Male Gynecomastia

What exactly is gynecomastia?

Male Gynecomastia is a particular condition wherein breast gland tissues form in males. Most of the time, the breast tissue is less than 1 inch across and located directly under an individual’s nipple. This may be present on both sides or just one side of the breast, and may also result to tenderness. It is important to understand that there are boys and men who have fat on their chest, which may seem like breasts, known as ‘psuedogynecomastia’ (false gynecomastia), which is different from gynecomastia.

What are the causes?

This condition is often caused by the changes that occur as a person goes through puberty, as well as the aging process and by hormonal changes at birth. When it occurs during the adult stage, changes in the balance of testosterone and estrogen are the cause. They are usually affected by:

Aging process

Certain diseases such as:
o Hyperthyroidism
o Tumors of the testes, pituitary glands, or adrenal glands
o Kidney disease
o Liver Failure

Illegal drugs such as:
o Heroin
o Marijuana
o Anabolic steroids
o Amphetamines

Medicines such as:
o Antibiotics
o AIDS medicine/s
o Chemotherapy
o Anti-anxiety medicines
o Tricyclic antidepressants
o Certain cardiovascular disease medications
o Ulcer Medicines

Alcohol

Tests Needed

With male gynecomastia, there are times when tests are needed, but there are also instances wherein they are not. Your medical expert will ask questions about certain symptoms, whether or not your breasts are tender, etc. Moreover, you will also be asked about your past illnesses, medicines you have taken, as well as other matters related to your health. A physical examination will be done. Depending on what your physician learns about your medical history, as well as your physical examination, you’ll know whether or not you need to undergo different tests. In most cases, teenagers don’t need tests since Gynecomastia is commonly seen in teenage boys.

Possible Procedures

The following procedures should be discussed only by a professional board-certified plastic surgeon:

o Gynecomastia - Excision of the breast tissue is required. It cannot be suctioned, but instead needs to be removed by a surgical excision. Known as male breast reduction, this procedure is often done through the lower portion of the areola. When done in a correct manner, scars will not be prominent.

o Combined gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia - When this occurs, both liposuction and surgical incision are often recommended. These procedures are also done for better contour of the breast.

o Severe Male gynecomastia - This depends on the breast size which are:

a. Periaureolar - The incision is made around the nipple and the surgery is meant for mild to moderate types of breast reductions.

b. Classical breast reduction - This is for larger-sized breasts and leaves a periaurieolar incision, as well as an inverted XTX incision.

c. Vertical breast reduction - This results in a vertical-shaped subareolar incision scar and is meant for large breasts.

Male gynecomastia can be addressed by a breast reduction surgery for those who are self-conscious about how they look. As with all other types of cosmetic surgical procedures, there are certain risks involved. Moreover, the healing process and final results are individualized. If you plan on undergoing this particular surgery, be sure to discuss your plans with a qualified plastic surgeon in order to get the best possible results.

For supplementary information, please visit our cosmetic surgery breast page.