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Gynecomastia is defined as the appearance of female-like breasts in a male. You know it when you see it. Instead of a flat chest contour with small nipple-areola complexes, the chest is round in appearance with more tissue than usual. This tissue is often accompanied by “puffy” nipple-areola complexes. I have heard many times in my practice that “my gynecomastia goes away when it’s cold.”
It starts with gynecomastia and human anatomy. Gynecomastia consists of tissue that begins below the nipple-areola complexes and grows outward. This tissue proliferates from a hormone imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. This is most commonly seen at the time of a natural imbalance that occurs during puberty. It’s also common to see it nowadays in men taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and performance supplements. This tissue that sits under the areolas causes expansion and herniation from the mass effect.
The nipple-areola complexes also have smooth muscle fibers spread throughout. These muscle fibers contract the skin when stimulated manually (think pinching the area) and by cold temperatures. When contracted, the puffy appearance of the nipples goes away—the area becomes flatter and smaller. Since puffy nipples is one of the most common complaints heard from gynecomastia patients, it’s a relief when this happens. Unfortunately, this would mean you have to constantly pinch and massage your chest area or move to a colder climate. Neither of these options are really going to make you happy.
Unfortunately, there is no successful treatment of gynecomastia without a surgical procedure to remove the gynecomastia tissue, which is the cause of the entire problem. Exercise, weight loss, medications, non-surgical treatments like laser, CoolSculpting, anti-estrogens and other Internet snake oil options simply will not work.
By removing ALL the gross gynecomastia tissue present, I am removing the mass of tissue that causes the prominence of the nipple-areola complex. The small muscle fibers that respond to cold are not removed. The nipple-areola complex then becomes smaller and flatter—precisely what gynecomastia patients want. Leaving some gynecomastia tissue behind so there is no collapse of the area, as many surgeons advocate, simply is not an option. A paper I published in 2022 clearly showed that complete tissue removal is possible and essential to achieve flatter, smaller nipple-areola complexes.
Our team at AGC is here to answer your questions, assist with scheduling your appointment, or help you with any other matters related to your treatment. Book your consultation online for specific questions regarding a personalized surgical plan.
A further detailed discussion with Dr. Caridi and his team will follow this inquiry. If you are seeking more general information or are a previous patient needing to contact medical staff, always feel free to call our office.
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