Gynecomastia is a medical condition in which male breasts become enlarged: in some cases, its appearance can be effectively treated with ultrasound-assisted liposuction. This condition can be an excruciating source of embarrassment for men and can result from a variety of medical causes or lifestyle choices.

When seeking treatment for enlarged breast tissue, it’s crucial to diagnose the cause.

Gynecomastia can be caused by cirrhosis of the liver or hormone imbalances, and, in rare cases, tumors. In many cases, the use of medications, supplements, or illicit drugs like anabolic steroids is to blame. Promptly treating the underlying disease or discontinuing the use of these substances can reduce male breast tissue. Re-balancing hormones can also reverse the course of this condition. However, men may still be left with unwanted breast tissue. In this case, a surgical approach can deliver optimal and permanent results. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) can be an effective solution to ending the struggle with enlarged, sagging breast tissue.

Dr. Kimberly Short is an experienced and compassionate plastic surgeon. She has specialized in breast procedures and understands the imperative to efficiently reverse gynecomastia with as little evidence of the procedure as possible.

To learn whether UAL is an appropriate treatment for your gynecomastia, contact The Gillian Institute to schedule a discreet personal consultation. We serve the greater Indianapolis area with offices conveniently located in Downtown and Northside. To reach The Gillian Institute’s downtown location, call (317) 787-3260. To speak to one of our team members at our Northside location, call (317) 913-3260.

If you’re not in the area, or can’t make it in, but still need to address your concerns, we also offer virtual consultations.

About Gynecomastia

The onset of Gynecomastia can be gradual, but if you’ve suddenly noticed an increase in the size of your chest, it’s time to see a doctor. The adult male breast naturally contains small amounts of adipose and glandular tissue. (1)

However, a hormone imbalance can change things. Either an increase in estrogen or progesterone levels and/or deficient testosterone levels can cause breasts to grow in men. This causes the otherwise unnoticeable glandular components of the male breast to enlarge. This condition typically occurs on both sides of the chest, but it can also occur asymmetrically, causing just as much embarrassment. (2)

And, as if puberty wasn’t awkward enough, 50% of males experience gynecomastia at 13 to 14 years of age. The hormone shifts that occur during this age can lead to an enlarged chest, although it usually resolves as the boy matures and his hormone levels stabilize. However, some young men may be left with the evidence of this phase of their lives.

Gynocomastia can also occur as a result of later aging, as free testosterone levels decrease. A recent study estimated that 65% of men between 50 and 80 years of age experience some degree of gynecomastia. (3)

Other factors that can disrupt hormone levels and result in gynecomastia include:

  • Steroids
  • Alcoholism
  • Heroin
  • Marijuana
  • Amphetamines
  • Hair loss medication like Minoxidil and Finasteride
  • Antacids like Prilosec, Tagamet and Zantac

PSEUDOGYNECOMASTIA

A condition called “pseudogynecomastia” occurs from the accumulation of fat, rather than enlarged glandular tissue. This can result from obesity and linger even after massive weight loss. For those that have made the decision to take control of their health, eliminating these embarrassing and stubborn deposits of fat can be an important step in the final phase of their weight loss journey.

To learn more about the services and specials offered at the Gillian Institute, follow our blog.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

The rates of gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia in men are steadily increasing, whether among adolescents, young adults choosing to use certain substances, or older men with hormone imbalances. (2) This rate was as high as 36% as of 2018.

UAL is an effective solution for both gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia. This liposuction technique can target both enlarged glandular masses and stubborn deposits of fat, permanently, and restore confidence in your masculinity.

Unlike other liposuction procedures, it can also remove the offending glandular tissue.

 

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses electric energy to create soundwaves. This causes vibrations that break down fat. UAL is preferred by plastic surgeons like Dr. Short because of its efficiency in treating male patients, who have particularly dense fibrous tissue in the breast and back. (4) Patients often opt for liposuction because it allows for the permanent removal of fat through small incisions (one centimeter each) that are strategically placed and decrease the risk of unsightly scarring. For this reason, gynecomastia treatment with UAL is also referred to as “scarless breast reduction.”

Another benefit of UAL is that the ultrasound waves cause the tissue to contract after surgery, leaving a smoother, flatter plane to the chest after the bulging mass is removed.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation with Dr. Short in Indianapolis, you’ll enjoy a welcoming and discreet environment.

You’ll also have the opportunity to have a frank discussion about your aesthetic goals, and your overall health and wellness. Dr. Short will examine your chest and review your medical history to properly strategize the best course of action. An ultrasound may be required to determine the extent of your gynecomastia, and the most effective treatment. Once Dr. Short determines that you are a good candidate for treatment with UAL, you’ll be given personalized instructions as to how to prepare for your procedure. Please follow these diligently to ensure the best possible results.

To get started on restoring a flat, masculine chest, schedule an appointment with Dr. Short. Call (317) 913-3260 for our Northside office or (317) 787-3260 to reach us in Downtown Indianapolis.

Procedure

After you’ve been welcomed at the JKS Surgery Institute, made comfortable, and properly anesthetized, your procedure will begin.

Small incisions will be made at the border of the areolae and under the crease of the breast. Each breast will be injected with tumescent fluid. This fluid causes a contraction of the blood vessels to significantly decrease blood loss, bruising, and improve comfort. After the tumescent fluid has taken effect, an internal ultrasound device will be inserted into the incisions, where its gentle waves agitate the tumescent fluid and liquify the fat. A specialized cannula will then be inserted into the incisions to remove the fat and glandular masses. (4) Dr. Short will also employ an external ultrasound device to assist in the liposuction procedure and encourage skin contraction.

This combined therapy allows for a greater amount of fat to be removed with less trauma to the patient and smoother results.

Recovery

Once the procedure is complete, your incisions will be lightly bandaged, and you’ll be dressed in a padded compression vest to support the area and reduce swelling. You may also have drains inserted to assist with fluid removal, which will be removed the following week. You will need to wear the compression gear for 2 weeks, 24 hours a day. Your recovery will be monitored during follow-up appointments, and you’ll be given detailed after-care instructions prior to being discharged.

Patients are advised to receive external ultrasound massage to the breasts following surgery to decrease the areas of firmness and to reduce the swelling. The recovery period is 7-10 days with restrictions to minimize lifting and arm movements for 2 weeks.

Results

Once you’ve been cleared to discontinue wearing your compression vest, you’ll notice a gradual but definitive improvement in the appearance of your chest. You’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you’ve been proactive about your health, and taken advantage of a permanent solution to gynecomastia.

HOW MUCH DOES UAL GYNECOMASTIA TREATMENT COST IN INDIANAPOLIS?

Like many of the services that the Gillian Institute offers, this procedure will be tailored to your individual needs and anatomy, so the cost of your treatment will be unique to you. We will be able to give you an accurate estimate following your personal consultation.

The Gillian Institute is also pleased to provide financing options to patients that qualify.

References

  1. Costanzo PR, Pacenza NA, Aszpis SM, et al. Clinical and Etiological Aspects of Gynecomastia in Adult Males: A Multicenter Study. Biomed Res Int. 2018;2018:8364824. Published 2018 May 29. doi:10.1155/2018/8364824
  2. Draghi F, Tarantino CC, Madonia L, Ferrozzi G. Ultrasonography of the male breast. J Ultrasound. 2011;14(3):122-129. doi:10.1016/j.jus.2011.06.004
  3. Dickson G. Gynecomastia. American Family Physician. 2012;85(7):716-722. Accessed March 29, 2021. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0401/p716.html
  4. Abdelrahman I, Steinvall I, Mossaad B, Sjoberg F, Elmasry M. Evaluation of Glandular Liposculpture as a Single Treatment for Grades I and II Gynaecomastia. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2018;42(5):1222-1230. doi:10.1007/s00266-018-1118-x