Gynecomastia, or ‘man boobs’, is a medical condition when male breast tissue enlarges. It affects approximately 40% to 60% of men at some point in their lives and can cause embarrassment and insecurity. This blog post will discuss the causes, treatments, and Gynecomastia surgery.
So whether you’re considering getting surgery or want to gain insight into the issue, read on!
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that affects many men and can be very embarrassing. It is characterised by enlarged breasts and can occur in one or both breasts. A number of factors, including hormone imbalances, obesity, certain medications, and liver disease, causes it.
Males of any age may develop enlarged breast glands, including babies, adolescents, and elderly adults. Gynecomastia is caused more by extra breast tissue than fat. Gynecomastia breast tissue cannot be reduced by exercise or weight loss.
A different disorder called pseudo gynecomastia causes fat to accumulate in the breasts, maybe due to being overweight or obese.
Gynecomastia symptoms
The development of enlarged breast tissue in men often characterises gynecomastia symptoms. This can occur in one or both breasts and may be accompanied by nipple tenderness or discharge. In some cases, gynecomastia may cause pain or discomfort.
Causes of gynecomastia
Several potential causes of gynecomastia are broadly classified into two categories: hormonal and non-hormonal. Hormonal causes of gynecomastia include an imbalance of the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen or a dysfunction of the endocrine system. Gynaecologists often treat hormonal causes of gynecomastia with medication that restores the body’s balance of testosterone and oestrogen. If the cause is a medication or illegal drug, stopping the use of the substance may resolve gynecomastia. In other cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess breast tissue. Obesity is a risk factor for gynecomastia, so weight loss may help reduce the condition.
Non-hormonal causes include certain medications, illegal drugs, and obesity. In some cases, gynecomastia’s causes may be unknown. Some causes of gynecomastia may be a result of using herbal remedies or medicines, such as:
- Analysing agents
- Antibiotics
- Ulcer-treating drugs
- Chemotherapy
- Drugs for treating anxiety include diazepam and tricyclic antidepressants.
- A few treatments for HIV, such as efavirenz, and anti-androgens, and a few for cardiac problems, like calcium channel blockers
Gynecomastia treatment options
Gynecomastia normally goes away on its own between six months and two to three years. However, if an underlying problem exists, treatment may be necessary.
If a medicine is the cause of the disease, changing to a different medication may be necessary. The condition will pass if the person takes the drug for a little period of time.
Although uncommon, treatment options include hormone therapy to suppress oestrogen or breast reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery before and after
Gynecomastia surgery is a procedure to get rid of excess breast tissue in men. It can be performed on one or both sides of the chest. The surgery is typically done as an outpatient procedure, which implies that you can go home the same day. The surgery takes about 1-2 hours.
After the surgery, you may need to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks. This helps minimise swelling and support your chest during the healing process. You will also have drains under your skin to help remove excess fluid. These are usually removed within 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Most men report excellent results after gynecomastia surgery. The chest will look flatter and more masculine. There are usually no visible scars, as the incisions are made around the areola (the dark area around the nipple).
If you are looking to get gynecomastia surgery, be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has an expertise in performing this procedure.
Consult Dr Demetrius for expert advice
If you are concerned about the development of breasts in males, you should consult with a specialist like Dr Demetrius offers the best cosmetic surgery in Dubai. He can offer expert advice on the matter and assist you in choosing the most suitable course of treatment. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to remove excess tissue. However, nonsurgical options can also be effective in treating gynecomastia.
Dr Demetrius can help you understand all of your treatment options and make an informed decision about which is right for you. He is also an expert in cosmetic surgery and breast-related surgeries for women, like breast lift, and breast augmentation using the latest breast implants.
