Treating Gynecomastia at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center

Gynecomastia is enlargement of the male breast. It can be emotionally devastating. Men, particularly adolescents often experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, and humiliation. There are many reasons men may develop gynecomastia; however, in most cases the cause is unknown or related to obesity. For some patients requiring surgery, liposuction works well if there is little or no ptosis (drooping or hanging). However, those who do not respond to liposuction and have an excess of  glandular tissues in their breasts surgical excision is required. The goal in the management of gynecomastia is to obtain the correct diagnosis, control the patient’s symptoms and identify any underlying cause (if known), and then to treat obvious breast enlargement. The correct treatment is important.

Although very rare, when gynecomastia is severe and associated with ptosis, surgical excision of breast tissue and skin is the only way to achieve a normal male appearance of the breast. This method removes the male breast tissue while preserving the nipple areola complex. The excessive skin, glandular tissues, and fat tissues are removed from the front of the pectoral muscle. Then the incision is closed. In almost all cases the scars heal well and become inconspicuous with time.

Surgical intervention is usually recommended if large lumps or asymmetry is present. For some men even small amounts of breast enlargement will interfere with quality of life by causing embarrassment and surgery might be considered. In the case of “puffy nipples” the nipples can also be flattened.

Liposuction assisted methods are suitable for the treatment of true gynecomastia with excess fatty tissue as well as pseudo gynecomastia. It must be assessed as to whether liposuction will work alone, or resection of glandular tissue will also be needed. At Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center, the aim of treating gynecomastia is to achieve a masculine chest with the least scarring. Generally liposuction can restore the breast to a more normal male chest wall.

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda at the front desk to set up a consultation 501-227-0707