Gynecomastia Treatment in New Orleans, LA

Gynecomastia is the medical term for male breast enlargement. It is a condition that can produce a female-like chest in men due to the increase of growing breast tissue. Many times, gynecomastia is related to an underlying hormonal condition. It may also be caused by certain drugs, steroids, obesity, or genetics. Men with this condition often feel anxious and embarrassed, especially in circumstances where the upper body and chest are seen, such as at the beach, pool, or gym. Plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet offers male breast reduction surgery for men who have gynecomastia at his New Orleans, LA office. To learn how you can reclaim your body and feel comfortable in your own skin with this chest fat removal procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Charvet at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa today.

Liposuction is almost always utilized during surgery for gynecomastia. While you are safely under general anesthesia, liposuction removes excess fat from the chest wall. Afterward, any lax skin will be carefully trimmed. Dr. Charvet will also place the areola and nipple into a new position if necessary. After the pockets of fat and excess skin have been appropriately handled, Dr. Charvet will tighten the remaining skin. Following your gynecomastia treatment, your chest will be supported with a medical garment to help reduce swelling, bleeding, and bruising. In advanced cases where a more invasive approach was used, a drainage tube may be placed to help with fluid. The results following this procedure are immediately noticeable, and most patients are extremely pleased with the cosmetic change. Any incisions made during treatment take a few weeks to heal, and scarring is usually barely visible. With your enhanced chest, you may get medical clearance from Dr. Charvet to incorporate exercise and strength training, which will help accentuate your surgical results.

How much does male breast reduction cost?
Gynecomastia is a medical problem that is best handled by an experienced surgeon. This is why Dr. Charvet suggests you to focus on how to get your best results over costs. To make your surgery fit your budget, Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa accepts many payment methods and we can. We can also help you locate low-interest financing. While surgery for gynecomastia is usually not covered by insurance, it is worth contacting your provider to check.

What causes gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia develops in men when there is a disruption in hormone balance. In most cases, gynecomastia is linked to the long-term use of anabolic steroids or androgens. It may also be the result of using illegal drugs, including heroin and marijuana. Gynecomastia may also be triggered by certain medical conditions (for example, hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, and tumors) plus some medications (for example, highly active antiretroviral therapy for AIDS, anti-anxiety medications, and chemotherapy).

How can I tell if I have gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is excess breast tissue growth in the male chest, which can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling. Some men might have false gynecomastia (also known as pseudogynecomastia), so Dr. Charvet encourages patients to try to lose weight by following an exercise plan and healthy diet before considering surgery. If you have enlarged breasts when you are at a healthy weight, Dr. Charvet can perform an examination and tests to diagnosis gynecomastia. This may include a mammogram, blood tests, or a biopsy to rule out other causes like breast cancer and mastitis (infection of the breast tissue).

If you are frustrated with the effects of gynecomastia, we invite you to call our office to schedule a one-on-one private consultation with Dr. Charvet to learn about our male breast reduction surgery at Magnolia Plastic Surgery and MedSpa. Once you've had chest fat removal, you won't have to keep hiding your chest when you go to the gym and pool. Plastic surgeon Dr. Heath Charvet has worked with many New Orleans, LA men and enjoys helping them reestablish their self-esteem.