Gynecomastia Surgery
in Chicago, IL
A Confident Future
Chicago Gynecomastia Surgery at Dr. Sameer Kapadia
Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the appearance of breasts in men. If you are coping with excess breast tissue that makes you feel self-conscious about your body, you are not alone. Men can develop excess glandular tissue in the chest for a variety of reasons. Dr. Kapadia is a board-certified Chicago plastic surgeon offering discreet and compassionate surgical care for men dealing with gynecomastia. Restore masculine chest contours and reclaim your self confidence with expert gynecomastia surgery in Chicago.
A Common Problem
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the development of excess breast tissue in men. Although gynecomastia is not usually harmful, it can have a significant impact on self confidence. Sometimes, the excess tissue also causes tenderness and pain.
Enlarged male breasts can have different causes:
- Imbalanced hormone levels. Low testosterone, increased estrogen, or thyroid problems may lead to the development of excess glandular tissue, causing enlarged breasts.
- Medications and recreational drugs. Certain medications used to treat an enlarged prostate (anti-androgens), HIV, anxiety, heart problems, depression, and other conditions have been linked to male breast enlargement. Anabolic steroids and recreational drugs like marijuana are also linked to increased breast size.
- Weight gain. Being overweight can cause the appearance of breasts in men. In this case, excess fat rather than glandular tissue is responsible for enlarged breasts. Sometimes referred to as "pseudogynecomastia," excess fatty tissue in the breast area can be a source of significant psychological distress for men. Losing weight is typically the first recommended step for treating pseudogynecomastia. However, some individuals may benefit from a surgical procedure to remove excess skin after significant weight loss.
- Certain medical conditions. Cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, alcohol use disorder, Type 1 diabetes, and other medical conditions may cause gynecomastia in some patients. In some cases, gynecomastia is temporary. Many adolescent boys develop gynecomastia in one or both breasts as a result of hormonal changes. Usually, this type of gynecomastia resolves on its own. In cases where gynecomastia does not go away after puberty, medical intervention may be warranted.
Understanding Your Options
Am I a candidate for Gynecomastia Surgery?
At our practice in Chicago Gynecomastia Surgery can benefit men who have psychological distress or find themselves limiting physical activities as a result of gynecomastia. Because excess breast tissue in men can be a symptom of various medical conditions, assessment by a primary care physician or specialist is the first step in understanding the cause of male breast development.
Dr. Kapadia will spend time learning about your medical history and may order blood tests or other tests to aid in diagnosing the cause of gynecomastia. If medical care and lifestyle changes have not been an effective treatment, then the procedure known as male breast reduction surgery may be an option.
Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation
Pursuing male breast reduction is a personal decision that deserves careful consideration. It's important to select an experienced plastic surgeon who takes the time to educate you about your options. Dr. Kapadia is a board-certified plastic surgeon offering expert care for patients in Chicago, Elk Grove Village, Rosemont, and the surrounding areas. If you think this procedure may be right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation. During this meeting, Dr. Kapadia will learn about your reasons for considering gynecomastia surgery, discuss an individual treatment plan, and answer all of your questions so that you can make informed decisions. Call our office or complete our online form to schedule your consultation today.
Gynecomastia Surgery: Procedure, Recovery, and Results
Dr. Kapadia performs gynecomastia surgery as an outpatient procedure. It is usually performed under general anesthesia or sometimes with local anesthesia and sedation. The procedure begins with an incision made around the areola. For a more complex procedure, an additional incision extends outward from the nipple. Excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin are carefully excised to reduce the size of the breasts. If breast enlargement is primarily due to excess fatty tissue, liposuction may be used to remove fat deposits. Once the desired contour is achieved, Dr. Kapadia closes the incisions using expert techniques to reduce scarring. The surgery generally takes one to two hours to complete.
During recovery from gynecomastia surgery Chicago patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which are all normal side effects. Dr. Kapadia may prescribe pain medication and have you wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and support healing. You will be given detailed aftercare instructions, and your recovery progress will be checked at post-operative visits. Dr. Kapadia and his team remain available to answer questions and offer additional support every step of the way.
The results of gynecomastia surgery are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight and manage any medical conditions that led to your gynecomastia. While some scarring is inevitable, scar management techniques help the incisions fade and blend in with the surrounding skin. Male breast reduction has a high satisfaction rate among patients, who enjoy increased self confidence and reduced anxiety about the appearance of excess breast tissue. After surgery, you may feel better participating in different activities, pursuing professional opportunities, engaging in romantic relationships, and wearing the clothes you want without concern about your chest contours.
Gynecomastia Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
After male breast reduction surgery Chicago patients can return to work within about one week. The total recovery time will depend on the complexity of the surgery and individual rates of recovery. Dr. Kapadia will monitor your recovery and advise you on when it is safe to resume various activity levels.
Surgery to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and excess skin usually involves small incisions that are well concealed around the circumference of the areola. Sometimes, an additional incision is needed, usually running horizontally from the nipple areolar complex out to each side. It can take up to a year for scars to mature and fade. Good incision care and scar management can minimize the visibility of lines on the skin. Some amount of scarring is inevitable; however, for male patients who have surgery to reduce breast tissue, the benefits typically outweigh concerns about scars.
Like any surgery, gynecomastia surgery carries certain risks, including adverse reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding, seroma, hematoma, or temporary loss of sensation in the nipple. Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in the reduction mammaplasty procedure greatly reduces these risks. Patients experiencing excessive swelling, pain, or other unexpected side effects should contact Dr. Kapadia immediately for extra support.
