If you are one of the millions of American men suffering from gynecomastia, or enlarged male breasts, you know how truly detrimental this condition can be. Whether you are embarrassed to take off your shirt in public, have anxiety even with concealing clothing, or experience limitations and/or discomfort with physical activity, male breast reduction surgery may be right for you.
WHERE DO I START?
When considering Beverly Hills, CA, male breast reduction surgery, one of the most important steps is selecting your provider. With the sensitive nature of the procedure, choosing a surgeon that is highly qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced in the specific techniques and intricacies of male breast reduction is imperative. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz and his award-winning team are dedicated to providing an exceptional level of patient care and service. As a nationally and internationally renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Schwartz has performed countless male breast reduction procedures with remarkable results. Dr. Schwartz is highly experienced and knowledgeable in every aspect of gynecomastia and male breast reduction surgery, and takes great pride in performing transformational procedures that change a patient’s appearance as well as improve their quality of life.
If you are exploring Beverly Hills, CA, breast reduction surgery, chances are you have been diagnosed with gynecomastia. It is important to understand more about the condition, its causes, and the surgical treatment of enlarged male breasts prior to scheduling gynecomastia surgery.
WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA?
Enlarged male breasts, or gynecomastia, is a condition that can affect men of all ages and can be caused by a variety of things, including:
- Hormonal imbalances: The most common cause of gynecomastia is an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen. Various other hormonal conditions can also cause enlarged male breasts, including hypogonadism and hypoandrogenism.
- Obesity: Being overweight can lead to excess tissue and fat in the breast area. Even after significant weight loss with diet and exercise, many patients find that their enlarged male breasts remain.
- Medical conditions: A wide array of additional medical conditions can play a role in gynecomastia, including liver disease, kidney failure, and hypothyroidism.
- Medications and drugs: Certain prescription medications, anabolic steroids, and even some "street drugs" have been shown to contribute to the development of enlarged male breasts in some patients.
Some men develop hereditary and/or natural gynecomastia at various points in their lives. As infants, some newborn males have enlarged breasts due to the estrogen they received in their mother’s womb. This most often resolves itself after one or two weeks of life. Around puberty, adolescent males may also see a temporary enlargement of their breasts that could last up to two years. With one in four men between the ages of 50 and 80 suffering from gynecomastia, it is not surprising that male breast reduction surgery has become one of the top ten cosmetic plastic surgeries performed in the U.S. today.
Regardless of the cause, Beverly Hills, CA, gynecomastia surgery with internationally acclaimed, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jaime Schwartz can effectively treat and correct enlarged male breasts and can give patients a more masculine chest contour and an increased self-confidence and overall quality of life. In addition to understanding the nature of the condition, it is also important to be educated on the procedure itself.
HOW DOES MALE BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY WORK?
Though gynecomastia surgery is one of the ten most common plastic surgeries performed in the U.S. each year, not every provider is equally qualified or experienced in the most effective and state-of-the-art techniques for male breast reduction. As part of his signature Schwartz Rapid Recovery™ method, Dr. Schwartz uses a gentler form of general anesthesia during the surgery – Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) – that does not require a breathing tube or anesthetic gases.
During the procedure, Dr. Schwartz and his expert surgical team will skillfully and strategically remove excess fat and tissue through liposuction and other techniques. For patients with excess skin or enlarged nipples, Dr. Schwartz may perform skin removal, lifting, reshaping, and repositioning of the nipple.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
One of the most satisfying aspects of male breast reduction surgery is how quickly the results are visible. Though there will be some swelling, most patients are overwhelmingly pleased with the improved shape and contour of their chest immediately after the procedure. Depending on the extent of the case, full results are usually seen between 4 – 8 weeks after the surgery.
Dr. Schwartz understands the importance of an aesthetically pleasing result and takes great care to place incisions intentionally and precisely, dramatically minimizing the visibility of scars and, on some occasions, concealing them altogether.
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?
The Schwartz Rapid Recovery™ method is arguably one of the most beneficial things about undergoing a procedure with Dr. Schwartz and his incredible team. By using TIVA (described above) and a combination of various techniques designed to accelerate the recovery process after surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Schwartz offers his Beverly Hills, CA, male breast reduction surgery patients a significantly reduced and more comfortable recovery period. In general, patients are able to go out to dinner within 24 hours and return to work comfortably within one week. It is important to follow specific post-operative recommendations and instructions that will be given at the time of your procedure.
HOW DO I GET STARTED?
The best way to decide if male breast reduction surgery may be an appropriate tool for treating your gynecomastia is to be evaluated by Dr. Jaime Schwartz and his knowledgeable and caring team. Call our Beverly Hills office to schedule your consultation today, and learn more about how male breast reduction can boost your confidence, enhance your male physique, and change your life!
