Questions about Gynecomastia

Tampa, St Petersburg, and Clearwater, Florida Male Breast Reduction

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is when a man has a large amount of breast tissue, creating an appearance similar to women's breasts. Gynecomastia is common, and even affects men who are at or near normal weight. It can make men feel self-conscious and may significantly reduce their quality of life.

How is gynecomastia treated?

Gynecomastia is normally treated using liposuction. In most cases the breast tissue is just fat, so liposuction works well. In other cases, you may have excess breast tissue or breast skin that may need to be removed surgically.

Can exercise get rid of gynecomastia?

Before seeking treatment for gynecomastia, you should try to get on a healthy diet and exercise routine for general weight loss. However, many men who are normal weight still suffer from gynecomastia, and if you are still unhappy with the appearance of your breasts, gynecomastia treatment can help.

What is recovery from gynecomastia treatment like?

Recovery depends on the type of procedure used. If you only had liposuction to remove breast tissue, recovery is typically accompanied only by minor discomfort and swelling. Final results may take several months to be visible, however, and requires that you wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and encourage proper healing. You should be able to return to non-strenuous activity within a couple days and full activity within a few weeks.

Can gynecomastia be a sign of underlying illness?

Yes. In rare cases, gynecomastia can be a sign of:

• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disorders
• Klinefelter syndrome
• Gilbert's syndrome
• Chronic liver disease

It's important to talk to your doctor about these possibilities as part of your regular routine physical evaluations and before seeking cosmetic treatment.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of enlarged male breasts, and are considering treatment, please contact Tampa plastic surgeon Dr. Antiono J. Gayoso for a male breast reduction consultation today.  Serving Tampa, St Petersburg, Clearwater and Tampa Bay, Florida.