Gynecomastia

As gynecomastia is a unique medical issue, each procedure is determined by an individual’s needs. Dr. Livingston will provide an estimate for your Houston gynecomastia cost during your consultation.

During your gynecomastia procedure, you will be given either local or general anesthetics, depending upon your procedural plan, so you should not feel discomfort. Most patients find the recovery period tolerable and without much pain. However, please be sure to address your pain concerns with Dr. Livingston prior to your procedure.

Diet and exercise are excellent for your overall health but may not address the root issues of gynecomastia. While not a medically dangerous condition, gynecomastia requires surgery to improve the appearance of patients with moderate to severe cases. Gynecomastia is typically a problem that, once developed, will not go away without surgical correction.

Pseudogynecomastia is typically seen in overweight to obese males. Rather than an abundance of glandular breast tissue, the appearance of male breasts is caused by an excess of fat. However, some patients with pseudo-gynecomastia may require the removal of some breast tissue to create an ideal masculine chest contour.

Typically, gynecomastia results in minimal scarring as incisions are made in a fashion that they are hidden in natural breast creases or around the areola. However, scars may take months to fade or flatten.

Generally, Dr. Livingston recommends that patients be in good mental and physical health with no hormonal issues. Patients should be non-smokers, have realistic expectations, and understand the risks of the procedure.

Once fat cells have been removed, the body does not replace them. So, with your maintained weight and healthy lifestyle, you should experience long-lasting results, and enlarged breasts should not return and be a problem.

Patients will be allowed to go home following their procedure; however, you may need some assistance for the first day or so.

Hormonal imbalances, specific medications, obesity, genetic factors, and underlying medical conditions can cause gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia’s hallmark is the presence of firm, rubbery breast tissue beneath the nipples. If you have doubts, it’s best to consult a health professional for an accurate diagnosis.

While gynecomastia is most common during puberty and in older males due to hormonal changes, it can happen at any age.

On its own, gynecomastia is usually not medically serious. However, if left untreated, it can cause emotional distress and impact your self-confidence.

In some cases, gynecomastia may resolve on its own, especially if it results from temporary hormonal imbalances. However, if gynecomastia persists or causes significant discomfort, medical intervention may be necessary.

Treatment options for gynecomastia include lifestyle changes (e.g., weight loss, exercise), medication (e.g., hormone therapy), and surgical intervention (e.g., liposuction, breast tissue excision).

Non-surgical treatments for gynecomastia include hormone therapy and compression garments that temporarily flatten the chest.

Recovering from gynecomastia surgery typically involves wearing a compression garment, avoiding strenuous activities for a few weeks, and following post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Livingston.

Like any surgical procedure, gynecomastia treatment can involve complications such as infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and changes in nipple sensation. Discuss these risks with Dr. Livingston beforehand.