Liposuction for the Treatment of Gynecomastia
Male breasts are not as uncommon as you might think. The medical term for this condition is called gynecosmastia or pseudogyncomastia and 50% or higher of the male population has experienced this condition at some point in their lifetime. If your reading this, you or someone you might know is probably affected by this condition causing embarrassment, anxiety, depression or all the above. You do not have to live with this condition and treatment options are easier than you think. Liposuction for gynecomastia can be an effective solution for individuals with this condition.
Do I have Gynecosmastia?
Characteristics of male breasts are enlargement of the chest area or under the areola, resembling a “breast” that is resistant to diet and exercise or does not fit with otherwise normal anatomy. Both overweight and normal weight individuals can be afflicted. The chest area might feel rubbery or lumpy to the touch due to enlarged glandular tissue and for some increased pain and sensitivity in the area. True gynecomastia involves swelling of glandular tissue and fat not just fat in the chest area.
What is Pseudogynecomastia?
Pseudogynecomastia is fatty tissue without enlarged glandular tissue. Overweight and obese men are more likely to develop this instead of true gynecomastia. Weight loss can help resolve the issue but for those that need additional help, liposuction surgery can be a great adjunct to correcting the problem. Your consultation with Dr. Michalak will help determine what type of gynecomastia you have, the possible cause and the best treatment to help correct the condition.
Causes of Male Breasts
There are multiple potential causes for gynecomastia. Hormone imbalance can be one of the most common reasons whereas the normal estrogen to androgen becomes imbalanced with the female hormone estrogen leading to more fatty/glandular tissue. There can be other causes and why a thorough consultation is necessary to evaluate if this is the right procedure for you. Some of the other causes include:
- Obesity
- Anabolic Steroids
- Liver/Kidney disease
- Hyperactive thyroid
- Medications
- Cancer
Liposuction for the Treatment of Gynecomastia
For qualified candidates, liposuction is an excellent treatment for this condition having several advantages for the patient. Dr. Michalak does tumescent liposuction, which is the process of permanently removing the fatty tissue via a microcannula inserted under the skin. Before the procedure begins, tumescent solutions containing local anesthetic solution is infiltrated into the area. The anesthetic in the tumescent fluid is vasoconstrictor so very little blood is present in the procedure. Discrete very small holes are made in strategic locations, allowing for the cannula to be inserted so the fatty tissue can be removed. Careful attention is paid to the aesthetics improving the overall shape and appearance of the chest area. Advantages for the patient are:
- Quick recovery so the patient can return to work in a few days.
- Performed under local anesthesia, posing less risk to the patient
- Minimal to no scarring
- Tumescent Liposuction has a very high safety profile
About Dr. Michalak’s Experience
Dr. Michalak is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He is a dermatologic surgery, MOHS Micrographic Surgeon, member of the American Society of Lipo-Suction Surgery and trained with the founder of tumescent liposuction surgery. Dr. Michalak has performed thousands of liposuction procedures over the span of his 20 + year career. Surgeries are performed in the office on an outpatient basis in Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology’s accredited surgical suite.
Dr. Michalak service area for gynecomastia liposuction include Issaquah, Bellevue, Seattle, Kirkland, and surrounding areas. Dr. Michalak also see’s patients from out of state including Oregon and California who are referred to the office from other happy patients. Consultations can be made by contacting us at 425-391-2500.