Dr. W. Tracy Hankins and Dr. Samuel M. Sohn discuss the causes of and available treatment methods for male breast enlargement, including non-surgical options for pseudo-gynecomastia.
Las Vegas, NV—According to National Institute of Health, Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of breast tissue in men, and this condition can affect children, adolescents, and adults. In many cases, the symptoms subside after a few months or years, explain Las Vegas plastic surgeons W. Tracy Hankins and Samuel M. Sohn. However, if the excess glandular tissue remains indefinitely, or if the effect causes significant emotional distress, they suggest that patients experiencing this disorder should consider speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon about treatment options.
Dr. Hankins explains that the symptoms of gynecomastia include swollen, drooping, or disproportionately large breasts in men due to excess glandular tissue. A similar condition, called pseudo-gynecomastia, occurs as a result of excess fatty tissue accumulating in the chest, which can often be confused for true gynecomastia; however, he indicates that the two disorders typically have different causes. Hormonal imbalance, breast cancer, certain medications, and some autoimmune diseases can lead to gynecomastia on one or both sides of the chest, he explains. Pseudo-gynecomastia, he contrasts, will likely be due to weight gain and genetic predisposition.
Regardless of the causal factors, male breast enlargement can result in lowered self-esteem, behavior modification, and other signs of dissatisfaction, Dr. Sohn reveals. However, he explains, “If the male chest fullness is due to what is known as pseudo-gynecomastia, which is fatty redundancy of the chest, then diet and exercise programs can help to reduce and improve the contours and appearance.” If lifestyle and environmental changes are unsuccessful at achieving the desired outcome, he says patients can treat gynecomastia with male breast reduction surgery, which involves liposuction and excision techniques, to help them achieve the flatter, more masculine appearance many men request. In some instances, he indicates a combination approach can yield more comprehensive results. “In addition, our office has VASER® ultrasound assisted liposuction. The ultrasonic energy applied during liposuction helps to eliminate more fat, tighten the skin, and helps to work through dense or fibrous breast tissue.”
Ultimately, Drs. Hankins and Sohn believe that patients suffering from excess breast tissue should not have to live with this debilitating disorder. “In general, this gynecomastia reduction is a very successful operation with a high degree of patient satisfaction with the results. We have a number of male patients who present to the office [who are] uncomfortable with going bare-chested in the summer time. They regain new confidence with their improved appearance after the surgery.”
About W. Tracy Hankins, MD
A graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina and Indiana University Medical School, Dr. Hankins is a board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates in Las Vegas, Nevada. He completed extensive training in general and plastic surgery at the Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners, a prestigious program located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has also been featured as an expert on several TV shows and news segments, including “The Doctors,” as well as in national magazines, including MAXIM and Playboy. Dr. Hankins is available for interview upon request.
About Samuel M. Sohn, MD
A board-certified plastic surgeon and co-founder of Hankins & Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates, Dr. Sohn received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University and his medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia. He relocated to Michigan to complete his general and plastic surgery residencies at Michigan State University, one of the most established programs in the country, followed by a move to New York for an Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship. He is also an active member of several esteemed medical organization, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Sohn is available for interview upon request.
For more information about Dr. Hankins, Dr. Sohn, and their practice, please visit hankinsplasticsurgery.com and Next Previous