Breast exams, mammograms, etc.

[DrBermant]

Asymmetric or Uneven Gynecomastia is not  uncommon. Major asymmetry is less common, but this week I had 3 consecutive cases of massive difference between the 2 sides. Now that is quite unusual. 

Dr. Bermant how did you get that huge gland out without cutting it ? And thru that small incision ?

It takes patience, skill, and experience to remove a large gland through a small incision. A normal sized gland I now remove with about a 1.6 cm long incision (measured while tissues are stretched during tumescent anesthesia. (2.54 cm = 1 inch.) This can extend to about 1.8 to 2 cm for very large glands and about 3 cm for my Male Mastopexy Chest Lift when I need to use fiber optic instruments to work and sculpt far from my access site.


Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Male Breast Reduction

[maineguy79]

I'm waiting for the doctor to call me back and explain why he thinks the mammogram is necessary... no response yet...

[bigkevw]

I had a mammogram a long time ago when I was trying to get my gyno taken care of.  I understood that it was necessary and went along with it.  It wasn't until I actually went to the clinic and noticed that I was the only male there amongst what seemed at the time to be 10 of the hottest women in world sitting right next to me.  I then became mortified because I knew that they knew why I was there.  It must have been written all over my face because the nurse spent what seemed like forever trying to comfort me by telling me that she screened men all of the time and it was completely normal for men to get mammograms.  Needless to say it was one of the most embarrassing days of my life.  I'm not trying to scare you, and yes the mammogram is necessary, but you should at least head in with your eyes wide open.  Good Luck....

[RadG]

I had a mammogram a long time ago when I was trying to get my gyno taken care of.  I understood that it was necessary and went along with it.  It wasn't until I actually went to the clinic and noticed that I was the only male there amongst what seemed at the time to be 10 of the hottest women in world sitting right next to me.  I then became mortified because I knew that they knew why I was there.  It must have been written all over my face because the nurse spent what seemed like forever trying to comfort me by telling me that she screened men all of the time and it was completely normal for men to get mammograms.  Needless to say it was one of the most embarrassing days of my life.  I'm not trying to scare you, and yes the mammogram is necessary, but you should at least head in with your eyes wide open.  Good Luck....

My experience was similar, except no hot women around. There may of been a couple of older women there and I was the only guy. It was embarrassing, but I look back on it and every so often laugh about how the form letter they sent out kept referring to me as Ms., since their records should show that I am a single male.

[maineguy79]

To be honest, I'm already past the embarrassment stage -- I dealt with that when the receptionists and nurses at the doctor's office gave me funny looks the entire time I was there. At this point, I just want to know whether I need to subject myself to the radiation or not.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Excuse me, but I was misunderstood.  I have never asked to be paid for an answer.  However, I can only speak in generalities without knowing specifics of any case.  And if I were to tell you what to do, then I would, de facto, be giving you specific advice and establishing a doctor/patient relationship when truly none exists.

Sorry I cannot be more specific in answering your question -- that is why I stated you should question your own doc directly -- and then make your own decision.

Dr Jacobs

[maineguy79]

I apologize for my poor choice of wording. I was referring to Dr. Bermant's post in which he posted a link to the remote consultation page on his web site, which lists a price of $200. I interpreted that as "I'll be happy to answer your question if you pay me." And that is reasonable. Business is business, and if you have a product or skill, you can't just give it away. I understand that.

I greatly appreciate the information provided by everyone who has responded so far, doctors and non-doctors alike. Thank you.

[DrBermant]

I apologize for my poor choice of wording. I was referring to Dr. Bermant's post in which he posted a link to the remote consultation page on his web site, which lists a price of $200. I interpreted that as "I'll be happy to answer your question if you pay me." And that is reasonable. Business is business, and if you have a product or skill, you can't just give it away. I understand that.

I greatly appreciate the information provided by everyone who has responded so far, doctors and non-doctors alike. Thank you.

Actually my answer was that I be happy to answer specific questions during a consultation where I can establish a proper doctor patient relationship. That way the answers actually have meaning and value. And yes, I do charge for my consultations, all of my consultations. I have given away a massive amount of free information on my website and through years of generic answers here on this forum.  Beyond that, my practice as a surgical sculptor is to contour and give advice. That is my business and art.  Not all patients will end up with surgery and my specific counseling about plastic surgery issues is one of the services I offer.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Male Breast Reduction

[osmannica2001]

Hi Maine,

Tomorrow, January 29th I'm having surgery again. I have a similar problem to yours. My right breast is bigger than my left one. I had a surgery back in 2007, results were perfect, but sadly my breast grew back again. After a year of my operation I went to see my doctor and he recommended me to go see an Endocrinologist. The specialist then made me get a blood test for my hormones (Estrogens/testosterones), a mammography and ultrasound. Thankfully all my exams came out positive, but my estrogens level, which were high. I had ultrasounds done in my testicles and right breast. I also did my mammogram which I was very scared about and at the end of the day, it wasn't bad at all. Don't be scared, you'll be fine, these exams don't even hurt. It hurts me more to get a blood test than having a mammogram done. It's been almost two years since I had surgery and finally I'm getting it done again. Your just lucky that your insurance covers your mammograms and all, because mine didn't cover jack...

[maineguy79]

Thanks for sharing your story with me, osmannica. I'm not worried about the mammogram in terms of pain or discomfort; I'd just prefer not to expose myself to radiation unless it's really necessary. Still waiting for the doc to return my call.

I did have blood tests for the various hormones (estrogen, testosterone, several others that I can't remember the names of), and they all came back normal. That's good, although in a way it would have been a relief if the results had been abnormal because then it would have provided me with an explanation for the gynecomastia.