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Gynecomastia is abnormal enlarged breast tissue in males. For many sufferers, this condition causes humiliation and embarrassment. Early detection and treatment can help a patient avoid these negative feelings. Tenderness of the breasts, growth under the breasts, or one breast growing faster than the other can all indicate gynecomastia. Immediate attention can resolve the issue before the condition worsens, and ultimately the most severe symptoms can be avoided entirely.

Early Warning Signs of Gynecomastia

1. Swollen, Tender Breasts

Pain in the breast, sometimes accompanied by swelling, can be the first sign that a patient has gynecomastia. This symptom can appear in one or both breasts, and is often accompanied by soreness or pain in the nipple.

2. Puffy, Enlarged Nipples

More breast tissue can cause the nipples to stretch, creating a larger, puffy appearance. Changes in the nipples are common first signs of gynecomastia.

3. Lumps or Masses in the Breast

Some gynecomastia patients will detect a defined nodule, a dense area under the nipple or in the surrounding tissue. These nodules can feel either solid or elastic to the touch, and can often be confused for breast cancer.

4. Uneven Breast Growth

Often, gynecomastia causes asymmetric breast development, meaning one breast will grow more than the other. This symptom is a clear sign of the condition and should be checked out by professionals.

5. Psychological Impacts

Some patients may not notice any specific symptom, but may find themselves worrying about the way their breasts appear or hear disparaging comments from other people. Without intervention, these feelings can cause a lot of damage.

Treating Gynecomastia

The method of treating gynecomastia in Los Angeles varies based on several factors. The underlying cause, the severity of the symptoms and individual factors such as patient age and overall health all help determine a course of action. Some of the more common treatments include:

Medications

In gynecomastia cases that involve a hormonal imbalance, medication is often part of the solution. Gynecomastia Treatments can include testosterone supplements, drugs that reduce estrogen levels, or medications that target other conditions that contribute to gynecomastia.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle changes can often help reduce gynecomastia symptoms. Management of health conditions, implementing an effective weight loss plan or avoiding specific drugs or substances can all play a part in treating gynecomastia.

Surgery

In severe or stubborn cases of gynecomastia, surgery is sometimes the best course of action. Male breast reduction surgery is the most frequent procedure. In these cases, surgeons remove extra breast tissue or utilize liposuction to achieve a chiseled chest for the patient.

Liposuction methods used to reshape patients with gynecomastia include tumescent, awake, high-definition liposuction and VASER liposuction. If the excess tissue is mostly fatty, liposuction can sometimes resolve the issue by itself. But if there's both fatty and glandular tissue, surgery to remove the glandular tissue may need to happen as well. Some gynecomastia patients even opt to use fat transfer methods to achieve a more chiseled look if they’re already undergoing surgery for gynecomastia.

Surgical approaches are decided upon based on the severity of the condition, the patient’s underlying structure and their desired outcome. For patients seeking the best possible outcome, working with a cosmetic surgeon with significant expertise will yield the best results.

What To Do When You Notice Symptoms

Go see a qualified cosmetic surgeon as soon as you suspect you might be suffering from gynecomastia. At Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgeons in Los Angeles, we provide individual treatment plans to satisfy every patient’s specific needs. We perform treatments including fat grafting, tissue excision, liposuction and combination surgeries. Our renowned surgeons in LA all have extensive histories of resolving complex gynecomastia cases. Prompt care from an experienced specialist will help you avoid any further physical or emotional pain, and leave you with a more defined chest and a new sense of confidence. You can overcome gynecomastia and live a more fulfilling life with the right help and treatment.