Gynecomastia: What Is It and What Causes It?

Simply defined, gynecomastia is the medical name for men’s breasts that are overdeveloped or oversized. It can happen at any age and is caused by a testosterone vs estrogen imbalance.

Testosterone regulates masculine characteristics such as muscle mass and body hair, whereas estrogen regulates feminine characteristics such as breast development. Though estrogen is commonly thought of as a female hormone, men generate modest amounts as well. Men may develop an excess of breast tissue if they have an excess of estrogen or not enough testosterone.

Several factors, including natural changes throughout puberty or age, might create the hormone imbalance that leads to gynecomastia. Certain prescription drugs, as well as excessive drinking and other substance usage, can cause gynecomastia. And it can also be caused by an underlying medical issue, such as an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).

Your primary care physician may recommend a battery of diagnostic tests to confirm the cause of your gynecomastia and treat the underlying issue. Even treating the underlying issue will not always improve the look of overdeveloped male breasts.

This illness can affect even guys who are at their optimal weight. Sagging or stretched skin caused by severe weight loss or as a normal part of the ageing process might exacerbate the appearance of faux gynecomastia.

 

What Is the Best Treatment for Gynecomastia?

Liposuction is frequently effective in treating gynecomastia. This method is extremely effective for pseudo gynecomastia. Dr. Davila inserts a tiny, tube-shaped device via small incisions on either side of your chest or within your armpit to remove extra fat and glandular tissue and sculpt a new contour that seems natural for your body’s overall form.

Recovery after gynecomastia liposuction is usually short. Wearing a compression garment for a few weeks may be necessary to reduce swelling and support the treatment site. Vigorous activity is normally prohibited for three weeks, but you may usually resume work and other activities after a few days. More severe forms of gynecomastia benefit from surgical removal of the glandular breast tissue.

What occurs before to gynecomastia surgery?

Your provider will discuss your options, goals, and medical history with you prior to surgery. A complete blood count (CBC) or other tests may be recommended by your clinician to examine your health and discover what is causing gynecomastia.

They will examine you, take breast tissue measurements, and test you for male breast cancer. They could also photograph your breasts.

Prior to surgery, you may need to stop taking certain drugs, such as blood thinners. If you smoke, speak with your provider about stopping before your surgery. Tobacco smoking has been shown to impede the healing process. Your provider will inform you when to cease eating and drinking the day before surgery. When you arrive at the surgery facility or hospital, you should dress comfortably.

What stages are included in a gynecomastia procedure?

The following stages are included in a gynecomastia procedure:

Anesthesia

Medications are given to you to keep you comfortable throughout the surgical operations. Intravenous sedation and general anesthesia are two choices. Your doctor will advise you on the best course of action.

Liposuction procedure

Liposuction procedures may be used alone to treat gynecomastia caused solely by excess fatty tissue. A cannula, a tiny hollow tube, must be inserted through multiple small incisions.

The cannula is pushed back and forth in a controlled way to release the extra fat, which is subsequently vacuum suctioned out of the body.

There are several liposuction procedures that may be performed; the technique that is best for you will be determined ahead to your treatment.

Excision method

Excision procedures are advised for removing glandular breast tissue or extra skin to treat gynecomastia. Excision is also required if the areola is to be decreased or the nipple moved to a more natural masculine shape. Incision patterns vary according to the situation and surgical choice.

Liposuction and excision procedures combined

Gynecomastia is sometimes treated with both liposuction and excision.

What occurs after a gynecomastia operation?

Gynecomastia surgery is often performed as an outpatient treatment, which means you can return home the same day. After surgery, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home. When you return home, your provider will instruct you on how to care for yourself and your incisions.

As you recuperate, you’ll have bandages and a supporting garment wrapped around your chest. The garment provides chest support and decreases edema. Your doctor will prescribe pain relievers for you. These medications also minimize edema and the risk of infection.

During surgery, your physician may insert small tubes beneath your skin. During the healing process, the tubes drain fluid and blood. The fluid gathers at the tube’s bottom in a receptacle or bulb. When you no longer require the tubes, your provider will remove them.

In Short

Gynecomastia, or enlarged breast tissue in males, may be upsetting. Liposuction is one of several methods for removing extra fat tissue. To sculpt the region, surgeons make a tiny incision along the border of the areola or within the armpit. Liposuction can help with mild to moderate gynecomastia.

Read some related study about gynecomastia surgery that can be found here.