Gynecomastia Surgery
For Bodybuilders
Many bodybuilders develop enlarged male breasts or gynecomastia as a result of taking anabolic steroids and other similar drugs to boost their performance. Although using steroids does not always cause gynecomastia or man boobs, it is a common side effect with these drugs.
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How Do Anabolic Steroids Cause Gynecomastia Or Man Boobs?
- Anabolic steroids are processed by the body and converted into estrogen causing an estrogen-testosterone imbalance. Estrogen hormone imbalance causes gland tissue to grow.
- Anabolic steroids also negatively decrease the body’s normal production of testosterone leading to further estogen-testosterone imbalance and breast gland growth.
- Enlarged breast tissue does not return to normal even if you stop taking steroids. This results in “man boobs” or true gynecomastia.
Can I Get Rid Of My Gynecomastia Or Man Boobs Without Surgery?
- Neither prescription nor over-the-counter medications can treat true gynecomastia. Taking estrogen blockers is often not helpful and will not reverse the gynecomastia.
- The only real solution for enlarged glandular breasts is surgical removal and cutting out the glands which is called subcutaneous mastectomy. Any other proposed surgical technique or solution will not be successful.
How Is Gynecomastia Treated In Body Builders?
Dr. Lo treats bodybuilders’ gynecomastia with complete breast gland removal which is called subcutaneous mastectomy.
Because bodybuilders’ enlarged breasts are caused by the steroid-induced growth of gland tissue, not fat tissue, Dr. Lo must surgically remove the excess gland tissue. Dr. Lo calls this “cutting out the glands” and once this is done, the breast gland tissue is permanently removed and will not come back.
What Is Subcutaneous Mastectomy?
Subcutaneous mastectomy is a surgical technique to remove the breast gland. An incision or cut is made along the bottom edge of the areola from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock.
- Through this incision, the breast gland is completely removed.
- The amount or weight of gland tissue varies from patient to patient. It may be the size of a marble, silver dollar coin, donut or even larger.
- Puffy nipples will be corrected with the removal of the gland tissue behind the nipple.
- The diameter of the areola will shrink and become smaller.
- The incision or cut usually heals well and will be almost “invisible” as the scar is at the edge of the pigmented areola and the normal skin.
Above image shows armpit incision used for liposuction and nipple/areolar incision used for gland removal.
Glands removed from 31 y.o. male body builder
If you are a male with Gynecomastia and have discovered Dr. Lo, do not waste your time looking any further. Visit him ASAP. My quality of life has skyrocketed, giving me a confidence I never had…
— DB
Gynecomastia Surgery for Bodybuilders FAQS
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Most bodybuilders have a low body fat ratio, and their man boobs will be 99% breast gland tissue. Therefore, liposuction to remove fat will not be necessary to give a normal masculine chest. If liposuction is needed after breast gland removal, Dr. Lo will perform advanced liposuction to sculpt the chest.
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Bodybuilders are typically in great shape and their skin is tight and has good elasticity. Once the breast gland tissue is removed, the skin will contract, shrink and lie smoothly on their chest. Thus, skin removal is usually not necessary.
Occasionally, a small amount of skin will be removed at the areolar cut before closing the incision to give a better result.
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- The gland tissue will be weighed and photographed for your records. You will receive a photograph of the breast tissue that was removed.
- The breast tissue specimen will the sent to the pathology lab and tested. Very rarely there may be malignant or premalignant tissue (cancer). You will receive a copy of your report.
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Bodybuilders do not need to worry about visible scars from their surgery as:
- The incisions or cuts are closed with dissolvable sutures giving you the best scar possible
- The cut around the areolar/nipple is at the edge of the pigmented areolar skin and your normal skin and heals almost “invisible”
- The small ¼ inch cuts for your drains are in the side of your chest or armpit area and heal beautifully
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- During the first 2 weeks, you are walking, using the treadmill and lifting light weights that do not involve chest muscles.
- At 2 weeks, you are allowed to begin working your chest to shape it and tighten up the skin. Bench press, inclines, pectoral flys and push ups are recommended. You can increase your workouts in your abdominal area and legs.
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- You will see the result right away as the breast gland tissue has been removed
- With continued workouts, you will be able to shape and define the lower border of your pectoral muscle
- It may take up to 6 months to see the final result once you start your workouts
Contact Us
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Philadelphia Cosmetic Surgery
301 South 8th Street, Suite 3H,
Philadelphia PA 19106
New Jersey Cosmetic Surgery
990 Route 73 North
Marlton, NJ 08053
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