The Benefits of Gynecomastia Treatment
Do you feel confined by your gynecomastia? Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva in Newport Beach, CA, offers surgical options that can help you regain confidence and a masculine physique. Say goodbye to baggy shirts and social anxiety. Unleash a new, self-assured you with our proven surgery for gynecomastia.
Restored Self-Esteem
Stop hiding behind loose clothing. Our surgery will enable you to wear anything confidently.
Enhanced Physique
Achieve a flatter, firmer chest that even gym workouts can’t provide.
Long-lasting Results
Our surgical approach ensures minimal recurrence, setting you up for lifelong confidence.
Transform Your Chest, Transform Your Life
If you’re a man with gynecomastia (aka male breasts) and the idea of going to the beach without wearing a shirt or tank top to cover your chest makes you anxious, there’s good news. Surgery for gynecomastia is an effective solution for men who have enlarged breast tissue. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva of LEA Plastic Surgery performs male breast reduction surgery in Newport Beach to help men in Orange County, Southern California, and beyond feel more confident in their everyday lives and improve their body image.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the excessive development of breast tissue in boys and men. Male breast enlargement is typically caused by an imbalance between the levels of the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Identifying the type of gynecomastia you have may be essential for effective treatment. Although it most often affects both breasts, it can occasionally affect just one.
Breasts in men are not a serious medical problem. However, for a man to have a sagging or enlarged chest can cause emotional distress, which can affect his mental health. Thus, this condition can be difficult to live with.
Men are typically embarrassed by gynecomastia and often seek male breast reduction in Newport Beach to have the excess breast tissue removed.
Symptoms of this condition include swollen breast tissue and tenderness in the chest area. Gynecomastia is triggered when the individual has a lower amount of testosterone than estrogen. Factors related to male breast growth include:
- Hormone fluctuations in infancy and during puberty (this is normal and often goes away on its own)
- Medications such as anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, anti-anxiety medication, antibiotics, and more
- Drugs and alcohol
- Health issues such as hypogonadism, tumors, hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, and cirrhosis
Individuals at the highest risk for gynecomastia include adolescents, men between 50 and 80, those who use anabolic steroids for athletic performance, and men with health conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disease, cirrhosis, or an active tumor.
Conditions that cause similar symptoms of gynecomastia include fatty breast tissue (pseudo-gynecomastia), breast cancer, and mastitis.
Hormonal Imbalances: The Primary Reason
At the core of gynecomastia is a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. While estrogen, the female hormone, promotes breast tissue growth, testosterone, the male hormone, inhibits it. In gynecomastia, this delicate balance is disrupted, often leading to breast tissue development. Common causes of this imbalance include:
- Natural Hormonal Changes: Hormone levels fluctuate during puberty and aging, which can temporarily elevate estrogen levels.
- Medical Conditions: Disorders such as hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and liver or kidney diseases can alter hormone production.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs, including anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, and some heart medications, can contribute to gynecomastia.
Genetic Factors and Lifestyle Influences
In addition to hormonal imbalances, genetics and lifestyle choices play a significant role in the development of gynecomastia. Men with a family history of the condition may be more predisposed. Moreover, factors like obesity, which increases estrogen production, and the use of substances like alcohol and recreational drugs, can exacerbate the condition.
Differentiating Gynecomastia from Other Conditions
It’s important to distinguish true gynecomastia, which involves glandular breast tissue, from pseudogynecomastia, characterized by fat deposits without glandular proliferation. A thorough medical evaluation, often including imaging tests like ultrasound or mammography, is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
About Gynecomastia Treatment in Newport Beach, CA
Male breasts sometimes go away on their own over time, but doctors often recommend surgical treatment for gynecomastia in Newport Beach and Orange County for those who want to achieve a flat, masculine chest. Surgical options often involve liposuction or the excision of glandular breast tissue.
Liposuction is used when the breast tissue is mostly excess fat and not breast gland tissue. Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva most often performs male breast reduction surgery endoscopically. This method uses small incisions, is less invasive, and has a shorter recovery process than a traditional mastectomy.
Am I a Good Candidate for Male Breast Reduction?
Any man can experience gynecomastia regardless of their size or weight. However, men with excessive breast tissue may be ideal candidates for male breast reduction if they are at their ideal weight or a healthy weight. Men in Newport Beach or Orange County looking for gynecomastia treatment should be in good health, at a stable weight, at least 16 years of age, and have realistic expectations and a positive outlook for what surgery can accomplish.
Call today to schedule your consultation
The Consultation for Male Breast Reduction
Men interested in male breast reduction surgery should schedule a consultation with a reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and treatment options.
If you want to find out if this surgery is right for you, Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva can help you through this process. The first step is to schedule a gynecomastia consultation at her Newport Beach office. Patients come to Dr. Ho Taghva from all over the country—and even internationally.
During this initial meeting, be prepared to discuss your goals for surgery as well as any current medical conditions, medications, and previous surgeries. Dr. Ho Taghva will evaluate any risk factors and may request diagnostic testing to determine the cause of the gynecomastia, if necessary.
She will examine your chest, take photographs, and discuss your options for surgery. The surgeon will explain any risks involved with gynecomastia correction in Orange County and go over the type of anesthesia needed.
Patients are always encouraged to speak up and share feelings, thoughts, doubts, and fears about surgery. Dr. Ho Taghva is known for her ability to relate to her patients, and this relationship is key to a successful outcome.
Preparing for Gynecomastia Surgery in Orange County
In preparation for male breast reduction, Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva may recommend lab tests. She may ask a primary care doctor or an endocrinologist to provide an evaluation. She may need to adjust or eliminate certain medications you are taking altogether before surgery.
You should stop smoking well in advance of the surgery, as continuing to use nicotine products can impair the healing process. You should also avoid any anti-inflammatories since these medications can increase bleeding.
Before the procedure, arrange for someone to drive you to and from your surgical appointment. Even though male breast reduction is performed on an outpatient basis, some patients prefer to have someone stay with them overnight following the surgery.
Gynecomastia Before-and-After Pictures
The Male Breast Reduction Procedure
Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva performs gynecomastia surgery in Newport Beach at the GALEA Center for Advanced Surgery, a Medicare-accredited surgery center (the highest level of accreditation for outpatient ambulatory surgery centers). GALEA is next door to the LEA Plastic Surgery office.
The doctor will perform the procedure on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or general anesthesia. She will have determined beforehand whether you need liposuction or tissue excision. Often, she uses both methods to remove excess tissue and glandular breast tissue.
If liposuction is necessary, the surgeon will insert a cannula (a hollow suction tube) through several small incisions. She will move this tool back and forth to loosen the excess fat before suctioning it out.
Excision is a technique that Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva can use to remove glandular tissue or excess skin. She will make a small incision, often either around the areola or under the breast. This incision is larger than needed for liposuction, and its placement depends on your preferences and the specific condition of the breast tissue. Individuals who have undergone significant weight loss may also need to have excess skin removed.
Combining liposuction and excision is very common. In these cases, the surgeon will first use liposuction to remove the fat and then use excision to reduce the breast size.
The Cost of Male Breast Reduction Surgery
The cost of male breast reduction in Newport Beach, CA, depends on the specific treatment plan and the techniques needed for your unique case. To determine the exact cost, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva at LEA Plastic Surgery. During this meeting, the doctor will evaluate your chest and discuss your goals before creating a customized treatment plan that fits within your budget.
It is important to note that although many plastic surgery procedures are eligible for health insurance coverage, gynecomastia correction is typically considered a cosmetic procedure and is not usually covered by insurance companies. However, since all forms of payment are accepted at LEA Plastic Surgery, there are several financing options available for patients who do not have medical insurance coverage.
To learn more about the costs of male breast reduction or to inquire about financing options, please contact the team at LEA Plastic Surgery today to set up an initial consultation with Dr. Ho Taghva!
Initial Consultation: Personalized Care Starts Here
Embarking on your gynecomastia surgery journey begins with a comprehensive consultation. Our approach is patient-centric, ensuring that each individual’s unique needs and concerns are addressed. During this initial meeting, you can expect:
- Thorough Medical Evaluation: We assess your medical history, current health status, and any medications to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for surgery.
- Discussion of Goals and Expectations: Understanding your desired outcomes is crucial. We’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and set realistic expectations for the surgery’s results.
- Detailed Explanation of the Procedure: We provide an in-depth overview of the surgical process, including techniques we use and what you can expect during the operation.
Preparing for Surgery: Steps for Optimal Outcomes
Preparation is key to a successful gynecomastia surgery. To ensure the best possible results, we recommend:
- Physical Preparation: Achieving a stable weight and maintaining good health is essential. We may advise specific dietary or lifestyle changes.
- Medication Management: Some medications may need to be adjusted or stopped temporarily. We’ll guide you through this process.
- Arranging Post-Surgery Care: Plan for someone to drive you home after your surgery and assist you for the first few days of your recovery.
The Day of Surgery: What to Expect On the day of your surgery, our team will be ready to provide you with the highest level of care. The procedure typically involves:
- Anesthesia: We use the most appropriate anesthesia for your comfort and safety.
- Surgical Technique: Depending on your specific case, we may use liposuction, excision, or a combination of both to achieve the best results.
- Duration: The surgery usually takes a few hours, after which you will rest in our recovery area before going home.
Recovery from Gynecomastia Surgery
Recovery from Gynecomastia Surgery
Before surgery, Dr. Ho Taghva will go over the medications you’ll need to take post-operatively, if and when she will remove your stitches, and when you can resume normal activities. She will also schedule a follow-up appointment. Following the surgeon’s instructions closely will help ensure the most successful outcome.
Immediately after surgery, the doctor will apply a dressing and bandage to the incisions. You will need to wear a support garment to keep any swelling down and to support the new chest contours. You must avoid strenuous activities, especially if they involve the pectoral muscles.
Dr. Ho Taghva may place a thin tube under your skin to drain excess fluid and blood. In that case, she will provide specific instructions for aftercare, drains, and medications.
The recovery period depends on the details of your surgery. Typically, the recovery time for this type of surgery is anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. However, patients can usually return to work about two to three days following the procedure. This downtime is needed for the healing process.
You can resume mild to light exercise about one week after surgery and full activity in the lower body after about 2 weeks. You can resume upper-body or chest area workouts after about 4 weeks. You should wear a compression garment for approximately 2–4 weeks.
Gynecomastia Surgery Risks and Safety
Gynecomastia surgery is a very safe procedure with minimal risks. However, as with all surgical procedures, there are some potential risks that should be discussed with Dr. Ho Taghva. The most common risks associated with gynecomastia surgery include infection, excessive bleeding, and scarring. In rare cases, there can be a reaction to the anesthesia or an adverse reaction to the medications prescribed for pain or healing.
Dr. Ho Taghva will review the potential risks and safety measures prior to the procedure to minimize any complications. It is also important to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully. This includes avoiding strenuous activity and refraining from smoking for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after having gynecomastia surgery.
In addition, proper care of your incisions is essential to prevent infection and speed up the healing process. Dr. Ho Taghva will provide detailed instructions regarding aftercare, which should be followed closely for best results.
Why Should I Choose Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva?
- Board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Received additional post-residency training in Korea for Asian Aesthetic Surgery
- Experienced in a diverse range of surgeries including both Western and Asian rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, breast lift, full facial rejuvenation, facelifts, and endoscopic brow lifts
- Understands both Western and Asian cultural background
- Highly skilled in cosmetic surgery and provides natural-looking changes that match each patient’s goals, add beauty, and bring facial harmony while preserving unique aesthetics
- Keenly attuned to the delicate complexities of the nose and facial features