Exploring Your Gynecomastia Treatment Options
In films and television shows, it has become quite hip to poke fun at the chubby
male with "man breasts," and while it may make for a chuckle or two in the media, in real life there are many men who suffer from this embarrassing condition.Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of breasts in males, which often can be attributed to excess weight, but can also happen during puberty or to physically fit men.
There are a few different forms of gynecomastia as well as treatment options. Milder forms include "puffy" nipples, adolescent, psuedogynecomastia. Puffy nipples affect the areola, making it fleshier and more feminine than is desirable. Sometimes a small surgical procedure can help reduce the appearance, or your doctor may recommend altering the dosages or types of prescription drugs you take if any.
Adolescent male breasts can are often temporary and will fade over time, but sometimes may become a permanent problem if still visible by the mid-twenties. Immediate treatment is only advisable for adolescents with severe cases. Psuedogynecomastia is usually the result of weight gain and exercise and diet can often reshape and reduce the appearance of breasts.
More severe and persistent forms of gynecomastia may need a surgeon or doctor's intervention. One common cause of the condition is the use of steroids and certain medications. In some cases the damage done can be reversed by discontinuing use of the drug or reducing the dosage.
There are even some medications available that can help reduce the symptoms of gynecomastia, but they are often only effective for two to three years at which point any leftover breast tissue would need surgical removal.
Old age is also a leading cause of gynecomastia. In some cases exercise and diet can provide some improvement, but once the skin has lost elasticity it can never fully tighten again, leaving older men with some degree of visible breasts. In these situations surgery is often the best option.
If diet, exercise, and altering medication have no effects on the symptoms, it is generally time to consider undergoing plastic surgery. Plastic surgery is used by those who have little or no success with non-surgical treatment options and older men whose skin as stretched beyond natural repair.
Surgery is not advised for cancer patients or those who have had it in the past. Good candidates should be in fairly reasonable physical shape with no excessive weight problems. It is advised not to drink or take drugs, legal or illegal, excessively or at all before and following the procedure as this can increase risks and affect the outcome. Smoking will also have to be quit far in advanced of the surgery date to decrease potential complications.
Before jumping into surgery for gynecomastia correction, consult with a doctor before a plastic surgeon to ensure there are no other alternative treatment options that should be attempted first. There is no quick fix for this condition, but patience and adhering to doctor's orders can help you fight and prevail.
by: Abigail Aaronson