Men who happen to have male breast enlargement are quite often distressed mentally and emotionally and often do whatever they can to hide their deformity. Feelings of insecurity, excessive self consciousness, poor self image and even depression are quite common. Having gynecomastia can adversely affect interactions and relationships with others, particularly women, and even involvement in activities such as sports and working out. The good news about gynecomastia is that the surgical treatment is usually quite effective and not associated with a lot of discomfort.

Most of the men that I operate on for male breast enlargement can be treated quite effectively using ultrasonic assisted liposuction alone or combined with a small direct excision of breast tissue. This liposuction technique involves the direct injection into the tissues of a fluid containing a local anesthetic that can be clinically effective for many hours after surgery. As a result, recovery can be quite tolerable … even for a man!

A majority of my patients have indicated that the level of postoperative discomfort was quite tolerable and well controlled with oral pain medications. Many, in fact, returned to sedentary jobs within four to five days. I do recommend that they not engage in sports and working out for around 2 ½ weeks.

Gynecomastia - before surgery

After surgery

If you would like additional information on male breast reduction surgery for gynecomastia or to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, please contact my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

Medications and Drugs That Can Lead to Enlarged Male Breasts (Gynecomastia)

Gynecomastia, which is the enlargement of breasts in a male is relatively common and is a frequent cause of embarrassment and insecurity. I have indicated elsewhere that the underlying cause of gynecomastia is related to the absolute and relative levels of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Their levels are significantly affected by puberty, aging, alcohol, and a variety of medications, illicit and street drugs, and diseases.

Listed below are several broad categories of medications with some specific examples that are associated with male breast enlargement:

1. Anti-androgens used to treat prostate enlargement or cancer: finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), dutasteride (Avodart), flutamide (Eulexin); cyproterone (Androcur)
2. Anti-anxiety medications: diazepam (Valium)
3. Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan) and imipramine (Tofranil)
4. Antibiotics such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) and isoniazid
5. Ulcer medications such as cimetidine (Tagamet)
6. Certain chemotherapy agents used in the treatment of cancer.
7. Cardiac medications such as digitalis (Digoxin) and calcium channel blockers such as amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem) and nifedipine (Procardia)
8. Certain AIDS medications especially Efavirenz
9. Products that contain tea tree oil or lavender oil
10. Miscellaneous medications such as estrogen, spironolactone (Aldactone), and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

The following includes street and illicit drugs that have been found to cause gynecomastia:

1. Marijuana
2. Cocaine
3. Anabolic steroids
4. Methadone
5. Heroin
6. Amphetamines

If you have developed gynecomastia that is not related to puberty, alcohol or certain diseases and may be on one of the agents listed above or a similar medication or drug, it would be wise to investigate the situation further. You may want to discuss the situation with your primary care doctor or the appropriate prescribing physician if relevant.

To later cosmetically address the enlargement of the breasts (if appropriate), male breast reduction surgery can be considered. This procedure may involve ultrasonic assisted liposuction of the breasts with or without directly removing the enlarged glandular tissue.

If you would like more information on male breast reduction surgery for the treatment of gynecomastia such as with ultrasonic assisted liposuction or information on any other cosmetic surgery procedure, you can contact my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona

Male breast enlargement is much more common than many men with the problem think. Also known as gynecomastia, the cause of this problem is related to the absolute and relative amounts of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen that are being produced. Factors that can affect these levels include puberty, aging, medications, illicit drugs, alcohol, specific diseases and congenital defects.

During puberty when sex hormone levels are wildly fluctuating, around two thirds of boys will experience enlargement of their breasts to varying degrees. Of those who are affected with gynecomastia, around seventy five percent will fully resolve within two years and around ninety percent by three years. That means around ten percent of boys who experience enlarged breasts will have persistence of the problem making it a common issue.

As men get older, their production of testosterone decreases. By ages 40 to 50, it is not uncommon to see the onset of breast growth which becomes more substantial with time. Some estimates have as many as twenty five to forty percent of men between the ages of 50 and 80 with gynecomastia. This can be further exacerbated by medications used to treat medical problems common during this period in life such as for an enlarged prostate.

Men who are considerably overweight may also have enlargement of their breasts. This is often referred to as pseudogynecomastia as opposed to true gynecomastia but the outcome is the same. Weight loss alone may resolve much of the enlargement.

The treatment for male breast enlargement is with surgery and is usually very effective and successful.

For further information regarding the treatment of gynecomastia or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, please contact my office at 480-451-3000.

Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona