A well-defined chest is a sign of masculinity. Unfortunately, rather than firm pectorals, many men notice flabby, sagging skin that takes on the appearance of feminine breasts. This condition is called gynecomastia and affects men of all ages. If you are suffering from gynecomastia, here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

A number of things can result in gynecomastia, including:

  • Excessive weight gain
  • Heredity
  • Certain medications
  • A hormonal imbalance
  • Steroid use

Why Consider Gynecomastia Surgery?

If you have developed the dreaded “man boobs”, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance, or believe that people are constantly staring at you. You could feel uncomfortable at the beach or have difficulty finding shirts that fit you properly. You may even be bothered by additional fat that jiggles whenever you walk or play sports.

No amount of exercise can firm your chest once gynecomastia sets in. Losing weight often does not resolve the problem either, and might even make your “man boobs” more noticeable in some instances. Surgery is often the only solution when it comes to reducing or eliminating male breasts.

During your Consultation

During your gynecomastia consultation, Dr. Wallace will discuss your health history to ensure there are no underlying conditions that might complicate surgery. He may also take measurements of your chest and a set of “before” photographs for you to compare your results to afterwards. Upon leaving our office, you will be given a list of pre-operative instructions that includes things to avoid such as alcohol, tobacco, and blood-thinning medications.

What can I Expect from Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. One or more incisions are made on each side to allow our doctors to access excess skin, fat, and glandular tissue. These tissues are trimmed and tightened, and then the nipple is repositioned if needed. In more severe cases, liposuction may also be needed to suction away fat. The entire procedure normally takes between one and two hours.

After surgery, you may need to avoid lifting heavy objects for a period of about four to six weeks. Light exercise during that time is fine, and in fact, is recommended to help speed healing. At the end of your recovery period, you will visit Dr. Wallace again to have any stitches removed and receive the “green light” for more strenuous activity. Dr. Wallace normally recommends that his patients gradually increase the amount of activity they perform, especially when it comes to strength training exercises that target the pectoral muscles.

Men in Dallas and the surrounding areas in Texas do not have to feel bad about themselves just because gynecomastia has set in. A male breast reduction performed by Dr. Charles A. Wallace, M.D. can help you regain a more masculine appearance and restore your self-confidence. Please contact us for a consultation today to discover if this surgery is right for you.