Gynecomastia—the presence of enlarged breasts in men—is a relatively new topic of discussion. For a long time now, men with enlarged breasts have suffered in silence because gynecomastia is not commonly talked about amongst friends. Slowly, however, men are becoming more comfortable talking with a trusted plastic surgeon such as Tampa’s Dr. Castor. Upon meeting prospective patients, Dr. Castor has found that there are many misconceptions about male breast reduction surgery.
Misconception: I Am the Only One with this Problem
More often than not, men feel isolated in their struggle with gynecomastia. Overly large or overdeveloped male breasts can make it difficult for a man to accept and find confidence with his body. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. It is believed that 40 to 60 percent of men will struggle with gynecomastia at some point during their life. A figure that only increases with age, it is believed that one out of two elderly men will develop enlarged breasts.
As Dr. Castor can attest to, more men are seeking out help from plastic surgeons each year. Last year, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported nearly 28,000 men underwent male breast reduction surgery—an increase of 36 percent since the year 2000,
Misconception: It Must Be Because I Am Overweight
Gynecomastia is in no way a “fat” problem and there is little that you can do to correct excess breast tissue without help from a professional. Men of all shapes and sizes can develop gynecomastia at any age. While Dr. Castor always encourages a healthy diet and lifestyle, it is likely to have little impact on the size of your breasts. In fact, some exercises may make the male breasts even more prominent.
Instead, gynecomastia is more often the of factors in which we have little control over including genetics, a hormonal imbalance or a medical condition. Certain medications are also believed to increase the formation of excess breast tissue.
Misconception: Everyone Will Know I Had Something Done
No one needs to know but you! Dr. Castor is careful to use the utmost discretion as he plans and performs your breast reduction. During your surgery, Dr. Castor is able to use advanced techniques, such as VASER® Liposelection, to remove the excess fat and glandular tissue without extensive surgery. If an incision is needed, Dr. Castor will carefully make it around the areola of the nipple as to be sure that it is not noticeable once it has fully healed.
The surgery itself generally lasts one to two hours. Men are able to return home following their surgery. While it is wise to take it easy and let the body heal, most men are able to go back to work within a few days.
Dr. Castor Offers a Solution to Gynecomastia at Artisan Aesthetics Plastic Surgery & Laser Center
Don’t let your chest get the best of you any longer. With male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Castor can help you achieve a flat, masculine chest. Dr. Castor would love to discuss your treatment options with you in a private consultation at either his Tampa or New Tampa plastic surgery centers.
