While puffy nipples rarely present a medical emergency, that doesn’t mean this common aesthetic concern is harmless for male patients. Nipples that appear puffy or inflamed — whether accompanied by enlarged breast tissue or not — can lead to serious emotional and psychological turmoil. Many men with gynecomastia, a condition defined as overdeveloped breasts in men, struggle with a lack of confidence, a poor self-esteem, a negative body image, and a higher risk of depression, among other debilitating symptoms. There are many factors that can cause puffiness in the breasts and nipples, including certain medication use, excess body fat, and steroids; however, the most common reason for enlarged or sensitive nipples is a hormonal imbalance within the body.
In most cases, surgical treatment is the most effective and long-term solution to reclaim a more masculine look in the chest. Gynecomastia surgery can not only correct puffy and stretched nipples, but the procedure can also remove excess tissue causing the appearance of enlarged breasts. The right approach varies for each person, but techniques often include:
- Surgical excision: Dr. Bottger, our board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon, makes incisions along the natural lines of the chest and nipples to remove excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin. This allows him to address puffy nipples and skin inelasticity caused by overdeveloped breasts.
- Liposuction: Stubborn fat contributing to the appearance of visible breasts is suctioned out, flattening the planes of the chest for a more masculine, natural look. Liposuction is commonly utilized during male breast reduction, leaving behind slimmer and smoother chest contours.
Although there is no non-surgical treatment to reduce male breasts, gynecomastia treatment offers natural-looking results that can last forever. We encourage you to review our before-and-after photos of previous patients who achieved their goals with male breast reduction.
Dr. David Bottger understands how difficult it can be to live with visible, puffy, or overdeveloped male breasts. Reclaim your confidence at our Philadelphia practice with male breast reduction techniques tailored to your needs. Contact Dr. Bottger today to learn more or to schedule a consultation.