Gynecomastia

What is Gynecomastia?

When you look in the mirror do you notice that you have enlarged breasts, sometimes called “man boobs”? If so, you may have gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition that causes an increase in the amount of breast tissue in boys or men. While some men with gynecomastia do not notice any symptoms, those who do may experience swollen breast tissue, breast tenderness, pain, or nipples that become sensitive when rubbing against clothing.

This condition is due to an imbalance in the hormones testosterone and estrogen, which can be due to natural hormone changes, certain medications, several health conditions, herbal products, or recreational drug use.

Candidates for Gynecomastia Surgery

If you are bothered by enlarged breasts that cause you physical discomfort or social embarrassment, you may be able to benefit from gynecomastia surgery. Men whose gynecomastia cannot be corrected through other treatment methods, who are healthy nonsmokers and non-drug users, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of their procedure are often ideal candidates. Teens may also be able to benefit from this procedure, though a second procedure may be needed in the future if the breasts continue to develop. For more information regarding candidacy, contact our office to schedule a consultation today.

The Procedure

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed using IV sedation and general anesthesia. If your enlarged breasts are due to excess fatty tissue deposits, liposuction alone may be able to correct the problem. There are an array of liposuction techniques used today to remove excess fat cells from the body.

However, if glandular breast tissue or excess skin is the problem, excision techniques may be required. A combination of liposuction and excision techniques may also be used, based on your individual case and your surgeon’s expertise.

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“I have been a Botox patient for years and had my breast augmentation done as well. The doctor wasn't the typical doctor. He actually sat down and spent time with me making sure I fully understand everything and made me feel less anxious. The office is well kept and the staff was very quick and informative! I would recommend this place to everyone.”
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Recovery

During gynecomastia surgery recovery, you will need to wear special dressings or bandages to minimize swelling and support your new chest contour during healing. A small drain tube may also be placed to collect any excess fluid that collects. We will share with you instructions on how to care for your surgical site, when stitches are removed, how to take any prescription medication, and more.

Results from this procedure are permanent in many instances. However, if the cause of your enlarged breasts was due to the use of certain prescription drugs or weight gain, you must be sure to avoid these substances or maintain a stable weight for long-term results.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are self-conscious of your enlarged breasts and are seeking out a long-term solution for a more confident you, contact North Valley Cosmetic Surgery in Scottsdale, AZ today to schedule a consultation appointment. The doctors at North Valley Cosmetic Surgery believe in helping their patients look and feel their very best through cosmetic surgery.

Gynecomastia FAQs

Can breast implants cause autoimmune disease?

The researchers found that the women with silicone gel-filled breast implants were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with autoimmune or rheumatic disorders, such as Sjögren syndrome, systemic sclerosis, and sarcoidosis, compared with women without breast implants of a similar age and socioeconomic status.

Can breast implants cause cellulitis?

Lymph node removal can weaken your immune system and increase your risk for cellulitis in the upper body. This includes your breasts. This infection can also occur after breast augmentation or reduction surgeries.

Can breast implants cause pain years later?

Within two years of having silicone breast implants inserted, women reported experiencing signs and symptoms of connective tissue disease such as increased muscle weakness, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain. These symptoms may explain the chronic pain that is being experienced.

Can breast implants get infected years later?

Infection is the leading cause of morbidity that occurs after breast implantation and complicates 2.0-2.5% of interventions in most case series. Two-thirds of infections develop within the acute post-operative period, whereas some infections may develop years or even decades after surgery.

Do breast implants cause health problems?

Breast implants can cause a loss of sensation in the breast and nipple, as well as pain. They can sometimes result in excessive scarring and wrinkling. Associated health problems. Some studies have found associations between breast implants and certain health conditions.

Do breast implants sag over time?

For example, skin laxity that occurs as a natural side effect of aging often contributes to sagging or drooping breasts. For patients with breast implants, the weight of the implants combined with a loss of skin elasticity may even exacerbate breast sagging.

How common is capsular contracture in breast implants?

Research has shown that around one-sixth of breast implant patients experience some form of capsular contracture, though symptoms may not always be obvious. In most cases, capsular contracture happens sometime during the initial healing process.

How do I prepare for breast implant removal?

1. Get lab testing or a medical evaluation.n2. Take certain medications or adjust your current medications.nStop smoking.n3. Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding.

How often does breast implant illness occur?

Based on 573 known cases and 33 deaths worldwide, the current lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL is around 1 in 2,000 to 1 in 86,000, depending on the kind of implant and the manufacturer.

How often should breast implants be checked?

You should always follow your plastic surgeons guidelines for annual checkups, as well as performing regular self-checks. If you have silicone implants, the FDA recommends getting an MRI three years after the initial surgery and then every two years after that.

Is breast implant illness covered by insurance?

Generally, insurance companies will not cover breast implant removal surgery if it is causing autoimmune disease symptoms or anxiety. There is some evidence based on recent research that people who have breast implants have a higher incidence of autoimmune disease diagnoses than people who have not had implants.

Is removal of breast implants dangerous?

Removing breast implants is a very safe procedure with minimal risk of complications. The most common complications include infection, pain, hematoma, and unsightly scars.

What breast implants have been recalled?

The Allergan Natrelle® BIOCELL® textured breast implants are one such product that has been recalled due to their significant risk of harm to consumers. These products carry a six-fold risk of developing a type of lymphoma. Learn more about this recall and what you can do if you have been harmed by these products.

What does capsular contracture look like?

The breasts will usually appear normal in shape but feel somewhat firm to the touch. Grade 3: Grade three capsular contracture presents itself with obvious cosmetic symptoms. The breasts will be firm to the touch and appear abnormal, e.g., they will be overly round, hard-looking and the nipples may be misshapen.

What happens if a breast implant pops?

If these implants rupture, they tend to get a tear in the shell (also known as a “gel fracture”), which can compromise the shape and appearance of the implant. Signs that your silicone implant has ruptured can include changes in breast shape and size, and increasing pain, firmness, and swelling over a period of weeks.

What happens if breast implants are not replaced?

They can rupture or leak, and saline implants may deflate. Capsular contracture may also occur, which is shrinkage of natural scar tissue that your body produces around any implanted medical device. This may result in firm or hard breasts or a deformity which you can feel or see.

Will capsular contracture go away?

Capsular contracture does not settle on its own. The only known way to resolve the problem is to excise the capsule, and replace the implant with a clean implant that has no low grade infection attached to it.

Can breast implants last a lifetime?

That said, you should not plan to have your breast implants for an entire lifetime. Breast implants do not last forever, and there are many reasons why women will choose to have their implants removed, usually anywhere from 10 to 20 years after their initial surgery.

Can saline implants cause autoimmune problems?

An Institute of Medicine report last year found no link between silicone implants and autoimmune problems; so did a study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine earlier this month. Yet the controversy over silicone has put pressure on the FDA to take a harder look at saline.

Can you die from breast implants?

Experts in plastic surgery said that deaths during a breast-augmentation procedure are extremely rare. The only Orange County case they could remember occurred a decade ago in a Santa Ana walk-in clinic when a 33-year-old mother of three went into a coma after breast-implant surgery and died five days later.

Can you get your breast implants removed?

Some people have implant removal surgery because of tissue hardening around the implant or other complications. Others may have surgery to replace old implants with new ones. Or you may no longer want implants. Surgery to remove breast implants is typically an outpatient procedure.

How do you know if my implants are leaking?

A change in shape or contour, lumps appearing in the affected breast, a hardening or softening of the breast tissue and a change in breast size.

How is BIA ALCL diagnosed?

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is very rare, but any woman who has breast implants should know the steps to follow should symptoms start to appear. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL generally manifest eight to 10 years after breast implant surgery.nnThere is still a lot to learn about BIA-ALCL and the fight against cancer is unique for every woman. That said, doctors have developed a fairly standard strategy for diagnosing and treating various types of ALCL. The specific approach will depend on the individual.

How long does it take to recover from breast implant illness?

Generally, recovery takes about 6 to 8 weeks. It may take more time depending on how you heal and your overall health. Every person is different, so its best to talk to a surgeon if youre concerned about the recovery process. Read on to learn about what you can expect during breast augmentation recovery.

How much does it cost to have breast implants removed?

The average cost of breast implant removal surgery is $3,049, according to 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

What are the early signs of capsular contracture?

Breasts that seem to sit high on the chest, misshapen or unnatural looking breasts, breasts that feel firm and tight, a round, ball-like shape of the breasts, rippling pain or discomfort, especially when lying on the breasts.

What are the symptoms of breast implant illness?

Chronic fatigue and headaches, persistent joint and muscle pain, unexplained respiratory difficulties, hair loss and frequent skin rashes, chronically dry mouth and eyes, poor memory and concentration, depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

What are the symptoms of silicone toxicity?

Its used for medical, electrical, cooking, and other purposes. Because silicone is considered chemically stable, experts say its safe to use and likely not toxic. Some common symptoms linked to these conditions include:nanemia, blood clots, brain fog and memory problems, chest pain, eye problems, fatigue, fever, and joint pain.

What breast implants are linked to lymphoma?

BIA-ALCL is a type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants. BIA-ALCL occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces. This is a cancer of the immune system, not a type of breast cancer.

What is implant bottoming?

Bottoming out occurs when the implants slide below the lower part of your breasts, causing them to settle too low on the chest. This can happen gradually over time or right after your breast augmentation surgery.

What percentage of breast implants rupture?

Rupture/deflation rates of 3% to 5% and 7% to 10% have been reported at 3 years and 10 years after insertion of saline breast implants, respectively [3]. Studies on the lifespan of saline implants by Natrelle have shown that rupture occurs in 10% of these implants during the first 10 years after insertion.

When should you have breast implants replaced?

Most silicone and saline implants are FDA approved for 10-20 years, but this does not mean that you have to get them replaced every 10-20 years. You can safely go beyond these time frames, and most patients only have to have 1-2 replacements in their lifetime.

Why I removed my breast implants?

The most common reason to remove implants is that scar tissue hardens around the implants. This hardening is known as capsular contracture. It can cause pain, discomfort or breasts that look different than they once did.

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