Gynecomastia Treatment in New Orleans, LA

The scientific term, gynecomastia, is used for enlarged male breasts. This condition can create a feminine chest because of an increase in breast tissue. Often, gynecomastia is caused by an underlying hormonal issue. Gynecomastia may also happen because of certain medications, steroids, major weight gain or loss, or genetics. Men with this issue can feel frustrated and embarrassed, especially at the pool or gym. Dr. Michelle Eagan is an expert plastic surgeon who performs male breast reduction surgery for men who experience gynecomastia. This surgery has a very high success rate, and it is common for men at New Orleans Plastic Surgery in Louisiana.

Gynecomastia surgery designed and performed by Dr. Eagan can help you achieve the more defined, masculine look you want with benefits including:

• Reducing excess, unwanted fat
• Creating a more chiseled, toned chest
• Improving mobility and movement
• Improving posture
• Reducing back pain
• Freeing you to go shirtless whenever you want
• Boosting confidence and self-image
• Creating results that are natural-looking and can be long-lasting

If you try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but you still experience excess breast tissue, male breast reduction surgery could help you attain your desired results. Adolescent teens may also benefit from gynecomastia surgery; however, an additional procedure may be needed later in life. Additionally, Dr. Eagan may suggest working with your primary physician to determine if you have an underlying hormonal issue. During your consultation with Dr. Eagan, she will listen to your cosmetic goals, learn about your medical history, and determine if this procedure is right for you. If male breast reduction surgery is right for you, we will create a unique treatment plan.

At the beginning of your gynecomastia treatment, we will administer general anesthesia to help you remain comfortable. Dr. Eagan will start by using liposuction to remove excess fat tissue from the chest wall. Afterward, any saggy or excess skin is carefully excised. Once the skin is removed, we will place the nipple into a more proportionate position. Typically, this technique requires a small incision near the glandular tissue. After removing pockets of fat and excess skin, Dr. Eagan will pull and tighten the remaining skin.

After your gynecomastia surgery, we will secure the chest with a medical bandage, which helps control swelling, bleeding, and bruising. For more complex cases that include reconstructive techniques, patients may receive a drainage tube to assist with fluid. Following the procedure, patients will see immediate results, and most men feel extremely excited. The incisions made during treatment will require several weeks to heal and scarring is usually minimal. Dr. Eagan will provide detailed aftercare instructions that include how to care for your incisions and when you can start exercising. To enhance your surgical results, weight training will help, but you should wait to receive clearance from Dr. Eagan.

Gynecomastia is a cosmetic issue that is best handled by an experienced cosmetic surgeon. For this reason, Dr. Eagan recommends focusing on how to get your best results over the costs. To help make your surgery more budget-friendly, New Orleans Plastic Surgery offers many payment options. We can also help you find low-interest financing. While male breast reduction is usually not covered by health insurance, it is worth talking to your provider to confirm.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
Gynecomastia is a medical issue that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. For this reason, Dr. Eagan suggests you focus on getting quality results over costs. To make male breast reduction surgery easier to afford, New Orleans Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods, and we can. We can also help you find low-interest financing. While surgery for gynecomastia is usually not covered by insurance, it is worth contacting your insurer to confirm.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia develops in men when there is a disruption in hormone balance. Typically, gynecomastia is connected to the long-term use of androgens and anabolic steroids. It can also be caused by using illegal drugs, like marijuana or heroin. Gynecomastia may also be caused by certain health conditions (hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and tumors) plus some medications (highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, anti-anxiety medications, and chemotherapy).

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia occurs in men when there is an overgrowth of breast tissue in the chest, which may cause swelling, tenderness, and pain. Some men might have pseudogynecomastia (false gynecomastia), so Dr. Eagan encourages patients to try to lose weight by following a healthy diet and exercising before considering surgery. If you still have excess breast tissue when you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Eagan can perform a physical exam and order diagnostic tests. This might include blood tests, a mammogram, or a biopsy to look for other causes like breast cancer and mastitis (infection of the breast tissue).

Can gynecomastia be treated with exercise or pills?
Male breast reduction surgery is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved any medications to treat gynecomastia. Although they aren't approved for gynecomastia, some breast cancer medications (for example, Tamoxifen or Raloxifene) might have limited effects. Strength training to build the pectoral muscles will not reduce the amount of breast tissue and may even make the breasts look bigger.

Will this fix puffy or pointy nipples?
Puffy or pointy nipples may be caused by glandular gynecomastia. If you are concerned about this, please talk to Dr. Eagan at your consultation. She will personalize your treatment plan to use the best technique and incision pattern to correct your nipples. Oversized areolas can also be corrected in surgery for gynecomastia. It is crucial to be open and honest with Dr. Eagan about all your concerns and goals in your initial consultation, so she can ensure the results you want.

If you suffer from the effects of gynecomastia, we invite you to call our office and schedule a private consultation with Dr. Eagan at New Orleans Plastic Surgery. After your treatment for male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), you won't feel the need to cover your chest at the pool or gym. We have helped many New Orleans, LA men regain their self-confidence.