Gynecomastia is the swelling of breast tissue in males. During puberty, some males may experience breast enlargement from hormone imbalances that can remain into adulthood. Others may experience gynecomastia during the aging process. Gynecomastia can also be caused by certain medications or health conditions, such as low testosterone levels or liver disease. In most instances, gynecomastia will diminish without medical interference. However, some men are not naturally able to eliminate excess tissue in their breasts. Although gynecomastia can be lessened with diet and exercise, most men undergo plastic surgery to fully eliminate their breast development and gain confidence about their bodies.
Due to stubborn fatty deposits or hormone imbalances, many men must undergo breast reduction to lessen the prominence of gynecomastia. Using liposuction or excision with a scalpel, a board-certified plastic surgeon can remove excess fatty or glandular tissues. Plastic surgeons may also remove excess skin to tighten sagging areas if necessary. These techniques can help men achieve the smooth, tight pectorals they desire.
Breast reduction for males is typically an outpatient procedure, with the average recovery period lasting about two weeks. Depending on the extent of the procedure, plastic surgery costs can range from $3,600 to $6,000, including anesthesia, facility and surgeon fees. Costs for male breast reduction are also dependent on the location of the surgeon's office and the surgeon's education and experience.
In addition to gynecomastia, men may pursue other plastic surgery procedures. As today's society grows increasingly aware of appearances, men often feel motivated to undergo cosmetic procedures. To lessen the signs of aging, men may also receive anti-aging treatments, like injectable fillers. Botox is a popular injectable filler that lessens the prominence of frown lines and crow's feet. Botox is not a permanent treatment and the wrinkled areas need re-treatment over time, typically several months. Other males may be self-conscious about hair loss and choose to receive hair transplants. For men with excessive body hair, laser hair removal offers a long-lasting way to remove hair from the face and body. Through one or a combination of these procedures, men can alter their appearances to look their best and gain self-esteem. Although men would not normally use this treatment, the Latisse eyelash growth procedure can be used create fuller thicker eyelashes for those who have experience thinness of the hair growth in the eye area.