What Causes Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is not normally related to any serious health problem but there are some medical issues that could cause gynecomastia so a visit to the doctor would be the first step in determining the cause.
Hormonal Imbalance
True gynecomastia is a condition caused by a hormonal imbalance that causes a male to develop excess breast tissue. It can develop in only one breast or both and might even be painful.
Estrogen and testosterone are hormones that are found in both males and females although in different quantities. Normally, testosterone is the dominant hormone in males however, they do possess low levels of estrogen that assists with the production of sperm, helps control cholesterol, is important for skin, bone density, and heart health, helps regulate moods, etc.
When an excess of estrogen is present in a male, it can cause the formation of male breasts. Often newborns have signs of gynecomastia which is caused by excess estrogen passed from the mother to the infant and this normally resolves within a few months.
Puberty
Many adolescent boys experience gynecomastia during puberty when all the hormone changes are taking place. It may take up to two years for the hormones to become regulated to their correct levels and this may cause a young man to have one or both breasts enlarged.
Gynecomastia during adolescence usually clears up on its own without any medical intervention necessary. If a boy reaches the age of 17 and symptoms of gynecomastia are still present, a doctor should be consulted.
Medication
Certain medications are known to cause gynecomastia as a side effect. If you are on medication and are experiencing symptoms of gynecomastia, you should check with your doctor to see if this could be a side effect of your medication.
Recreational Drugs & Alcohol
The use of anabolic steroids, marijuana, heroin, amphetamines, and excess alcohol has been linked with the development of gynecomastia.
Andropause
Similar to menopause for women, andropause is the time when male hormone production begins to decrease and symptoms associated with andropause can manifest. Usually found in men after age 50, gynecomastia is one of many symptoms that can occur during this time.
Other symptoms that can occur are depression, mood swings, irritability, memory loss, weight gain, muscle loss, and insomnia.
Is It Fat Or Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia breast tissue is different from fat and is the result of excess glandular tissue. It usually feels hard and originates behind the areola and in some cases continues past forming rounded shape breasts similar to a woman’s. This condition usually requires surgical intervention to treat.
Fat that has accumulated to create the appearance of breasts is a condition known as pseudo gynecomastia and will usually respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is often used to eliminate stubborn excess fat to get rid of man boobs.
What Is The Best Treatment Of Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia requires surgical removal of the excess breast gland tissue and is often accompanied by liposuction. The surgeon normally creates an incision under the areola along the edge, where the scar will be well hidden, and removes the excess breast tissue using a scalpel. This is how to get rid of breast buds in males and possibly more glandular tissue if needed. The amount of breast tissue removed will depend on the severity of the gynecomastia.
Liposuction is done to remove any excess fat deposits that may be present and to create contours indicative of a masculine chest. Liposuction may be used to remove excess fat deposits or to get rid of man boobs caused by obesity or stubborn fat that has congregated in the chest area. This type of fat will often respond to diet, exercise, and lifting weights.
Choose A Highly-Skilled Surgeon
Gynecomastia surgery can have its complications and it is not an easy surgery to perform requiring both a highly-skilled and patient surgeon. A surgeon that is adept at performing gynecomastia surgery can avoid issues such as hollowing after surgery, excessive scarring, asymmetry of the nipples, etc.
Recovery From Gynecomastia Surgery
Recovery after gynecomastia surgery will depend on the extent of the surgery or procedure. Usually, the patient will have to take it easy for about 2 weeks and refrain from participating in strenuous activities. Compression garments must be worn after the procedure to help mitigate swelling and to hold the treatment area secure for approximately 2-3 weeks or the time specified by the surgeon.
Where Can I Go to Get Rid Of Gynecomastia?
If you are wondering how to get rid of gynecomastia, you have come to the right place! At SurgiCare Arts, a division of IBI Healthcare Institute we use the latest techniques to correct the effects of gynecomastia that result in a natural-looking masculine chest.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer gynecomastia surgery to men in Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, Duluth, Buckhead, and the surrounding areas of Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, we now have Florida locations available to patients in Hudson and Tampa, FL. To learn more about male breast reduction, contact us to schedule a consultation.
