Proper hormonal balance and function are essential to the maintenance of our bodies. In women, a lack of proper balance can be indicative of menopause and can lead to a great deal of discomfort and prolonged complications. While that is readily talked about, hormonal imbalances in men are often left unexamined. Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by an enlargement of glandular tissue in male breasts. Resulting from excessive estrogen, gynecomastia can be a source of great discomfort for many. At Turner Medical Arts, our medical professionals are here to offer comprehensive care and treatments with the aim of restoring men to their ideal states of hormonal balance.
What Is Gynecomastia?
As mentioned, gynecomastia is a condition in which enlargement of the glandular tissue of the male breast occurs. This condition can arise in infancy, puberty, or in middle-aged and older men. Though common, gynecomastia is sometimes confused with pseudogynecomastia or lipomastia, which refers to the presence of excess fat in the breasts among obese men. In order to get a firm diagnosis, it is important to consult with a medical professional such as our own Dr. Turner at Turner Medical Arts.
Santa Barbara Gynecomastia Treatment Procedure
One of the treatments for gynecomastia offered at our Santa Barbara center is hormone replacement therapy. This treatment involves the gradual reduction of estrogen and the increase of testosterone through medication. Additionally, if your gynecomastia is caused by medication such as spironolactone or methyldopa, secession may be necessary and alternative treatments will be recommended.
We also provide surgical treatments to help you achieve the look you’ve always wanted. Some of our surgical options include:
- Liposuction – During this procedure, incisions will be made around the areola or inside the armpit. Afterward, excess fat and glandular tissue will be removed. Then a new and improved chest silhouette will be sculpted to match the rest of the body.
- Contouring of the chest – This procedure involves removing excess fat and tissue, as well as reshaping the chest to reduce sagging.
- Subcutaneous Mastectomy – This procedure involves the removal of the entire breast except for the nipple and areola.
What Can I Expect?
Treatment outcomes largely depend on the cause. Pubertal gynecomastia usually regresses on its own but may persist in rare cases. In those cases, prolonged use of medication may be required. Gynecomastia that has been present over 12 months or more lead to scarring, which could complicate treatment. Therefore, if you think you may be undergoing this condition, we urge you to contact us as soon as possible to ensure you get the timely care you need.
Before and After Photos
Gynecomastia Treatments in Santa Barbara, California
If you are experiencing enlarged breast size, asymmetry, tenderness, or sensitivity, you may be suffering from gynecomastia. In these cases, we welcome you to seek treatment at Turner Medical Arts. Our dedicated staff has the medical expertise necessary to tackle your issues and get you back to feeling like yourself again. To learn more, request an appointment by calling (805) 962-1957 or filling out the form below.
