What is Gynecomastia

What Is

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the medical term for enlarged male breasts. The condition can present as puffy nipples, a lack of firmness in the chest, or even full, female-like breasts. While rarely harmful to a man’s physical health, the psychological effects of gynecomastia are a different story. Having “man boobs” can be embarrassing in a world where a firm, flat chest is considered the masculine norm. Men with gynecomastia often wear baggy shirts to hide their chest and avoid removing their shirts at the pool, the gym, or even in intimate situations. The good news is that gynecomastia is almost always 100% treatable with male breast reduction surgery. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger offers a number of specialized options for male breast reduction that require minimal recovery and leave virtually no visible scars. Learn more about male breast reduction in Hawaii.

 

What Causes Gynecomastia?

what-Gynecomastia

Men can develop gynecomastia for different reasons—and sometimes for no known reason at all. The condition is extremely common and thought to affect up to half of men at some point in their lives. Dr. Schlesinger treats men of all ages, from those in their teens all the way up to men in their 70s.

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Gynecomastia in Teens

Teenage males are especially hard hit by this disorder. Fluctuating hormones can cause male breast tissues to enlarge during puberty. Adolescent gynecomastia is often temporary, and the chest flattens once a man is an adult. Sometimes, however, the “man boobs” last into adulthood.

Steroid & Hormone Use

Use of anabolic steroids and other substances are a common cause. Many young, healthy men who are attempting to look more muscular will turn to the illegal use of male hormones such as testosterone, or even legal health store products such as DHEA. These and other hormone-producing products can cause breasts to enlarge, resulting in the unfortunate side effect of making one look worse when they were only trying to look better. While stopping these products is important for health and may keep gynecomastia from getting worse, oftentimes the damage has been done.

Weight gain and loss

Significant weight gain can also lead to enlarged male breasts, typically in the form of pseudogynecomastia (excess fat in the breasts). However, massive weight loss can leave behind excess skin, fat and glandular tissue in the breasts that can only be removed with male breast reduction surgery.

Gynecomastia vs. Pseudogynecomastia

“True” gynecomastia refers to the growth of glandular breast tissue, while “pseudogynecomastia” refers to excess fatty deposits in the breast area. Most gynecomastia cases involve a combination of both excess breast tissue and fat. While the type of tissue causing enlarged male breasts will influence the surgical techniques used to treat gynecomastia, whether you have “true” or “psuedogynecomastia” is of less concern to Dr. Schlesinger than how you feel about your chest appearance and what results you desire.

Male Breast Reduction Can Treat Your Gynecomastia

If you are suffering from gynecomastia in Hawaii, know that you have options to restore a firmer, flatter and more masculine chest shape. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger has over 30 years of experience helping men permanently overcome gynecomastia and feel more confident in their bodies as a result.

Learn more about your male breast reduction treatment options now.

Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Why Choose Dr. Schlesinger?

When choosing a plastic surgeon to perform your male breast reduction, one should always choose a Board Certified plastic surgeon that has the privilege to do male breast reductions at a local hospital. Cosmetic surgeries, including male breast reductions, are usually done in surgicenters, and not in hospitals. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS is a Board-Certified plastic surgeon with cosmetic surgery privileges at Queen’s Hospital, but he performs most surgeries at his new surgicenter at Hale Pawaa. Dr. Schlesinger is a graduate of the Medical College of Virginia and has received awards in the form of Hawaii Medical Association Physician of the Year, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and even received the Patients’ Choice and Compassionate Doctor certifications.

Schedule Your Consultation

To learn more regarding your options as a Hawaii male breast reduction patient, contact our Plastic Surgery Center today at (808) 517-5076 to schedule an initial consultation at our office in Honolulu. S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS will be glad to speak with potential Hawaii male breast reduction patients during that time.

More than 28k+ patients worldwide have placed their trust in Dr. Schlesinger.

  • Steve
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    I struggled with gynecomastia my whole life and the procedure to get it removed went better than I ever imaged. My confidence and overall demeanor skyrocketed and I feel like a brand new person. Dr. Schlesinger and his staff were so kind, understanding, and respectful during the whole process and I strongly recommend going with them for whatever procedure you may be looking for. My only regret is not getting it done sooner!

  • Dan C.
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    Being a man and having gynecomastia can be very embarrassing but his office and staff always made me feel very comfortable about the procedure that I needed to have done. It’s been a few months since my surgery and I’m very happy with the results, I can no longer feel embarrassed about taking off my shirt or going to the beach. The psychological relief has made all the difference in the world. Thank you Dr Schlesinger.

  • Imi
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    I got gynecomastia surgery from Dr. Schlesinger in August and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you are still debating on if you should do it or not, look no further! Dr Schlesinger is your guy.

  • JS
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    I cannot begin to express my satisfaction with the entire staff at Dr. Schlesinger’s office. From the very first consultation to our last post-op appointment, they have been nothing but courteous, professional, and helpful throughout the entire process. From keeping in contact, to answering all of our questions promptly, and following up with us post surgery, they are by far one of the best medical staff we had the pleasure of working with.

  • Jeremy
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    Dr. Schlesinger and his staff are true professionals. I had Gynecomastia surgery 2 weeks ago and I cannot be anymore happy with the results (fast and painless). I highly recommend him for anyone looking to have this procedure.

  • NS
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    Dr. Larry is honestly the best when it comes to gynocomastia surgery for men! From the consultation to the post-op follow ups, he and his staff have been nothing but helpful and professional. The surgery itself was quick and easy, with a short downtime afterward. You can’t beat the results!

  • Jerry
    Real Patient
    5 Star Review

    Anyone considering gynecomastia surgery should go to Dr. Schlesinger. The process is not as bad as you would imagine, and the staff is amazing. I am very happy with my surgery.

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