Gynecomastia is a fairly common condition. Men with gynecomastia have breasts that look swollen, enlarged, saggy, and stretched. It isn’t dangerous, but it can affect a man’s self-esteem. A gynecomastia procedure can reduce the size of male breasts and can help improve your confidence.

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can be found in men of all ages, from teens through older men. It can happen in one or both breasts. There are many different reasons a man may have enlarged breasts. It can be caused by a medical treatment such as chemotherapy or by prescription drugs such as antibiotics or anti-anxiety drugs. Marijuana, heroin, amphetamine, anabolic steroid, or excessive alcohol use can also be a cause.

It can also be caused by fluctuations in hormone levels, which is why approximately 70% of teenage boys have enlarged breasts – but this can also be a reason why older men have it.

What can be done about gynecomastia?

Whatever the cause, gynecomastia can have a negative effect on your life. It can interfere with intimacy and make you too self-conscious to enjoy your hobbies, such as swimming. A gynecomastia correction procedure can help.

To have this procedure, you should be of a normal weight and in good general health, and you should be a nonsmoker. It is an outpatient procedure that typically takes around 2 hours, and it can be done under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.

Afterwards, you will be given a compression garment to minimize swelling, and the area will be sore. You should avoid strenuous exercise for about a month, but you can return to work and most of your other activities within a few days. The odds that your breasts will grow large again are very low, unless your gynecomastia was caused by drug use and this continues. You should try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid alcohol and drugs to maintain the results of your surgery.

Gynecomastia can cause a loss of self-confidence and can keep you from enjoying life. If you are interested in a gynecomastia correction procedure, call the office of Dr. Barrera for a consultation, at (713) 468-5200!