Gynecomastia is a condition suffered by men whose breasts are enlarged due to excess mammary glands or tissue, giving the breasts a feminine appearance. While gaining weight does cause some men to have increased breast size (pseudogynecomastia), gynecomastia is more than a weight issue. Resulting from an estrogen-androgen imbalance, gynecomastia is fairly common and can affect one or both breasts.
2. A Pubescent Rite of Passage
The majority of gynecomastia cases, 60%, appear in boys experiencing puberty. Approximately 90% of cases of pubescent gynecomastia resolve themselves within two to three years. In rare cases, gynecomastia is the result of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Occasionally, gynecomastia in men can signal a testicular tumor due to the imbalance of hormones.
3. When Waiting Doesn’t Work
Many cases of teenage gynecomastia disappear without medical intervention, rarely gynecomastia is a symptom of another disorder such as hyperthyroidism. Drugs treating the underlying condition may result in a reduction of breast tissue. Clomiphene, an anti-estrogen medication, reduces breast tissue. It is important to note that any positive results may disappear if the medications causing a reduction in breast tissue are stopped.
4. Surgical Options for Immediate Results
If all of the above treatments fail to relieve the gynecomastia, male breast reduction surgery could be another option. A reduction mammoplasty removes excess fat and breast tissue. A small incision is made around the areola and glandular tissue and excess tissue is removed. The nipple will be repositioned if necessary. The results are a more toned, masculine appearance of the chest area.
You can learn more about gynecomastia by visiting with one of the Board Certified Plastic Surgeons at Aesthetic Surgical Images. Contact us online or call 402-390-0100 to schedule your consultation.
