Gynecomastia Cosmetic Surgery Information from Plastic Surgeons in Baltimore, MD

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Male chest contouring

"I work out all the time but I still have a rounded, fatty chest"
"I am embarrassed to take my shirt off, even in front of my wife"

Surgical treatment of male breast tissue (gynecomastia) is one of the most popular cosmetic operations requested by men . While some of those requesting this surgery are overweight, many are not. Because most men are very embarrassed by breast tissue they avoid exercise and eschew the gym. Consequently they gain more weight. The most common cause of breast tissue in men is increased sensitivity of the male breast to circulating hormones. All healthy men have both male and female hormones in their circulation.

What is the treatment?

This depends on the size and quality of the breast tissue and the quality of the breast skin.
If the skin is youthful and has good skin tone then liposuction will almost always yield a good result. It is possible to remove over a pound (half a kilogram) per side in some cases. We operate on male breasts of all sizes and shapes. Some men just have a small mound the size of a grape directly behind the nipple. It may be only on one side.( See next paragraph- Is this cancer? ).

At the other end of the spectrum we have men who are clearly overweight. However it is the fat on the chest that concerns them the most. Many have said that they are too embarrassed to go to the gym or swimming pool because of this area. Most of these men get a good result with liposuction alone.

Those with large breasts may need more than liposuction to remove excess fat, breast tissue, and skin. Many surgeons use the same techniques that they use on women. We feel that this is not the correct approach since those techniques aim to give a projecting conical breast mound. Our objective is just the opposite -- to produce a flat non projecting breast. So a different technique is used for men.

Is it cancer?
(disclaimer: this should not be construed as medical advice. If you are concerned see your doctor this week. )

Breast cancer in men is rare. Only 1% of breast cancer occurs in men. Most breast masses in males are not cancer. Typically the person notices a lump on one side growing over a period of a few months. It is usually not painful . There may be some bleeding through the nipple. See your doctor if you have any of these signs.

After surgery when can I resume full activity?

Most men can resume full activity after two weeks. By that time all the sutures have been removed. You will be asked to wear a tight vest for 6 weeks. The purpose of the garment is to control the swelling . There is usually very little bruising. Those that need open surgery (liposuction plus excision) will have scars on the chest, which will remain pink for months, before finally fading to the color of the surrounding skin.

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Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez is a board certified plastic surgeon specializing in facelift, body lift and tummy tuck procedures in the Baltimore, Maryland / Washington DC areas. Dr. Rodriguez and his surgical team have years of experience performing multiple Cosmetic Surgery Procedures in the same operative session. These procedures also include thigh lifts, breast augmentations, Brazilian butt lifts, labioplasty (or labiaplasty).

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