For many men, their physical objective is achieving large muscles in the midsection and arms. Others may focus on working on their chest muscles and making them look more defined and chiseled. However, some men may not be able to achieve the results they desire because of a condition called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is when the chest develops excess fatty tissue, making them look unbalanced and less masculine. Fortunately, gynecomastia surgery can address this issue to create a toned and attractive appearance.  

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What Is Gynecomastia? 

Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which a man’s breast tissue becomes enlarged and feminine-looking due to an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. It can begin to develop during childhood, puberty, and in older men between the ages of 50 and 80. 

Most cases of gynecomastia range from moderate to severe, and while not life-threatening, it can cause pain and discomfort and affect a patient’s self-esteem. Men of all ages are susceptible to developing gynecomastia based on the following factors:

Hormonal Changes

Over time, your hormones can change and affect your physical health and appearance. Loss or lack of testosterone in the body can also increase your chances of developing gynecomastia. If you have elevated levels of estrogen, you are more likely to develop this medical condition. 

Taking Certain Medications

There are different types of medications that can cause your body to produce more hormones and make the chest appear feminine. These medications include steroids, antibiotics, or AIDS and anxiety medication. 

Drugs and Alcohol 

Consuming too much alcohol can cause an excess amount of estrogen to develop in the body and make the chest grow. Drugs like marijuana and heroin can also develop gynecomastia. 

What Are My Surgery Options? 

Liposuction

For patients who struggle with minor to moderate excess fat on their chest, liposuction would be their best option. During the procedure, an incision is made along the treated area while a thin tube known as a cannula is inserted. The cannula will then suction out the fat while the chest is reshaped to create a more masculine appearance. 

Tissue Extraction

When excess fat accumulates, the skin must stretch to accommodate it. Even if the fat is removed (surgically or through exercise), the skin is often left sagging. During gynecomastia surgery, Dr. Chiu can use the tissue extraction technique to tighten the skin over the underlying muscle before trimming away the excess. This will get rid of any sagging and result in a smoother, firmer chest.

If you are interested in gynecomastia surgery, please contact Dr. Gabriel Chiu‘s office at (310) 586-3449 or fill out our online contact form.