Gynecomastia

What it is

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue. It can be caused by hormonal imbalance, certain medications, anabolic steroid use, weight changes, or simply genetics. True gynecomastia involves firm glandular tissue under the areola; pseudo- gynecomastia is purely fatty enlargement. Most cases at the practice are mixed — both fat AND gland — and need both lipo and direct excision for a clean result.

Combined technique

Dr. Scottsdale® performs gynecomastia correction as a combined procedure: Vaser-assisted liposuction removes the surrounding fat and emulsifies the gland, then a small peri-areolar incision (along the lower edge of the areola, hidden by the natural pigment border) allows direct excision of the firm glandular tissue. Liposuction alone won't reliably remove the gland — which is why a lipo-only approach can leave a residual "puffy nipple" appearance. Most patients also benefit from light high-definition etching of the pec border for a masculine contour, similar to the Gladiator® principle applied at lower volume.

Permanence

Once removed, the glandular tissue cannot grow back. The result is permanent as long as the underlying cause doesn't return. Weight gain after surgery can re-add fat to the chest, but the gland itself will not regrow. Steroid use or new gynecomastia-inducing medications post-op can affect surrounding tissue.

Recovery

Most patients return to desk work in 5–7 days. The compression vest is worn for 4–6 weeks to help the skin re-drape to the new flatter chest shape. Chest workouts resume at 6 weeks. Final contour is visible at 3 months as swelling resolves and skin retraction completes. Scars at the areola edge fade significantly over the first year.