Male Breast Reduction Surgery Prompts USF Student to Lose Over 80 Pounds

After years of suffering with gynecomastia Luke Hendrickson, 18, turned to Dr. Joseph Cruise, board certified plastic surgeon of Newport Beach, Calif., for a solution. The results of having male breast reduction surgery sparked inspiration in Luke to permanently change his lifestyle habits and lose over 80 pounds.

Newport Beach, CA (Vocus) January 22, 2010

Luke at 290 lbs before surgery and 210 lbs 18 months after surgery

There is a common belief that plastic surgery is the “lazy way out” in transforming one’s body. Those who work in the industry, however, are daily witnesses to patients who end up turning their life around for the better after having a procedure done. Luke Hendrickson is a perfect example of this phenomenon.

Growing Up With Gynecomastia

Luke had suffered with gynecomastia, male breast enlargement, since he was 10 years old. Growing up a few blocks away from the beach would be a dream for most children. Luke, however, dreaded the summer season and never participated in any activity that would require him to take off his shirt.

“Even though I lived close to the beach, I never wanted to go…I always looked forward to when it was cold so that I could hide under a jacket,” says Luke.

At the time of the surgery, Luke was 18 years old, 6’4” and 290lbs. He attributes his weight gain as a teenager with the emotional and physical effects of having gynecomastia.

“I never felt confident or comfortable with myself and ended up just letting myself go. I thought I was just stuck with having the enlarged breasts, I was unaware there was a solution and felt totally powerless,” says Luke.

“The effects of having gynecomastia can be emotionally devastating leaving males to feel insecure, depressed and isolated. Unfortunately, these negative effects can have a ripple effect onto other parts of one’s life resulting in a desperate search for a solution,” says Joseph T Cruise, MD.

Joseph T Cruise, MD also advises parents of teenagers to observe and look for the following signs:

•     Withdrawing from daily activities
•     Skipping family trips to the beach
•     Gaining weight

Not uncommonly gynecomastia may be the cause of this changed behavior that stops them from enjoying life and taking advantage of activities and a healthy lifestyle.

After Gynecomastia Surgery

Being an Orange County resident, Luke was fortunate to find a local plastic surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia correction surgery.Dr. Joseph Cruise of Cruise Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, California is one of the few surgeons nationally who specialize in gynecomastia correction.

The results of the gynecomastia surgery left Luke with a renewed confidence and drive to continue with the transformation of his body. Through a mixture of a portion controlled diet and cardiovascular program, Luke, now 20, is fully committed to creating a healthier lifestyle. He credits having the surgery with being the catalyst for making the drastic health change in his life.

“Due to the outcome of the surgery, I have changed the way I eat and exercise. It has changed the way I live and how I feel about myself. I can now stand tall with confidence and certainty.”

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cruise, located in the greater Los Angeles area in Newport Beach, CA, call their office at (949) 446-1421. If you prefer, a virtual fast-track consultation is also available. Simply complete our online form and send in photos to be reviewed by Dr. Cruise.