subject: What Is Gynecomastia: Symptoms, Causes And Surgery [print this page] Gynecomastia is a common phenomenon that affects many males during their years of puberty. The main symptom of gynecomastia is the physical development of male breasts, which more often than not is a source of embarrassment for those who have the condition. About 30% to 50% of the male population is affected by this condition, and most cases are not too severe. The condition can persist, or develop, after puberty and it should be examined.
Gynecomastia is usually caused by hormonal imbalance, large amounts of estrogen in the male body, steroids, and sometimes tumors or rarely even cancer especially if one side is bigger than the other. Once it is determined that gynecomastia is simply due to excess fat or glandular tissue, rather than a serious medical condition, then options exist in management. Oftentimes the condition resolves on its own and therefore can just be observed. Other times, chest compression units, exercises, diet, and elimination of certain medications can help minimize the appearance of male breasts. If all else fails, and the condition is bothersome to the patient, then surgery will be corrective.
A male breast reduction can be performed by a professional cosmetic surgeon. There are two methods typically used for correcting gynecomastia, either liposuction or a direct excision of the excess tissue, or a combination of both procedures. Liposuction is the easiest method and removes excess fatty component through suction and reshapes the tissue into a flatter chest. Sometimes, however, the nature of the glandular tissue is dense and fibrous making direct excision the next option. The excision is done by making an incision around some part of the nipple - skin junction to hide the scar and to be able to see and directly remove the more firm tissue.
Post surgery, one may experience some bruising, swelling and soreness. A compressive garment, like a tight fitting vest, is used for a few weeks to keep the tissue compressed, which also aids in healing. The patient should be able to return to work after about three to four days. There is usually no evidence of surgery as the tiny liposuction scars are placed under the armpit and thus hidden, and the direct scars blend into the nipple tissue and are often covered by hair.
Male breast reduction is a very rewarding procedure which offers very predictable results. Talk to your doctor if you have what seems like fuller or fatty breast tissue to make sure that you do not have a more serious medical condition and then consider improving the problem.
