Category Archives: gynecomastia surgery

Treating Your Gynecomastia – How to Prepare Yourself for Surgery

August 21, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Large breasts are very often something that many people either desire or appreciate. However, there is a catch: you have to be a woman. If you are a man, then enlarged breasts can be a source of embarrassment, especially when you are trying to go bare-chested at the beach or wear a tighter-fitting shirt. Unfortunately, up to 65 percent of men are dealing with this condition, forcing them to schedule procedures like gynecomastia surgery.

The success rate of effectively reducing the excess breast tissue during gynecomastia surgery is 92.6 percent. That said, for there to be as few complications as possible and for the results to meet expectations, you must prepare. This blog, and Dr. D’Souza’s pre-op instructions, will tell you exactly how to do that.

What Is Gynecomastia and Why Does It Happen?

Gynecomastia, popularly referred to as “man boobs,” is the swelling of breast tissue in men that causes it to pass the average size. The condition is quite common among teenagers and men over 50, but it can happen at any age. Since this concern often occurs as a result of hormonal imbalances, specific changes or excesses in your body can trigger its appearance.

More often than not, gynecomastia goes away on its own, mainly if it occurs during puberty. In mild cases, it can potentially be reduced through medical treatments. However, when gynecomastia is more advanced or persistent, the best way to eliminate the excess tissue is through surgery. And for you to obtain the best results, you need to prepare for it.

How to Prepare for Surgery

In the days leading to your gynecomastia surgery, there are several steps that you can take to make the procedure and recovery smooth. Dr. D’Souza at Iconic Plastic Surgery recommends the following:

Quit Smoking

Smoking can increase the probability of complications during surgery, as it weakens your body and increases your risk of bleeding. It also slows down wound healing, preventing you from enjoying results at a satisfactory rate. You should quit smoking for at least a few weeks before the procedure, and really stop the habit even after your surgery is completed.

Adjust Your Medication

Certain types of medication, like anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners, can increase the risks of complications during the procedure. Even supplements can have an unwanted effect if they interact with your blood flow. If you are taking medication like aspirin or supplements without a prescription, you should consider avoiding them in the days before the surgery. If you cannot stop the treatment for medical reasons or are unsure if it affects results, please inform Dr. D’Souza of your medication.

Fast Before the Procedure

Eating before a procedure can reduce the effect of anesthesia while potentially leading to other complications. For this reason, it is recommended not to eat at least 8 hours before the surgery. If your gynecomastia surgery is scheduled for the morning, you should ensure the last meal is before midnight and skip breakfast. Some water is allowed if you have to take medicine, but the intake should be limited as well.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

The stronger your body is, the smoother your recovery after gynecomastia surgery should be. Follow a healthy lifestyle in the weeks before your procedure. Stick to a balanced diet and exercise routine, and ensure that you are adequately hydrated. This should help the muscles and tissue heal efficiently, with fewer complications and scarring risks.

Get Ready for Gynecomastia Surgery!

Gynecomastia can be a complex condition to treat as a man, but fortunately, it is not impossible. To ensure the procedure’s success, it is recommended that you prepare your body within the weeks and days leading up to the procedure. Schedule an appointment with Iconic Plastic Surgery and learn how to prepare for your surgery!

For more information about gynecomastia and how to prepare for the procedure, contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza can give you the guidance you need to be ready for your surgery. We also invite you to fill out our online contact form,and we will contact you shortly.

How to Tell If You Have Gynecomastia

June 19, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Gynecomastia is a condition that affects one to two-thirds of the male population. This condition causes enlarged breast tissue in men and makes it look like you have “man boobs,” which can cause discomfort and embarrassment for adult individuals. However, not every case of enlarged male breasts is gynecomastia, as different factors can influence this physical condition.

One of the most important questions for some men is: Do you have excess fat, or do you have gynecomastia? Below, we will teach you more about gynecomastia and help you see if you struggle with it. As a male with an enlarged chest, there are certain things you should ask yourself before thinking about gynecomastia surgery.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is often a benign condition that leads to swelling of the breast area in men; this condition is usually caused by an increase in estrogen and a decrease in testosterone. The condition is more common in infants, teenagers, and older adults, as they often experience hormone fluctuations; however, gynecomastia can also occur in adult men at various points in their life.

With gynecomastia, the glandular tissue increases as an influx of hormones goes through your body. The condition can appear in one or both breasts and can cover the entire surface or only around the nipple area.

Typical Symptoms of Gynecomastia

Usually, gynecomastia includes symptoms that should be able to tell you whether or not you have this condition. The swelling of the breast tissue is the most notable sign of gynecomastia, especially when you are not particularly overweight. Additionally, if the swelling is accompanied by pain, tenderness, or sensitivity in the nipple area, then it’s a good sign that you have gynecomastia.

If these symptoms become bothersome and are potentially accompanied by fluid coming out of the nipples, then you might want to call Iconic Plastic Surgery. The condition usually starts with a firm lump in the breast area, which grows more prominent over time. An appointment can determine whether or not you are a candidate for gynecomastia treatment and help you achieve a flatter, more masculine chest.

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you are trying to determine if you have gynecomastia or are merely dealing with chest fat, here are some questions that you can ask yourself:

Am I Overweight?
Generally, if you have excess fat and a BMI over 27, there is a good chance that the increased size of the breasts may not be due to gynecomastia. Even if you have a slimmer form but a high triglyceride or cholesterol level, the swelling can be caused by excess fat. That said, if dieting and exercise do not reduce the swelling, then there is a good chance it is indeed gynecomastia.

What Age Am I?
If you are younger and going through puberty, your hormones are likely going all over the place as your body is adjusting to the changes. Most cases of gynecomastia happen in teenagers, but the condition usually resolves itself once puberty is over. However, if you are an adult, you should have your hormone levels in balance, which means that you might need to be treated for gynecomastia.

Do I Have Any Medical Conditions?
Certain medical conditions that affect your hormone levels can lead to the development of gynecomastia. For example, if you were diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, the swelling of your breasts may indeed be a sign of gynecomastia. Dr. D’Souza can help you take the necessary tests if you suspect an underlying condition.

Am I Under Any Medication?
Some types of medication can lower testosterone levels. For instance, chemotherapy treatments can reduce testosterone levels, causing your estrogen to be more elevated than it should be. If your gynecomastia symptoms appeared after you started this treatment, then the effects may be temporary and treatable.

The Bottom Line

Once diagnosed, gynecomastia can be treated until you reach the contour you desire. You just need to determine whether or not you actually have this condition. Schedule an appointment with Iconic Plastic Surgery to find out whether or not you are dealing with gynecomastia!

For more information about gynecomastia, contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza can offer a consultation so you can get the proper treatment for your needs. As an alternative, you can fill out the provided online contact form on our website, and we will get in touch shortly.

Are You a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia?

March 20, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects over 30 percent of men at some point in their life. Although both men and women are born with breast tissue, women are the ones who take the most pride in this tissue. While enlarged breasts in women are nothing to be embarrassed about, this excess breast tissue (gynecomastia) can cause men to feel self-conscious about their appearance, especially when they are not wearing a shirt.

What makes this condition even more frustrating is that diet and exercise alone cannot rid a man of gynecomastia. Instead, gynecomastia surgery is necessary to reduce excess breast tissue and fat in a man’s chest to bring the body back into proportion. Read our blog and find out whether or not you are a candidate for this procedure!

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that can cause male breasts to grow abnormally large. Various things, such as weight gain or an imbalance between the male and female hormones can cause this condition. Should you have an increased level of estrogen compared to your testosterone, the breasts can become larger.

Gynecomastia is widespread in teenage men, as their hormones are imbalanced. While this condition often resolves itself after puberty, this is not always the case. As the glandular component of the breasts starts proliferating as a response to hormonal changes, it can cause your breasts to appear bigger, even if you are not necessarily overweight.

Signs You Are a Gynecomastia Candidate

Certain signs might suggest that you are a good candidate for a gynecomastia procedure. These signs include the following:

You Are Bothered by the Size of Your Breasts : A large breast size in men can cause embarrassment. Large breasts can also lead to tenderness and nipple sensitivity, making it difficult for some men to wear clothes without discomfort. Gynecomastia surgery can help reduce the size of your breasts, thereby easing the pain.

You Are in Good Health : Gynecomastia surgery can put a strain on your body, especially during the recovery period. Aside from your hormonal imbalance, you should ideally be in good health. Non-smokers are the best candidates, as smoking can compromise your body’s ability to heal.

You Have Realistic Expectations and Goals : An ideal candidate for gynecomastia surgery has realistic expectations and goals for the outcome. While the satisfaction rate for this procedure is usually high, hormonal imbalances can cause your final results to be slow. A positive outlook is recommended when undergoing the procedure.

Your Breast Development Has Stabilized : Gynecomastia surgery is usually recommended if your breast development has already stabilized. For instance, teenagers’ bodies are constantly changing, with gynecomastia often resolving on its own. However, if your breast and body development seems to have come to a stop and your breasts are still large, then you may want to consider gynecomastia surgery.

Your Results Are Not Improving After Dieting and Exercise : Large breasts in males are often caused by excess fat around the breasts. Usually, this can be solved with a healthy diet and regular visits to the gym. However, if you’ve taken on dieting and exercise and lost weight, but the size of your breasts is still not improving, then you could be a candidate for gynecomastia surgery.

You Are Not Overweight : While you can still have gynecomastia surgery when you are overweight, it is generally not recommended unless other weight loss methods are also incorporated. This is because such a procedure can cause the body to look and feel disproportioned. Your breast area will be smaller, while the rest of the body has excess weight. The purpose of gynecomastia is to improve the aesthetics of your body, not make it look out of proportion.

The Bottom Line

Gynecomastia can be a very embarrassing condition for men, causing them to hide underneath their clothes. Instead of feeling self-conscious and embarrassed, contact Iconic Plastic Surgery and schedule an appointment for a gynecomastia consultation!

For more information about gynecomastia and how to treat it, you can contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza can answer all of your questions so that you can make an informed decision. Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Get Fit for Summer With Gynecomastia Surgery

January 10, 2024 admin Leave a comment

Gynecomastia is a condition that is very common in adolescent males along with adults over the age of 50. When this condition appears, it makes them seem like they have breasts that are sometimes larger than a woman’s, potentially making them feel very self-conscious. Many men simply avoid going to the beach, as they do not want the embarrassment of taking their shirt off.

The good news is that gynecomastia is not only treatable but also preventable. With the right medical approach and appropriate aftercare, you can prevent your chest from looking like it needs a bra. In this blog, you can learn more about gynecomastia and how to approach it so that you can be fit for summer!

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a fairly common disorder in men of all ages, appearing as an enlargement or overdevelopment of men’s breast tissue. Commonly referred to as “man boobs,” the condition is more common in infants, teenagers, and older men, but it may also occur in middle-aged adults.

Enlarged male breasts may be caused by various things. For instance, if the breast tissue itself is the part that becomes larger, the cause may be a hormonal imbalance, where you have more estrogen than testosterone. This can cause the breast tissue to swell while being relatively firm.

Gynecomastia may also be a symptom of excess weight. Once more, there may be two causes for this. As an example, it can merely be fat in your chest area, causing your breasts to swell. That being said, obesity also has the potential to increase estrogen levels, which can lead to the breast tissue itself swelling up.

Treatment for gynecomastia is often hormonal, but it may also be addressed through gynecomastia surgery and/or liposuction. The approach may differ based on what is causing your condition. This is why a consultation with Iconic Plastic Surgery is necessary, as Dr. D’Souza will come up with a personalized treatment approach.

Exercise as a Gynecomastia Maintenance Treatment

For gynecomastia to stop rearing its head, you could use exercise as a preventive method. Very often, gynecomastia may appear as a result of excess weight, causing the fat to accumulate in the chest area. When you exercise regularly, you can shed extra weight, which should reduce the size of your chest area as well.

If your gynecomastia is caused by hormonal imbalances, then exercise can also help you keep the condition under control. Working out can increase your testosterone levels, making it so that your estrogen is no longer dominant. This brings your body back into balance so that your hormones are not causing your breasts to grow. This is why Dr. D’Souza often recommends exercise after gynecomastia treatment (once cleared of course!), to prevent the condition from reoccurring. Some instances of gynecomastia cannot be treated with exercise and will need surgical intervention.

What Exercise Types Should You Focus On?

There are certain exercises that you may want to add to your routine, namely cardio and those that target your chest muscles. Walking and running can help you reduce body fat, which can also help prevent the reappearance of male breasts. Rowing machines also offer a full-body workout, with the pulling motion being especially effective on your chest muscles.

If you are looking for a low-impact cardio exercise, swimming can also keep your gynecomastia under control. Not only can it help build your cardio strength, but the arm and chest-centered movements can also reduce chest fat. This can help you get fit for summer while preparing you for a safe day at the beach. After all, with all that swimming, you’ll be more confident jumping in the water.

The Bottom Line

Gynecomastia can be a fairly embarrassing condition for men, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be controlled. With the right approach, you can help bring it under control so that you can enjoy your summer body. Call Iconic Plastic Surgery and set up an appointment for gynecomastia treatments!

For more information about gynecomastia and ways to treat it, you can contact Iconic Plastic Surgery at 760-637-5288. Dr. D’Souza can set you up with an appointment and address your condition. Alternatively, you can fill out our online contact form and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

Undergoing Gynecomastia Surgery

March 2, 2021 admin Leave a comment

Some men suffer from enlarged breasts, also known as gynecomastia, which can make them feel self-conscious about their appearance. Gynecomastia can be caused by many different factors, such as hormones, medications, obesity, and underlying health conditions. It is true that gynecomastia cannot be resolved with exercise alone, so surgery is necessary to eliminate the extra fat and breast tissue. Undergoing male breast reduction surgery can help give you the confidence you need at the beach, the gym, or in the bedroom.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the appearance of female-like breasts in men. It appears when men experience an overdevelopment of breast tissue and excess fat in the chest area, which can be caused by genetics, hormones, and medications, among other factors. Gynecomastia can affect newborns, boys going through puberty, or men, and it often comes and goes in stages. However, it is important to contact Dr. D’Souza if you notice any breast changes.

Am I a Candidate?

Candidates for male breast reduction surgery are in good health and have realistic expectations about their results. They should also be concerned with the appearance of their breasts and be non-smokers. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. D’Souza at Iconic Plastic Surgery is recommended so that he can examine your breasts and determine the next steps in your breast-reduction journey.

When Should I Undergo Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed at any time; however, it may be a good idea to undergo this surgery in the colder, winter months so that you can be ready to show off your manly chest at the beach or pool in the summer. Additionally, Dr. D’Souza may recommend that you lose a little bit of weight before surgery, but that will be determined at your private consultation.

To find out more about gynecomastia and to schedule a consultation with Dr. D’Souza at Iconic Plastic Surgery, please contact us online or call us at 760-637-5288 today!

How Gynecomastia Surgery Can Give You a More Sculpted Chest

July 8, 2020 admin Leave a comment

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by enlarged male breasts. Men with gynecomastia may be self-conscious or uncomfortable in certain social settings or types of clothing. Gynecomastia surgery can be performed to remove excess tissue and provide a more sculpted, masculine chest appearance.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can be caused by several factors. Hormonal changes, such as the fluctuations experienced during puberty, and weight gain, are the two most common causes. Certain medications, drugs, and health conditions can also cause the breast tissue to enlarge.

Gynecomastia can be caused by the enlargement of glandular breast tissue, excess fat, or both.

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

The technique used during your surgery will depend on the cause of your gynecomastia. If the primary cause is an excess of fat, liposuction may be a good treatment option. Liposuction uses suction to remove fat cells through a thin tube called a cannula.

If your enlarged breasts are caused by swollen glandular tissue, surgery can be performed to remove it. This procedure is often performed under general anesthesia. Some patients may require a combination of the two techniques. Any excess skin can then be removed before the incisions are closed using sutures. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours to complete.

What Can I Expect During My Recovery?

Immediately after your surgery, your chest will be wrapped in bandages and a compression garment, which helps reduce swelling and encourages healing. There may be some discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help keep you comfortable.

Most patients are able to return to work in about one week. You should avoid strenuous activities for the first two or three weeks. You may also experience some swelling or bruising in the treatment site. These side effects are normal and should dissipate over two or three weeks.

In order to ensure your safety and the quality of your results, you should make sure to protect your incisions from the sun and follow the provided aftercare instructions carefully. Dr. D’Souza will go over these instructions with you during your pre-surgery appointment.

How Long Will My Results Last?

The results of your gynecomastia surgery should be long lasting. Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle will help improve the longevity of your results. You can expect your chest to look more sculpted and masculine.

If you are interested in gynecomastia surgery, give us a call at 760.637.5288 or schedule a virtual consultation.

The Causes of Gynecomastia and How To Get a More Sculpted Chest

September 25, 2019 admin Leave a comment

Many men consider a sculpted, masculine torso to be the ideal aesthetic and strive to achieve it with diet and exercise. However, a common condition called gynecomastia can obscure a male patient’s attractive chest contour with a layer of excess tissue. Gynecomastia is the accumulation of fatty or glandular tissue in the male breasts, which can produce an irregular or feminine shape. Men who are concerned about the appearance of their chest can have excess breast tissue removed by undergoing gynecomastia surgery.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is usually a benign condition and can affect men of all ages. It can be caused by several factors, such as weight gain, genetics, use of certain substances or medications, or hormonal imbalance. It often results in both emotional and physical discomfort, compromising a man’s quality of life and happiness.

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Gynecomastia surgery is intended for men who struggle with enlarged male breasts and wish to obtain a chiseled and fit chest. Various techniques (including excision, liposuction, or a combination of both) can be utilized to give patients customized effects tailored to their needs and objectives. This procedure takes approximately one to two hours to complete, and patients can typically return home the same day.

Ideal Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery

The best patients for gynecomastia surgery are men in good health who are displeased with how their chest looks. Ideally, they should have already tried at-home methods of fat reduction, such as consuming a balanced diet and exercising daily. Those with good skin elasticity are also more likely to have an optimal outcome from this procedure.

What to Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery

Most patients feel sore and experience some swelling in the treated area after gynecomastia surgery. A compression garment can help with these side effects. If needed, over-the-counter medication can be taken to alleviate postoperative pain and make the healing process more comfortable.

Results

It may take a few weeks for the skin to heal and adjust to the newly formed shape. Scarring is a possibility after gynecomastia surgery. However, the incisions are carefully created in inconspicuous areas for the most conservative improvement possible. Results can last several years for patients who maintain a healthy, active lifestyle. In some cases, the breasts can enlarge again, particularly for those who experience weight gain or continue to use substances that trigger male breast enlargement.

To learn more about gynecomastia surgery, please schedule your consultation at our Carlsbad office by calling 760-637-5288 or filling out our virtual consultation form.

Treating Your Gynecomastia – How to Prepare Yourself for Surgery

Category Archives: gynecomastia surgery

Treating Your Gynecomastia – How to Prepare Yourself for Surgery

What Is Gynecomastia and Why Does It Happen?

How to Prepare for Surgery

Get Ready for Gynecomastia Surgery!

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REQUEST A CONSULTATION

How to Tell If You Have Gynecomastia

What Is Gynecomastia?

Typical Symptoms of Gynecomastia

Questions to Ask Yourself

The Bottom Line

Are You a Good Candidate for Gynecomastia?

What Is Gynecomastia?

Signs You Are a Gynecomastia Candidate

The Bottom Line

Get Fit for Summer With Gynecomastia Surgery

What Is Gynecomastia?

Exercise as a Gynecomastia Maintenance Treatment

What Exercise Types Should You Focus On?

The Bottom Line

Undergoing Gynecomastia Surgery

What Is Gynecomastia?

Am I a Candidate?

When Should I Undergo Surgery?

How Gynecomastia Surgery Can Give You a More Sculpted Chest

What Causes Gynecomastia?

How Is Gynecomastia Surgery Performed?

What Can I Expect During My Recovery?

How Long Will My Results Last?

The Causes of Gynecomastia and How To Get a More Sculpted Chest

What Causes Gynecomastia?

What Is Gynecomastia Surgery?

Ideal Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery

What to Expect After Gynecomastia Surgery

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