Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

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Category: Gynecomastia Surgery

Can Exercise Reduce Large Male Breasts?

Many men are affected by the appearance of overdeveloped breasts during the course of their lives, and it can cause significant self-consciousness and emotional distress. As a result, many men spend a significant amount of money and time at the gym with personal trainers trying to flatten their chests and redefine their pectoral muscles. However, while exercise and weight loss can have an effect on fatty tissue, they, unfortunately, can’t do much for glandular tissue. Therefore, to achieve a well-defined, masculine chest, male breast reduction is often the only way to effectively eliminate male breast tissue.

 

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Florence Mussat recognizes that gynecomastia can cause embarrassing problems for men, preventing them from living their life to the fullest. Fortunately, Dr. Mussat has successfully treated many of her male patients suffering from gynecomastia with a male breast reduction surgery. In this blog, we will discuss what causes male breasts to develop, why exercise isn’t always successful in reducing enlarged male breasts, and how gynecomastia surgery can help you achieve your ideal results.

The Different Types of Gynecomastia

Enlarged male breasts are a common problem for men with excess fat through their chest area. This type of gynecomastia is called pseudo-gynecomastia, which is caused by major weight fluctuations, age, or genetic traits. To improve the appearance of excess fat in the chest area, Dr. Mussat performs liposuction of the chest to achieve a stronger, more masculine appearance.

 

Men can also suffer from enlarged glandular breast tissue that occurs during adolescence due to a hormone imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. Usually, this issue resolves itself as a man grows older, but due to a continued hormone imbalance or chronic use of some medications and drugs, gynecomastia can follow them into adulthood.

Why Exercise Cannot Affect All Types of Gynecomastia

Male breasts are composed of both glandular and fatty tissue. In cases where gynecomastia results from excess fatty tissue due to weight fluctuation, diet and exercise can sometimes prove effective. However, if the enlarged male breasts result from excess glandular tissue, exercise and healthy eating habits will prove ineffective, and the situation will need to be remedied through cosmetic surgery.

How Is Male Breast Reduction Performed?

When performing male breast reduction surgery, Dr. Mussat will first perform liposuction, if necessary, to remove excess fatty tissue. Then, she will make a small incision around the outer edge of the areola, or the darker-pigmented skin around the nipple, where she’ll remove excess skin, as needed, before removing the glandular tissue. Once she has achieved the desired aesthetic, she’ll close the incision with sutures and dress the area with bandages.

 

Recovery from male breast reduction usually requires about three to five days off work. The results of male breast reduction are typically visible immediately, but the final outcome of the procedure won’t be visible for a few months or until the body is entirely healed.

Schedule Your Male Breast Reduction with Dr. Florence Mussat

If you feel you’ve wasted enough time and money at the gym only to see zero results from your hard work, it might be time to consider gynecomastia surgery. A male breast reduction is a relatively quick procedure that is safe and will deliver the results you want.

 

To schedule your private consultation with Dr. Florence Mussat and learn how a Chicago male breast reduction can help you achieve a leaner, more masculine-looking chest, contact her office by calling (312) 751-9000 or by completing our online form today.

4 Tips to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery | Dr. Florence Mussat

Gynecomastia, or male breast reduction surgery, is a procedure designed to eliminate excess tissue from a man’s chest, creating a more masculine upper body shape. Regardless of the type of male breast reduction surgery planned, thorough preparation should precede the procedure to accomplish safe and desirable results.

Being well-prepared will not only make you feel more confident, but it will also increase your chances of a smooth surgery followed by a fast, trouble-free recovery. Here are the four things you should do before having gynecomastia surgery.

1. Determine What You Want From the Procedure

Apart from removing excess breast tissue, this is an opportunity for you to address other aesthetic concerns simultaneously. These could include the removal of excess skin and breast glandular tissue, as well as liposuction.

Having Dr. Mussat develop a clear plan for your ultimate goal is crucial to know you’ll be satisfied with the outcome. She will assess your anatomy to establish whether the fullness in your chest is due to:

  • Excess fat
  • Excess breast tissue
  • Loose skin surrounding the areolas

In the case of age or extreme weight loss, fullness in the chest can be the direct result of loose skin surrounding the areolas, which Dr. Mussat can quickly remove with an areolar reduction. However,  if your gynecomastia concerns include excess fat and breast tissue, you’ll also need surgical excision of tissue and fat removal.

2. Speak With Dr. Mussat About Your Surgery

An essential next step in preparing for your gynecomastia surgery is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mussat in downtown Chicago for the following reasons.

  • She is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
  • She has in-depth knowledge of the underlying causes of gynecomastia.
  • She has performed numerous male breast reduction surgeries using the techniques needed for your procedure.
  • She’s happy to show you before-and-after pictures of previous male breast reduction patients.

Dr. Mussat has a detailed understanding and extensive experience in reducing breast tissue in men and recontouring the chest area to make it more masculine.

3. Commit to Lifestyle Changes

Even though your lifestyle might not have caused gynecomastia, now is probably a good time to overhaul your diet and exercise routine. Follow the guidelines outlined below before your surgery, establishing a healthy lifestyle ahead of your procedure while simultaneously helping you preserve your results.

  • Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid sugar, white flour, and processed foods.
  • Switch to a whole-food diet.
  • Lower your alcohol consumption.
  • Avoid taking steroids or hormonal supplements.
  • Do not smoke tobacco or marijuana.
  • Exercise three to six times a week, including regular weightlifting and resistance exercises to build muscle.

 

4. Plan for a Healthy Recovery

Before your surgery, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home and provide assistance with household chores during the initial 48 hours after your surgery.

Returning home after your gynecomastia surgery and starting the recovery process will be a challenge. Plan to take some time off from work and other commitments, and expect to spend at least 48 hours resting.

Follow Dr. Mussat’s advice for your recovery, and you can expect a quick and trouble-free recovery.

Get Ready for Your Gynecomastia Surgery With Dr. Florence Mussat

Are you ready to address your gynecomastia and start living the life you deserve? Regain your self-confidence with a leaner, more sculpted look throughout your chest area by scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Mussat to prepare for your gynecomastia surgery. The results will help you once again feel proud of your appearance. Contact her office by calling (312) 751-9000 today.