Gynecomastia
The Types of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men or boys. The condition causes breasts to become larger, and often asymmetrical. There are two types of gynecomastia:
True Gynecomastia
This type of gynecomastia is caused by an excess of glandular tissue in the male breasts due to hormonal imbalances between estrogen and testosterone. This extra tissue buildup often begins in puberty due to fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone. This kind of gynecomastia may resolve on its own one to two years after puberty, but it can also be treated with the surgical removal of breast tissue.
Pseudogynecomastia
In pseudogynecomastia, enlarged breasts are due to the buildup of fat around, behind, or underneath the nipples rather than hormonal issues, such as an excess of estrogen. While certain weightlifting techniques and pectoral exercises can tone the chest and improve the appearance of the male breasts, liposuction is an effective plastic surgery option that can sculpt the area into more masculine contours.
The Onset and Causes of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia may develop in newborns, boys going through puberty, or men.
Most male infants are born with somewhat enlarged breasts due to exposure to the mother's estrogen. However, the effects of the estrogen typically wear off quickly, and swelling typically goes down in two to three weeks.
Hormone changes during puberty, such as an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen, can cause gynecomastia, but swelling of the male breast typically goes away after a few months to a couple of years.
In men, gynecomastia is most commonly due to:
- Aging
- Reduced testosterone
- Use of anabolic steroids
- Anti-androgens to treat prostate cancer
- High estrogen levels and low testosterone levels due to obesity
Our Dramatic Male Breast Reduction Results
A More Masculine Physique Can Be Yours Contact Dr. Constance Barone in San Antonio Today
Whether due to estrogen or testosterone levels, obesity, or the natural effects of aging, if your breast enlargement is making you feel self-conscious, Dr. Constance Barone can provide you with a procedure that smooths your chest and improves your contours. She uses advanced techniques to perform gynecomastia surgery, prioritizes patient privacy, and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, making her a prime choice for your surgical procedure.
To get started on your male breast reduction surgery, fill out our online form or call our San Antonio office:
(210) 614-0400
We Help Patients Achieve What They've Envisioned "Very confident and straight to business"
Enrique Correa
San Antonio TX
2023
Front desk team 10/10 answered all my calls and were friendly. Dr. Constance is a professional she’s very confident and straight to business which I love i visioned the desired result and she got it done the way she treated me let me know she really cared.
View on GoogleBeatrice Cole
San Antonio TX
2023
So amazed with my results. Hands down BEST PLASTIC SURGEON EVER!!!!! San Antonio is lucky to have her. Her attention to detail and professionalism is unmatched. She has the best bedside manners and aftercare, truly cares about her patients... So pleased, will definitely recommend to all my family and friends.
View on GoogleAddressing Gynecomastia How Male Breast Reduction Is Performed
Our board-certified plastic surgeon artfully adjusts her surgical technique to address each man's unique body shape and goals. Gynecomastia surgery may involve simple liposuction alone, or may also include the removal of excess skin tissue.
4D Vaser LipoSelection
Dr. Barone can use the 4D hi-def VASER® LipoSelection technique to precisely remove fat from the treatment area so we can better achieve the body contouring results you desire. This technique also results in less severe side effects and a faster recovery period.
VASER LipoSelection uses an ultrasound-assisted cannula to liquefy fatty deposits in the pectoral area. Once the excess fat has been liquefied, our surgeon gently suctions it out, creating a smoother, flatter chest area.
Tissue Removal
If a man has excess breast tissue and skin that contributes to undesirable pectoral contours, our surgeon can remove it. Often performed in conjunction with liposuction, Dr. Barone uses small incisions for this plastic surgery procedure and is usually able to hide scars in the darkly colored skin of the areola.
To find out if liposuction, breast tissue removal, or a combination of the two is right for you, contact our San Antonio, TX, practice to request your initial consultation.
The Awake Technique
For both liposuction and tissue removal, Dr. Barone uses the awake technique. Rather than using general anesthesia or IV sedation, patients are given a local anesthetic and are kept awake during their treatments. Patients will feel no pain and can recover in our offices much faster than with IV sedation.
Gynecomastia and Breast Cancer
Some patients are concerned that gynecomastia is a sign of breast cancer, but gynecomastia is a benign condition. Research shows that cancer is diagnosed in only 1% of men with breast enlargement. Though the risk for breast cancer is extremely low, we will discuss this concern during your consultation at our San Antonio practice and ensure that you are healthy before proceeding with treatment.
Paying for Gynecomastia Surgery
Your medical insurance may contribute to the cost of gynecomastia surgery if you meet certain requirements, such as if malignancy is suspected or the enlargement causes chest pain. When used for cosmetic reasons, your insurance will not cover your surgery. However, we offer procedures at reasonable rates and accept financing options through CareCredit® and Alphaeon® so you can pay for your surgery in affordable monthly installments.
We accept cash, checks, and most major credit cards, so paying for your surgery is easy.
Benefit From Our Amazing Staff and Surgeon "Honest and upfront."
Jenny Hicks
San Antonio TX
2023
Very friendly staff and inviting facility. Dr. Barone was honest and up front with her answers to my questions which I appreciate as well as her professionalism.
View on GoogleSandra Urrabazo
San Antonio TX
2023
There aren’t enough words to express how incredibly pleased I am with my results. Dr. Barone is an excellent surgeon and her staff is awesome! The overall experience far exceeded my expectations and I am extremely happy.
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