Most often, gynecomastia is connected to the long-term use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It may also be the result of using illegal drugs, including marijuana or heroin. Gynecomastia might also be triggered by some medical conditions (for example, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors), as well as some medications (for example, highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications).
• How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
  Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some patients might have pseudogynecomastia (false gynecomastia) so Dr. Aghayan suggests patients to try to lose weight by following an exercise plan and healthy diet before considering surgery. If you still have excess breast tissue when you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Aghayan will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include a mammogram, blood tests, or a biopsy to look for other causes, like an infection of the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.
• Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
  Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn’t approved any medications for the treatment of gynecomastia. Although they aren’t approved for the treatment of gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (for example, Raloxifene or Tamoxifen) might give you minimal improvements. Upper body weight training to increase the pectoral muscles will not reduce the excess breast tissue and could even make the breasts look bigger.
• Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
  Glandular gynecomastia can cause puffy or pointy nipples. If you are concerned about this, be sure to tell Dr. Aghayan at your consultation. He will personalize your surgical plan to select the best incision pattern and technique to improve your nipples. Oversized areolas may also be corrected in surgery for gynecomastia. It is crucial to be open and honest with Dr. Aghayan about all your concerns and wants during your initial consultation so they can make sure you are happy with your results.

If you are frustrated by gynecomastia, we invite you to contact our office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Aghayan to learn about our male breast reduction procedure at Après Plastic Surgery. Once you’ve had treatment for gynecomastia, you won’t have to keep hiding your chest when you go to the gym and beach. Dr. Aghayan has helped many Portland, OR men regain their self-confidence.