Gynecomastia – the medical term for breast enlargement – exists as a unique condition that is generally obvious to a physician but may pass as normal for the person afflicted. Men carrying around extra breast tissue since puberty or after massive weightloss may not think that they actually have a condition that can be treated, and might live for years stunted emotionally and physically by the issue
Dr. Maman, a board certified plastic surgeon from New York City, works to educate his patients on gynecomastia, offering hope to those afflicted that it can be helped! While various forms of it exists, various treatments can be offered to counter and achieve a unique path to success.
The Spectrum of Gynecomastia
“Man boobs” is the common name for gynecomastia. Some young boys unfortunately have to bear this issue while going through school, maybe under some scrutiny from more fortunate classmates. Or a man might complete the tough journey of massive weightloss and simply think that the odd shape of their breasts is just a “scar” of their former overweight selves.
“There is a true spectrum of [what that means],” says Maman. “It could be subtle enlargement of the breast tissue that bothers a man when he’s wearing a t shirt or when he goes shirtless at the beach. The other extreme is true breast development in a male. Oftentimes we’ll see that in men who’ve lost significant amounts of weight and have a lot of loose, extra skin.”
What are Treatments Like?
As it is a unique issue, gynecomastia treatments are crafted by surgeons like Maman to be uniquely yours. Based on the consult and state of the condition, a surgical plan will be developed that works to address your gynecomastia, not a standard procedure across the board.
“It can be as simple as subtle liposuction to large amounts of liposuction or, ultimately, the equivalent of a male breast reduction,” explains Maman. “It can be a pretty simple procedure and all cases are ambulatory, meaning they return home the same day. The recovery is short; most men can return to work within 3-5 days from the procedure.”
Shocking Happiness
When the procedure is all said in done, the weight – both physical and mental – of gynecomastia is lifted from patients, offering them a form of happiness that they may not have even realized was possible for them.
“It’s remarkable how happy and how satisfied patients are from our gynecomastia procedures,” shares Maman. “Many men don’t know what their options are and will go quite a long time before seeking treatment. Almost every single time the patient will tells us, ‘I can’t believe I didn’t do this when I was in college. I can’t believe I waited until my mid 40’s to do it.’”