Gynecomastia Treatment in Draper, UT

The scientific term gynecomastia is used for enlarged male breasts. Caused by an underlying hormonal problem, this condition creates an abnormal growth of breast tissue. Gynecomastia happens for a variety of reasons, including certain drugs, steroids, weight gain, or genetics. Typically, men with gynecomastia feel self-conscious when other people can see their upper body and chest, such as by the pool or at the gym. In Draper, UT, plastic surgeon Dr. Jerry Chidester, or Dr. Chiddy, performs gynecomastia to help men who suffer from enlarged breast tissue. This surgery has a very high success rate, and it is one of the more common cosmetic treatments for men.

Gynecomastia can significantly affect a man's confidence and self-image. But a personalized gynecomastia surgery designed by Dr. Chiddy can help you restore a more masculine look to your chest with a number of great benefits, including:

• Reducing unwanted chest fat
• Shaping and defining the chest
• Creating a more toned, muscular look
• Achieving dramatic, natural-looking, and long-lasting results
• Improving mobility and movement
• Giving you the confidence to go shirtless
• Offering a quick recovery time

Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure for men with visible excess breast tissue that is difficult to lose through diet and exercise. If you feel frustrated by the appearance of your chest and you maintain a healthy weight, you could benefit from this treatment. Teenagers may also benefit from gynecomastia treatment. However, if excess breast tissue continues to form, teenagers may need an additional procedure later on in adulthood. During your consultation with Dr. Chiddy, he can help you determine the best treatment options to treat the condition.

Liposuction is typically utilized during surgery for gynecomastia. Performed under general anesthesia, liposuction removes excess pockets of fat from the chest wall. Afterward, any sagging skin is removed to create a taut look. Dr. Chiddy will also reposition the areola and nipple so they appear proportionate to the rest of your body. For most men, this technique requires a small incision near the glandular tissue. After Dr. Chiddy has removed the pockets of fat and excess skin, he will tighten the remaining skin.

After your gynecomastia treatment, the chest is supported with a compression garment to help minimize swelling and encourage healing. For more complex cases, Dr. Chiddy may place a small tube for draining, which can reduce fluid retention. Immediately after the surgery, results should appear noticeable and most men feel extremely pleased with the outcomes. Additionally, your incisions will take several weeks to heal and scarring is usually minimal. After your surgery, Dr. Chiddy will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule follow-up appointments. During your follow-up appointment, he can provide information on incorporating exercise and strength training that enhances your final outcome.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
Excessive male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is a medical problem that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. For this reason, Dr. Chiddy urges you to focus on how to get your best results over costs. To make male breast reduction surgery easier to afford, our practice accepts many payment methods. We can also help you locate low-interest financing. While surgery for gynecomastia is generally not covered by insurance, it is worth talking to your insurer to check.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia develops in men when there is a disruption in hormone balance. Typically, gynecomastia is connected to the use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It may also be caused by using illegal drugs, like heroin and marijuana. Gynecomastia might also be caused by certain health conditions (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and tumors) as well as some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, chemotherapy, and anti-anxiety medications).

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which can cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. Some patients may have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia), so Dr. Chiddy encourages patients to lose weight by following an exercise plan and healthy diet before considering surgery. If you still have enlarged breasts at a healthy weight, Dr. Chiddy will perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include blood tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy to rule out other causes like an infection or the breast tissue (mastitis) or cancer.

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn't approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. Although they aren't approved for treating gynecomastia, a few breast cancer medications (i.e., Raloxifene or Tamoxifen) might give you minimal improvements. Upper body weight training to increase the pectoral muscles cannot reduce excess breast tissue and could make the breasts appear more prominent.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Glandular gynecomastia can cause puffy or pointy nipples. If this concerns you, please talk to Dr. Chiddy at your consultation. He will customize your treatment plan to use the ideal incision pattern and technique to correct your nipples. Oversized areolas can also be corrected during male breast reduction surgery. It is crucial to be honest with Dr. Chiddy about your needs and wants during your consultation, so he can make sure you get the best results.

Will there be visible scars after gynecomastia surgery?
Scarring is minimal, as the incisions are typically small and placed in inconspicuous areas. Over time, the scars fade and become less noticeable.

If you suffer from male breast enlargement or gynecomastia, we welcome you to call our office in Draper, UT, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Chiddy to learn more about our male breast reduction procedure. Dr. Chiddy can develop a treatment plan that works best for you, and his team will provide information about the cost or financing through Prosper and Mountain America Credit Union. After treatment for gynecomastia, you can stop covering up your chest when going to the pool or beach. Dr. Chiddy has proudly helped many men in the Greater Salt Lake City area regain their confidence.