Male Breast Reduction in Rockford, IL
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by enlarged male breast tissue. Nearly half of all men experience gynecomastia at some point in their lives, with teenage boys and older men most likely to be affected. Although gynecomastia does not pose serious health problems, it does feminize the male physique by adding excess curvature to the chest.
Men who wish to restore a more traditionally masculine chest may seek plastic surgery to address gynecomastia. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Pedro Rodriguez performs male chest contouring surgery to flatten the chest and achieve nicer contours for the patient.
The Pedro Rodriguez Difference
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez is an elite plastic surgeon who performs cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He specializes in breast, body and face procedures. Merging advanced techniques with his keen eye, he produces transformative results for his patients that are both attractive and natural-looking.
Patients in Rockford choose Dr. Rodriguez because of his outstanding surgical skills and attentive care. Through decades of experience, he understands precisely how to rejuvenate the face and achieve appealing breast and body contours. He takes pleasure in helping his patients build confidence by reaching their aesthetic goals.
Causes of Gynecomastia
Most often, gynecomastia can be attributed to a hormonal imbalance. Because hormone levels fluctuate significantly during puberty, teenage boys are susceptible to estrogen enlarging the chest. The male body also produces less testosterone as it ages, which leaves older men similarly at risk for an increase in glandular tissue.
Other factors that may contribute to gynecomastia include obesity, certain prescription medications and drug and alcohol use. Identifying the likely cause of gynecomastia can help Dr. Rodriguez determine the optimal treatment for each patient.
Gynecomastia Consultation with Dr. Rodriguez
During a consultation, Dr. Rodriguez examines the breast tissue to determine the extent of gynecomastia and whether treatment is appropriate. In many men and teenage boys, gynecomastia goes away on its own, so he may suggest switching a prescription medication or giving it time to see if surgery proves unnecessary. Generally, the best candidates for male breast reduction surgery have had enlarged breast tissue for more than a year.
If both Dr. Rodriguez and the patient agree that surgery is appropriate, Dr. Rodriguez will devise a surgical plan. He has two ways to surgically treat gynecomastia: liposuction and tissue and skin excision. Liposuction tends to work better for patients with mild cases of gynecomastia, while removing excess skin and tissue is the better approach for men with more severe gynecomastia (or who have stretched and sagging skin due to the enlarged size of the chest). In many cases, Dr. Rodriguez may suggest combining these approaches to attain the best results.
Male Chest Contouring Surgery
Male breast reduction surgery is an outpatient procedure. Dr. Rodriguez ensures that his patient stays comfortable during the procedure by providing general anesthesia. While incisions are a necessary component of all surgery, Dr. Rodriguez makes incisions that go around the areola or along the natural crease of the chest to better conceal any scarring. Through these incisions, he can remove excess fat, glandular tissue and skin. He molds the remaining tissue to achieve smoother, more masculine contours. Once complete, Dr. Rodriguez sutures the incisions.
Male Breast Reduction Recovery
Gynecomastia patients return home after their surgery and should prioritize rest and relaxation for the first couple days. Some amount of discomfort should be expected, but prescribed medication can help to minimize pain. Most patients feel well enough to resume work within a week, though this depends on the rigors of the job. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for a few weeks to give the chest sufficient time to heal. Dr. Rodriguez can provide a more concrete timetable on activity during the patient’s follow-up appointments.
Schedule an Appointment
The good news is that you do not need to tolerate gynecomastia indefinitely. If you would like to improve the shape of your chest with male breast reduction surgery, please reach out to Dr. Rodriguez’s office to arrange a consultation.
