Male Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in males, which occurs as a result of hormonal imbalance in the body, which occurs when there is an excess amount of female hormone estrogens in the body called in comparison to the male hormones Androgen. Gynecomastia or the enlargement of the breast is pretty common in men and boys at various stages of development. But this condition may also arise due to the side effect of certain medicines.
Therefore, Gynecomastia is referred to as the enlargement of the glandular breast tissue that appears in the breast area and is prevalent pseudo-Gynecomastia. Often diets and exercises are not capable of getting rid of this condition. Only the latest gynecomastia treatment options can help to get rid of this condition.
What are the causes of Gynecomastia?
Overall, male Gynecomastia is the result of extreme hormonal imbalance in the body. But do you know that the enlargement of the male breast tissues also occurs naturally in infants and during puberty? This problem gradually resolves on its own as hormonal levels return to reasonable conditions.
However, in some other cases, certain medical conditions like malnutrition, chronic kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, hyperthyroidism, and a lot more can give rise to some hormonal imbalance in the body that results in Gynecomastia.
There are also a wide range of medications that are associated that are considered as the most significant causes of Gynecomastia-
- Calcium channel blockers
- ACE inhibitor drugs that are used to treat hypertension
- Antibiotics
- Anti-ulcer drugs
- Anti-retroviral therapy for HIV
- The side effect of steroids
Additionally, consumption of alcohol and some drugs like marijuana and heroin can be the cause of Gynecomastia. Some skincare products that consist of herbs like lavender, tea tee oil can also give rise to this condition.
What are the symptoms associated with Gynecomastia?
Before undergoing the male breast reduction surgery, it is essential to know about the symptoms associated with the procedure. The enlargement of the male breast tissue can be symmetrical or asymmetrical and does not involve any pain. The most typical indications that are associated with male Gynecomastia are-
- Enlargement of the breasts
- Firm nipples
- Tenderness and sensitivity in the areolar region
- No pain
However, Gynecomastia must not be confused with male breast cancer that generally affects only one chest that occurs around the nipple and makes the glandular breast tissues firm.
How can you get rid of Gynecomastia?
For some people, the enlargement of the breast tissues goes away within six months on its own. Again some people can get rid of this condition through dieting and exercising. Certain medicines may also help to treat this condition. To get rid of all the extra glandular breast tissues, men need to undergo male breast reduction surgery.
However, before getting rid of man boobs by undergoing a surgical process, it is imperative to consult with your cosmetic surgeon and know about the entire procedure in detail.
What medications can treat Gynecomastia?
Some of the latest gynecomastia treatments include two types of medications-
- Testosterone replacement- This therapy is effective in older men with low testosterone levels. But the effectiveness of this treatment on young men with normal levels of the male hormone to treat Gynecomastia has not yet been proved.
- SERMs- SERMs or Selective estrogen modulators can help to reduce some amount of breast tissues but not the entire issue.
Can surgery cure Gynecomastia?
Male breast reduction surgery is one of the most effective treatments for Gynecomastia. This is a surgical process where the excess breast tissues are removed in direct excision technique that is followed by Liposuction. However, Gynecomastia surgery is a safe procedure that involves the least number of complications and risks. The most common side effects associated with this procedure are infection, swelling, and bruising, which are temporary and disappear with time. The cosmetic surgeons also provide their patients with a compression garment that not only supports the new breast contour but also helps to reduce the bruising. The recovery period involved in this procedure is short, and people can resume their normal activities within a few days only if they strictly follow the instructions that are provided by the surgeon.
