Understanding Gynecomastia

A signature of male fitness is tight, square pectoral muscles. Enlarged breasts, however, affect between 40% and 60% of men. This can be a source of embarrassment and create anxiety and self-confidence issues.

Men who have developed female-like breasts, or “man boobs,” usually suffer from a condition known as gynecomastia, which causes the chest to develop hard, glandular tissue behind the nipples as well as excess fat. Gynecomastia is not your fault, and it can be corrected!

Gynecomastia Overview

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Causes of Gynecomastia

This problem often manifests during the teenage years, and it may be caused by one or several factors, such as:

  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Medication containing steroids
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Steroid use
  • Aging process

In most cases, the cause of breast development in men is unknown, but it can be treated. When left untreated, it has the potential to lead to low self-esteem or depression, and it can impact the quality of life.

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Male Plastic Surgery

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Before & After Gynecomastia

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Gynecomastia Treatment

Dr. Shapiro typically uses VASER Liposculpture to perform male breast reduction. This type of liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to melt fat so it may be suctioned from the chest for permanent results. This procedure is an option for patients with gynecomastia that consists of excess fatty tissue.

Dr. Shapiro regularly uses VASER Liposculpture for problems just like this. This specialized form of liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to melt fat before it is easily removed by suction from the chest. Once the extra fat is removed, it is gone forever.

In the case of “true” gynecomastia, in which hard glandular tissue has developed, these glands will be removed. Any palpable nodules that may have developed behind the nipples will also be removed with a circular incision around the nipple. This leaves a scar that is nearly invisible.

Once the fat is removed and glandular tissue excised, the chest may seem deflated. Dr. Shapiro then sculpts the chest into a tighter and more fit appearance. By injecting the patient’s own fat into, above, and below the pectoral muscle, Dr. Shapiro can sculpt a masculine muscular structure for optimal results.

In extreme cases in which a large amount of fat or glandular tissue has been removed, some excess skin must be removed to allow the remaining skin to readjust and firm to the new contour. When VASER lipo is used, it helps to pull the skin tighter after the procedure. Tighter skin over tight muscles creates a very defined and athletic appearance with absolutely no more “man boobs.” The surgery typically takes one to two hours and may be performed under general anesthesia.

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Gynecomastia Before & After

Patient is a 50-year-old male with long-standing fullness of the breasts since he was a teenager, and fullness of his abdomen, back, and flanks, with a desire to improve his body contour. He had diligently tried various diets and exercises but could not seem to get the improvement he desired. He is 6’5” and weighs 240lbs.

Before
After

Patient is a 50-year-old male with long-standing fullness of the breasts since he was a teenager, and fullness of his abdomen, back, and flanks, with a desire to improve his body contour. He had diligently tried various diets and exercises but could not seem to get the improvement he desired. He is 6’5” and weighs 240lbs.

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Recovering From Gynecomastia Surgery

Patients wear a compression garment for three to six weeks after the surgery, which keeps incision sites stable and prevents a build-up of fluids that may cause complications. This compression garment also aids in a speedy recovery and makes the results of the procedure more permanent.

Depending on the extent of the procedure, some patients experience bruising and mild discomfort afterward. Dr. Shapiro can prescribe oral pain medication to relieve any discomfort. Most patients resume work and normal activities within five days. Swelling usually lasts for up to three weeks but gradually dissipates to reveal the final results.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

No surgery is free of risks. When male breast reduction surgery is performed by an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Shapiro, complications are uncommon and typically minor. Risks of this procedure include infection, bleeding, adverse reaction to anesthesia, and an accumulation of fluid.

The procedure can also result in asymmetry or noticeable scars. Temporary side effects include loss of sensation or numbness in the treatment area, which typically goes away within a year.

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Are You a Candidate?

This procedure may be performed on healthy men who have realistic expectations. The ideal candidate for this procedure has firm skin with good elasticity to help reshape the contours. Obese or overweight men who have not attempted to correct the problem through weight loss and exercise may not be good candidates.

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Testimonials

Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery!

I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and medi...

I saw 5 of our nation’s most affluent extraordinary plastic surgeons from Washington DC to Beverly Hills and chowing Dr. Shapiro was the best choice! As a public Liason and media commentator trusting my face and appearance to a surgeon is critical. Dr. Shapiro is meticulous and commands excellence in the fine art of plastic surgery! Thank you Dr. Shapiro! 

Martha Boneta 5 out of 5 stars

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming.

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love tha...

Dr.Shaprio's office is beautiful and welcoming. Anne is such a talented Nurse, and she has been able to so graciously answer any and all of my questions and concerns. I love that she explains everything to me and makes my services short and sweet. I plan to go there for a Skin Consultation soon so that I can find what products would work well for my skin. Thank you to the incredible team at Shapiro Aesthetics! 

Jacque King 5 out of 5 stars

I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future!

I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shap...

I’m 22 & I recently had a rhino/ septoplasty done by Dr.Shapiro and also some facial graphing and a fat transfer to my lips. & I’m over the moon with my results! Dr.Shapiro and his team were so kind and professional through the entire experience. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic they made my dream nose come to life. & took every precaution to make sure we’re all safe by checking temperatures and wearing face masks. Being in the hands of someone with so much knowledge and experience made it so easy for me to go into surgery. I will forever trust Dr.Shapiro and his team with anything I decided to do in the future! Thank you so much! 

McKenna Commans 5 out of 5 stars

Can’t say enough kind words. 

Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face l...

Always do your own research and interview different surgeons but be assured that Dr Shapiro will give you what you ask for. I’m delighted with my results and I had a full face lift, eyes and neck done, and fat transfer to eyes and nasolabial folds. I wish I had done it years ago. Office staff is wonderful and attentive too. Can’t say enough kind words. 

Denise Young 5 out of 5 stars

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!!

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I ...

Words cannot express how GRATEFUL I am to Dr. Shapiro!!! I had a rhinoplasty done by Dr. Shapiro 2 months ago and it has truly changed my life. My nose looks very natural and I could not be more happy with my results. After years of research and various consultations with plastic surgeons (in and out of state) I knew I had found the one when I met Dr. Shapiro!

During my first consultation with Dr. Shapiro he pointed out all the things that bothered me about my nose before I even brought it to his attention. That’s when I knew he and I were on the same page about what I wanted. He is EXTREMELY detail-oriented and a perfectionist (which is exactly what you want when undergoing any procedure especially if it’s on your face). He truly listens to you and makes you feel so comfortable. The thing I love the most about Dr. Shapiro’s technique is that he works with what you have and enhances it to its maximum potential, he is truly an artist. Dr. Shapiro’s makes it seem as though you never had any work done. His work is astounding, he gives you the nose you were supposed to be born with but even better! The before and after pictures of his patients will leave you speechless. When it comes to plastic surgeons there is truly no doctor that can compete with Dr. Shapiro’s beyond amazing work!

If you’re looking for a rhinoplasty surgeon I would recommend him 100%. I’m so in love with my results and I’m extremely lucky to have found him. Dr. Shapiro I seriously cant thank you enough!!!! 

mariela casas 5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona.

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your ...

Dr. Shapiro and his staff are your top choice for plastic surgery in Arizona. He listens attentively to your specific desires and explains what can honestly happen to meet your personal goals. Everything about the experience at his office is what you would expect from a top surgeon and professional medical staff. Conveniently, the Skin Klinic inside his office offers the best aesthetic services to really complete the package of an even more beautiful you. You always feel welcomed in his office and can ask as many questions as you need regarding procedures, products, financing, and after surgery care. I have had several procedures performed by Dr. Shapiro and I must say if you want the body that you dream of that cannot be accomplished by diet and exercise then you need to make time for a consultation. I struggled for most of my life with a poor body image and after many years of trying to change things on my own I finally decided to make an appointment and was forever on a different path. I have amazing proportionate breasts now and my thighs are the thighs of my dreams. Life is truly different when you are content with your body image. That is not to say I was trying to look like someone else or had a false hope; it is about being happy in your own skin. Dr. Shapiro made that possible for me and I cannot thank him enough for his expertise, caring nature, and professionalism. His quality and follow on care are the best you can invest in for your ideal body image. Do something wonderful for yourself and allow him the opportunity to exceed all expectations as he did for me :) 

Rachel Hewitt 5 out of 5 stars

Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception!

Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my resu...

Dr Shapiro and his clinical/clerical staff were professional and courteous. Dr Shapiro does incredible work and my procedure was no exception! I couldn't be happier with my results or my experience with Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. From the moment I walked in for my consult, to my last post surgical visit, everyone treated me like family! 

Kara Koechell 5 out of 5 stars

I never felt this beautiful with myself until now!

Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never ...

Dr. Shapiro and staff are excellent and most compassionate people! Going in for an updated look and to feel good about myself is what I achieved because of Dr. Shapiro. I never felt this beautiful with myself until now! Thank you so much Dr. Shapiro for taking the timeout for me and listening to what I wanted to accomplish. You made this happen!! Also, you have a wonderful staff working for you and your patients.

Theresa Gillen 5 out of 5 stars

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!!

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even ...

Dr Shapiro is your GO TO DR!!! He gave me the chin of my dreams. After almost a year since the procedure I can say that my scar is pretty much 100% gone, some days I can’t even see it. He is professional and charming, we love that!! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will be back ;) 

Mariel Sallustio 5 out of 5 stars

The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times.

My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up ...

My experience with Dr.Shapiro and his staff was great. I had a rhinoplasty done 6 months ago and I’m almost completely healed. The recovery went smooth and his staff checked up on me multiple times. I had such a great experience and would highly recommend getting a procedure done here. Your in good hands 😊 

Jasmine Renteria 5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Shapiro is the knocked it out the park!!!

Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process fr...

Dr. Shapiro knocked it out of the park!!! I could not be more thrilled with the results of my breast augmentation with lift. Not only are the results amazing, but the process from start to finish far exceeded my expectations. Dr. Shapiro and his surgical nurse Sage Hallman work as an amazing team and will make you feel like you're their only patient. Experience matters and that is exactly what you will get at Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Thank you Doc , you have truly changed my life in the best way! 

melissa massey 5 out of 5 stars

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro.

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and ...

Had such an amazing experience with Dr. Shapiro. He was kind, a great listener and gave me the exact result I was wanting. Would recommend him and the entire team to anyone and everyone! Thank you Dr Shapiro! 

Lauren Curry 5 out of 5 stars

Everyone was very welcoming and kind. 

Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly rec...

Jamie is the best injector I have ever had. She gave me a jawline and chin that I have always wanted. These before and after pictures are within 2 hours of eachothers highly recommend! Everyone was very welcoming and kind. 

Lindsay Diephuis 5 out of 5 stars
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