Bay Area Gynecomastia Surgery Specialist in Los Gatos CA

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by enlarged or swollen breast tissue in males. It can occur in one or both sides of the chest, and it can range in severity from being barely noticeable to being incredibly pronounced. 

The condition can be found in males of all ages, but it is more common among newborns, boys going through puberty, and older men. Fortunately, gynecomastia is not a serious medical condition. That said, it can be physically uncomfortable and is often a source of embarrassment for men and boys. 

Researchers believe that most cases of gynecomastia are brought on by hormonal changes. That is why the condition is most common in babies, pubescent boys, and aging men. These are all times in life when hormonal imbalance can happen. 

Estrogen is often thought of as a “female” hormone, but men all have a certain volume of estrogen, just as all women have a certain volume of testosterone. When a man’s estrogen levels rise as his testosterone levels decline, gynecomastia is just one symptom that can occur. 

Additional causes of gynecomastia include:

• Medications, including anti-androgens, antibiotics, anabolic steroids, and certain AIDS drugs
• Street drugs like heroin, marijuana, amphetamines, and methadone
• Alcohol
• Tumors
• Kidney or liver failure
• Hyperthyroidism
• Malnutrition
• Certain herbal ingredients in bath and body products

Not all cases of gynecomastia can be prevented, but taking steps to reduce alcohol consumption, avoiding drug use, and reviewing your list of medications can reduce your risk. 

If your enlarged breast tissue is the result of a thyroid condition or other medical issue, treating the underlying cause could eliminate breast swelling. If medications are to blame, altering your dosage or finding other options can reduce gynecomastia.

In a lot of cases however, the best way to correct the abnormal breast enlargement is surgery. 

Dr. Li is highly skilled in male breast reduction surgery and considers these procedures to be among his areas of expertise. 

In select cases, liposuction alone can address enlarged breasts. This procedure is done by placing small incisions in hidden areas through which excess fat is carefully removed with a surgical instrument. 

In most cases, liposuction, combined with excision techniques, is required to more effectively remove the enlarged breast tissue. This is also the best approach when the nipples need repositioning or when there is a significant amount of excess skin. 

Dr. Li chooses where to place the incisions based on your chest shape and the proposed procedure. He makes every effort to hide the incisions in inconspicuous areas and repair the incisions in a way that reduces visible scarring. 

The recovery process for male breast reduction is simple. You will need to give your body a chance to rest and avoid lifting heavy items in the weeks after your procedure. Before you know it, you will be back in the swing of normal daily routines with enhanced confidence about your chest contour. 

Learn more about gynecomastia and male breast reduction during a one-on-one consultation. Booking is as easy as a phone call.