When excess glandular and fatty tissue develop in a man’s chest the condition is called either gynecomastia or, in certain cases, pseudo-gynecomastia. Most commonly occurring in adolescence, gynecomastia may continue beyond puberty or develop in adulthood, often causing the patient to feel self-conscious about his appearance. Our experienced plastic surgeons, Dr. W. Tracy Hankins and Dr. Samuel M. Sohn, understand that this is a delicate concern, and they can provide discreet, compassionate assistance in reducing excess breast and fatty tissue in qualified candidates.
The first step in determining if a patient has gynecomastia or pseudo-gynecomastia is to examine the chest area for excess tissue. If there is a swollen appearance or if the chest/breasts are disproportionately large for the frame, this may also be evidence of the condition. Gynecomastia is characterized by the presence of glandular tissue, which is typically caused by hormonal changes or imbalance. Performance enhancement drugs, marijuana use, and certain herbal supplements have been known to exacerbate gynecomastia. In some cases, there may also be fatty tissue present; however, if fat alone is the cause of the enlargement this is called pseudo-gynecomastia. There is a variety of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for both types of male breast enlargement, and Drs. Hankins and Sohn will develop a customized treatment plan to address the unique needs and goals of each patient.
Gynecomastia and pseudo-gynecomastia can sometimes feel debilitating. Drs. Hankins and Sohn can provide helpful resources about this common condition and offer a comfortable, compassionate environment in which to discuss treatment options.
For more information about gynecomastia and pseudo-gynecomastia, or if you would like to schedule a private, complimentary consultation with Dr. Hankins or Dr. Sohn, please contact us today.