CASE #1

This fit 29 year old body builder noticed a small amount of breast tissue just beneath the nipple and areola. This nubbin of breast tissue represented glandular gynecomastia. The problem was treated by direct surgical excision of the nodule. The tissue was removed through a short incision right around the border of the areola and leaves a very inconspicuous scar. The patient is seen two months after the removal of the abnormal tissue.

CASE #3

This 41 year old gentleman presented with gynecomastia bilateral. He underwent suction-assisted lipectomy to remove the unwanted fatty tissue of the breasts and his postoperative result is depicted four months after the surgical procedure.

Treatment of Gynecomastia (excessive breast tissue in males) – Both males and females have breast tissue. It is normal in the adolescent female for the breast tissue to begin to grow under the influence of estrogen which results in normal breast development.

Certain young males (generally in their early adolescence) also experience growth of breast tissue as a result of hormonal changes. In many individuals, this clump of breast tissue spontaneously resolves and the mass disappears after a year or so. In other patients, this breast tissue persists, causing a condition known as juvenile gynecomastia. There are excellent surgical techniques whereby this abnormal mass of breast tissue could be excised surgically without leaving significant scarring and resulting in a very natural appearing breast.

Other male patients, generally in the older age group, develop breast enlargement or gynecomastia. There are a variety of reasons for this. It may have to do with smoking marijuana or with decreased liver function. However, in the majority of cases, the reason for gynecomastia is not known and it is termed “idiopathic”, meaning that the cause has not been determined. Regardless of the etiology (cause), gynecomastia can be treated effectively.

Liposuction has proven to be very useful for reducing areas of unwanted fat and breast tissue. With liposuction, the problem can be corrected through tiny (less than one quarter inch long) scars that heal well and are not noticeable. It is possible with carefully performed liposuction to reduce the bulk of the breast and to restore the desired contours.

In patients who have more advanced gynecomastia where the breast is actually saggy or drooping (ptotic breasts), it may be necessary to perform additional procedures to tighten the skin and in some cases, to reposition the nipple. Dr. Handel of Beverly Hills is experienced with all types of surgical procedures to treat gynecomastia and will design a custom treatment plan best suited to each individual patient’s needs.