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Category Archives: Male Breast Reduction

Gynecomastia Surgery And The Abdominoplasty Recovery Experience

Handsome smiling man enjoying day on the beach.When it comes to gynecomastia surgery (also known as male breast reduction), there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each of our patients is unique and so are their needs and desires.

Gynecomastia is often caused by an imbalance in hormones that result in too much estrogen and too little testosterone. This imbalance can be caused by many factors such as genetics, medications, alcohol consumption or even liver disease. In addition, if you are obese or overweight this can also lead to gynecomastia.

It is important that you understand what your options are, so that you can decide which procedure is right for you. The most common procedures are liposuction and gland excision; however, other surgeries include direct excision or excision with an implant.

The Procedure

We prefer to perform both gynecomastia and abdominoplasty together which allows us to perform both a liposuction portion of the abdominoplasty along with the actual removal of excess skin from the chest area (which is not possible using just liposuction alone).

This will allow for more complete removal of excess fat tissue from both areas and make your results much more aesthetically pleasing than if we had simply done one or the other by itself.

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the newest procedures used for gynecomastia surgery because it does not involve removing any glandular tissue or skin from the chest area.

This allows for a quicker recovery time than the other procedures mentioned above; however, it does not provide permanent results like gland excision or direct excision do.

Liposuction can be performed on all patients regardless of age or BMI, but it is commonly done on men between the ages of 20 and 50 years old who have less than 50 pounds of fat.

Gynecomastia surgery is one of the most common types of plastic surgery, where the quality and skills of the surgeon can make a big difference in the results.

Don’t be afraid! Your life doesn’t have to change and you will look better. Learn about gynecomastia surgery and contact Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center at Pottsville at 570-622-2900 and in Hazleton at 570-455-4252 for your consultation if you are a candidate.

Gynecomastia Surgery: What About Exercise?

Men with breasts. This sounds like the title of a bad Sci-Fi movie, doesn’t it? In truth, gynecomastia is a very real, very troubling problem. Comedians and many people in our society joke about this condition that we call gynecomastia, referring to enlarged male breasts as man boobs. For the man with this condition, such as description is demeaning and embarrassing. Until recently, very few men realized that there was a name for what they were experiencing. Even fewer have realized that their problem could be corrected. It can. Here’s what patients need to know about returning to their normal workouts after gynecomastia treatment.

Recovering from Gynecomastia Surgery

Because we’ve only recently begun talking about gynecomastia, there are still misconceptions about what causes this condition and how to correct it. Many men spend months or years trying to contour their chest with exercise. While fatty tissue does play a small role in some cases of gynecomastia, it is not the only issue to contend with. Male breast enlargement is a result of excessive breast tissue. Where fatty tissue is soft and related to weight, breast tissue is glandular. It is dense. It does not change much with weight. This is why men who are otherwise fit may still have puffiness in their chest area.

Even knowing that exercise cannot eliminate gynecomastia, many of our patients feel a sense of urgency to resume their normal workouts after treatment. We understand, and also advise patients not to rush back to the gym. Doing so can create more problems and hold up the progress of healing.

After gynecomastia surgery, rest is the primary action that a man needs to take. This can be difficult when so much effort has previously gone into correcting shape. For the first two weeks of recovery, though, the extent of physical activity is light walking. Patients can walk for up to 30 minutes and can do this a few times a day. It is imperative to maintain a casual pace. Even brisk walking that increases heart rate can disrupt tissue healing and create a risk of complications.

While it may be possible to return to work two weeks after treatment for gynecomastia, physical activity remains limited until about 4 weeks post-op. At that time, the patient may begin walking briskly, hiking, and doing light cardio exercise that primarily uses the lower body. Chest and arm exercises may need to wait until 6 weeks post-op and, when they do resume, should be done slowly and carefully.

Living with gynecomastia is difficult. Treatment can successfully correct this problem and, even with a short recovery period, the outcome of surgery is well worth the wait to get back to a normal exercise routine. Learn more about male breast reduction. Call our Hazleton or Pottsville office to schedule a consultation.

Do You Know What Gynecomastia Is?

Medical terms have a way of sounding complicated. Gynecomastia is one of many examples. While doctors and other healthcare providers may find this jargon helpful, you may not. We must build a bridge between everyday language and clinical verbiage so more people can be helped. You may not know what gynecomastia is (why would you?). That is unless you’ve ever googled the words “man boobs” or “male breasts.” These are the everyday terms used to describe the enlargement of a man’s breast tissue. And they are the topic of discussion here.

What is Gynecomastia and Why Do Some Men have It?

Based on everyday language like “man boobs,” we see that gynecomastia is the noticeable enlargement of a man’s breasts. All men have breasts, to be honest, but most are more muscle than fat. This is what differentiates male from female physique, muscle tissue. For some men, this balance of muscle to fatty tissue doesn’t fully develop or it gets disrupted.

There are several contributing factors to gynecomastia. Genetics may play a role, as can weight and medication or drug use. It would seem that genetics are more influential because not all men who gain weight see an increase in breast size. Conversely, some men with gynecomastia are at a stable weight and may even work out frequently to correct their breast shape. From what we know at this time, the only way to correct enlarged male breasts is with plastic surgery.

About Male Breast Reduction

Male breast reduction is a procedure that is consistently growing in popularity. This isn’t because the number of men developing enlarged breasts is increasing but that more men are learning that this effective treatment exists. Gynecomastia has to do with fat. It may be influenced by the breast gland. And it may affect the skin. Therefore, male breast reduction may address all three. Some of the techniques that are considered for gynecomastia treatment include:

  • Liposuction. This technique reshapes the breast by removing fatty tissue.
  • Excision. This technique removes the breast gland.
  • Lift. This technique involves tissue repositioning and skin trimming to correct sagging.

Whatever we call it, the enlargement of the male breast is not a condition that a man needs to live with. If you would like to learn more about male breast reduction, schedule a consultation in our Pottsville or Hazleton office.

Male Breast Reduction: Answering the Question on Everyone’s Mind

Male Cosmetic Procedures Hazleton, PAMale breast enlargement is a problem every man wishes to avoid. Until fairly recently, men who were affected by gynecomastia, or excessive breast tissue, didn’t talk about the way in which their appearance affected their emotional health. Rather than talk about “man boobs,” men suffered in silence, and suffer is a very accurate term to describe what it’s like to live with female-like breasts. Trying to hide beneath clothing, exercise fat tissue away, or taking potentially damaging supplements to reduce breast size, men do themselves a much bigger favor by consulting with an experienced plastic surgeon about male breast reduction.

Why don’t more men do this? One reason we can come up with is that men are apprehensive about what it may be like to recover from breast surgery. That’s why we are devoting some space to this topic here.

Recovery from Male Breast Reduction: What it’s Really Like

It’s difficult to predict how every patient may recovery from surgery. In general, we prepare male breast reduction patients for bruising, swelling, and discomfort. The pain of gynecomastia surgery should not be intolerable in the least. Most patients describe it as soreness and are able to manage comfort with prescription pain medication. Within several days, over-the-counter medication may suffice. The extent of side effects is somewhat related to the type of gynecomastia surgery that is performed. The technique also somewhat dictates recovery. In general, the recovery process involves:

  • Dressing removal the day after surgery. This initial office visit lets us see incisions and change the initial dressing for a compression garment.
  • Drain removal about one week after surgery. Drains are often necessary to prevent fluid accumulation in the muscle and chest wall. Drains do not hurt, nor does removing them.
  • Limited physical activity for several weeks. Patients should not lift their arms overhead for the first few weeks of recovery. This may mean getting help with showering and dressing.
  • The return to the gym is gradual. After a week, some patients can begin light lower body exercise. However, this should not be rushed. Upper body exercise must wait 5 weeks or more.

Learn more about Gynecomastia Surgery

Dr. Kimmel offers male breast reduction in our Pottsville and Hazleton locations. Contact an office near you for full details regarding this beneficial surgery.

What is Gynecomastia, and How Do I Know if I Have It?

Gynecomastia Surgery Hazleton, PA

Gynecomastia Surgery Hazleton, PAMen who have exaggerated contours on their chest may wonder if they have gynecomastia. It is an excellent question and we are pleased that more men feel safe asking it. Historically, men with female-like breasts tended to live in silence. Having breasts instead of a contoured chest may not indicate a health issue, but it does have a profound effect on the way a man feels about his body and his general quality of life.

Having a bit of familiarity with the term gynecomastia is a step forward. However, many men are confused about exactly what it means to have gynecomastia and how to deal with this problem. The various marketing strategies used by supplement companies and others only add to the confusion. In essence, gynecomastia is simple.

If your chest looks round and full rather than smoothly contoured, it is possible that you have gynecomastia. You should be able to describe your chest as a chest, not as breasts. Puffiness around the nipples even qualifies as a mild form of gynecomastia.

What about Weight?

According to studies, many men who obtain treatment for gynecomastia have a higher BMI. However, researchers and gynecomastia experts have discovered that, in many cases, the appearance of the breasts can worsen after a man loses weight. Weight in the arms and the belly may actually balance out the pronounced appearance of the breasts.

Men with gynecomastia can benefit from weight loss, but not because losing weight will get rid of breast tissue. The advantage of reaching a healthy BMI before surgery is that the results of male breast reduction will likely look much better. Ultimately, weight loss coupled with gynecomastia surgery has the best shot at significantly improving a man’s self-esteem.

What to do about Gynecomastia

We’ll say this again: marketing creates confusion about gynecomastia treatment. Men are told they can get rid of man boobs by buying a specific workout program. They are told that certain diets, lotions, or pills can recalibrate the hormonal and adrenal systems to get rid of breasts. Practical experience tells us otherwise. Judging by honest reviews and before and after images, the only way to get rid of unwanted breast tissue is through surgical removal.

Gynecomastia is not something you can undo on your own. Get the help you need to get the body meant for you. Call our Pottsville or Hazleton office for prompt assistance.

Guys! You Can Feel Like Your Best Self This Summer Thanks to Gynecomastia Surgery!

Gynecomastia Surgery Hazleton, PA

Gynecomastia Surgery Hazleton, PAWhen summer is on the horizon, many people become somewhat preoccupied with their appearance. We see gym memberships increasing, and more Google searches for weight-loss programs and recipes. Inquiries about cosmetic surgery procedures like liposuction or energy-based body contouring treatments like Liposonix increase and people generally become more active in the area of health and wellness. Any steps that are taken to feel better about appearance have merit. Sometimes, though, specific treatment is necessary. This is the case with gynecomastia.

The Nature of the Male Breast

“Male breasts.” This is not a term with which we feel comfortable, is it? More than the phrase, it is the appearance of puffy nipples or rounded breast tissue that creates the most concern for men. Gynecomastia may affect young men still in their teen years and may be associated with spikes and drops in sex hormones. Gynecomastia may also be related to certain medications. It is often perceived as a weight-related issue, though this is a stretch. Whatever instigates the exaggerated growth of breast tissue, to include glandular tissue, is pretty irrelevant to the man who feels the turmoil of his physique. What is most important is that we meet the needs of each man affected by gynecomastia with proven treatment options.

At Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center, we are happy to have the opportunity to help men from areas including Philadephia, Allentown, Harrisburg, and more. Through a comprehensive consultation and careful treatment-planning, we can significantly reduce the presence of unnecessary tissue beneath the areola and nipple, as well as across the breasts.

Why Gynecomastia Surgery isn’t Just Liposuction

Any degree of gynecomastia needs appropriate care. Even puffy nipples cause a great deal of distress. An experienced plastic surgeon understands that “man boobs” are not about fat, but about the glands beneath superficial breast tissue. Gynecomastia surgery often does involve liposuction, but that is not the end of the process. Through small incisions around the areolae, firm glandular tissue can be removed to resolve the issue of fullness from its originating point.

Let the team at Keystone Cosmetic Surgery Center help you feel your best this summer. Learn more about gynecomastia surgery by calling our Pottsville or Hazleton office.

A Brief Discussion Of Gynecomastia

There are many cosmetic and surgical procedures that are appropriate for men. These procedures may increase their self-confidence and self-esteem. For men living with the embarrassing and feminizing condition commonly called “man boobs” or gynecomastia, having intimate relationships or participating in sports can be personally and emotionally devastating – so devastating in fact, that some men completely avoid physical intimacy.

Gynecomastia Excision• Men suffering from gynecomastia experience swelling of their breast tissue and tenderness. Excess localized fat and glandular tissue and can also be present in one or both breasts.
• Gynecomastia may be caused by a number of factors, including aging, health conditions which affect hormones, puberty, weight gain and the use of steroids or certain medications.
• The word gynecomastia is of Greek derivation meaning “female breasts” and describes a condition of over-developed breasts in men that can occur at any age.
• Diet and exercise can trim most areas of the body, but gynecomastia seems to be immune to most workout regimens.

Today, with the expertise of Dr. Kimmel and the caring staff of professionals at Keystone Cosmetic Surgery, your concerns about gynecomastia and whether or not to undergo surgery can be put to rest.

• Gynecomastia surgery is technically called “reduction mammaplasty.”
• This very specialized, outpatient surgery reduces breast size and flattens the contours of the chest.
• Surgery usually lasts about two hours. Patients may be discharged after a brief recovery period.
• Most of our patients return to work within a week and wear a snug-fitting compression vest under their clothing for several weeks.
• In severe gynecomastia, the weight of excess breast tissue may cause sagging of the areola. Repositioning of the areola can also be achieved with surgery.

If you are bothered by the size of your breasts, are in good physical health, do not smoke or use drugs, have a positive outlook and realistic goals for improvement – you are the perfect candidate for gynecomastia surgery. Dr. Kimmel is prepared to address your concerns and looks forward to meeting with you. Call to schedule a consultation, today.

A Quick Look on the Increasing Number of Male Breast Reduction Surgeries

According to the recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, male breast reduction made it into the top 5 surgical cosmetic procedures for men in 2012. Here at our Hazleton male plastic surgery practice, we won’t be surprised if male breast reduction will be a notch higher in the top 5 list once the 2013 statistics will be revealed. After all, we have a noticed a significant increase in the number of men who visit our clinic for breast removal brought about by gynecomastia or abnormal enlargement of breasts in men.

More Than Just Self-Esteem Issues

According to a study published in the April 2013 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), enlarged breasts in male teens has a negative impact on their self-esteem. Furthermore, head researcher Dr. Brian A. Labow stated that  “merely having gynecomastia was sufficient to cause significant deficits in general health, social functioning, mental health, self-esteem, and eating behaviors and attitudes compared with controls (boys without breast enlargement).”

When to Consider Male Breast Reduction at Keystone Surgery Center

By and large, you are an ideal candidate for a male breast reduction procedure if you notice abnormal enlargement of your breasts. In addition, you should:

  • be relatively within your ideal weight
  • have realistic expectations of the procedure
  • have no existing conditions that could delay healing and/or life-threatening
  • be a non-smoker or has quit smoking months before the procedure

Your Male Breast Reduction Consultation

A consultation with an experienced male breast reduction surgeon will help you figure out whether or not you are qualified to undergo the surgery. Aside from an assessment of your medical history, a thorough physical exam will be done, too.

Schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Kimmel by filling out this contact form. You can also reach us at (570)622-2900. We look forward to your visit!

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