Men dealing with the development of breasts may be understandably stressed by the unwanted look, but unsure of whether the problem should be solved by liposuction or gynecomastia surgery. Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Davidson counsels men in this situation not to worry: a consultation can set the stage for determining the cause of the problem, which will determine which approach to take for treatment.
While there are a variety of reasons men may appear to have breasts, the two primary causes are the development of glandular breast tissue (known as gynecomastia) and excess fat (known as pseudogynecomastia). The nature of the tissue that makes up the enlarged breast is the deciding factor for which procedure—gynecomastia surgery or liposuction—should be employed to resolve it.
Gynecomastia surgery involves the excision of specific glands and the associated tissue that has swollen due to hormone imbalances. It is unique to the chest area and requires specific training and skills.
Liposuction is the general term for the surgical removal of unwanted fat cells via suction through a fine canula. While this also takes specific training, it can be applied not just on the chest, but virtually anywhere on the body where stubborn pockets of fat develop.
The two techniques may be combined in cases where glandular tissue and fat cells together cause male breast enlargement—it all depends on the individual. Most importantly, as a board-certified and experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Davidson emphasizes that meeting with a qualified doctor is key to establishing the root of the problem so the most effective solution can be applied.
A consultation with Dr. Davidson is recommended for any man considering his options for breast reduction, including gynecomastia surgery, in the Boston area. Call (781) 237-7700 or inquire online.