Breast enlargement, also known as gynecomastia, is an embarrassing and painful condition many men face. The problem is particularly prevalent among bodybuilders who take steroids or supplements containing hormones to enhance their results. Fortunately, special techniques in gynecomastia surgery can make treatment of this patient population highly effective and successful.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by the enlargement of glandular breast tissue in men. For some the problem may be relatively mild, but other men may have a significantly enlarged breast size that causes excessive pain and embarrassment. There are a variety of reasons why gynecomastia may develop, including:
- Hormone fluctuations
- Underlying medical conditions like liver disease
- Some medications, including anabolic steroids
- Lack of testosterone or exposure to estrogen
- Chemotherapy treatments
With bodybuilders, the risk can be higher. Many bodybuilders use of anabolic steroids to enhance muscle growth. Unfortunately, these steroids can also affect hormonal balance, increasing the amount of estrogen and resulting in breast enlargement. These substances can also complicate treatment somewhat, so it is important to select a physician that is experienced in treating this condition in bodybuilders specifically.
Gynecomastia Surgery
For some men, gynecomastia symptoms may resolve on its own over time. This is especially true for young men that develop the problem during puberty or those whose enlarged male breasts are primarily caused by excess fatty tissue. However, “true” gynecomastia is primarily caused by excess breast gland tissue, which cannot be reduced with exercise alone. If the problem does not resolve, surgical treatment may be necessary. Gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, involves removal of enlarged breast tissue, fat and skin to construct a flatter, more masculine body contour.
Gynecomastia surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia. Both liposuction and tissue removal may be incorporated into the surgical technique for optimal results. Most men recover relatively quickly from the procedure, with the majority returning to work and other activities within one week. Scarring after the procedure is minimal, since care is taken to place incisions in hidden areas like around the areola.
Special Considerations for Bodybuilders
Bodybuilders are more concerned about their appearance as a general rule, which makes gynecomastia surgery on these patients more complex. Dr. Andrews will carefully place the incisions to minimize visible scars and will provide a detailed list of instructions to ensure the best possible results. Patients will be advised to wear a support garment for several weeks to maintain the new chest contour and minimize swelling. Body builders should also take care to avoid exercising during the initial healing phase, especially exercises like push ups that exert the chest muscles, and maintain a stable weight after surgery for long-term results.
Complications are also increased by the fact that these patients typically have more blood flow in the chest muscles, which can increase the bleeding risk during and after surgery. Steroid use can also lead to excess blood flow post-surgery.
In some cases, it is preferred to completely remove all the breast glandular tissue from patients in this category, to prevent new breast development over time. This is particularly true of patients that plan to continue using anabolic steroids after surgery. However, these patients usually have less excess skin and fat to remove than other gynecomastia patients.
Schedule a Consultation
When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, gynecomastia surgery can be a very successful experience for bodybuilders. To learn more about the procedure, contact Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-500-4072.
