Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men that can occur at any age. The condition can be the result of hormonal changes, heredity, obesity, or the use of certain drugs. Gynecomastia can cause emotional discomfort and impair your self confidence. Some men may even avoid certain physical activities and intimacy simply to hide their condition.
Gynecomastia can be a very embarrassing situation, which is why methods on how to hide gynecomastia, how to reduce gynecomastia and gynecomastia removal are the hottest topics related to treatment options. But before we go into the treatment options, it is important to remember the following:
- Have yourself tested by a licensed physician to ensure that your condition is indeed gynecomastia
Prepare yourself physically, emotionally and financially for the different treatment options that your doctor may open to you. - Keep in mind that the treatment options listed below are the possible ones out there. It is still your doctor, who will determine which one is best suited for your medical condition.
- When reading the information below, you may want to consider what you value. Are you worried about scarring? Do you want a temporary or permanent solution? How much are you willing to shell out for treatment?
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Men of all ages and all walks of life are searching for new cosmetic solutions to look their best. Therefore, it can be easily implied that men can undergo a wide range of cosmetic surgeries, gynecomastia being one of them.
Gynaecomastia Grafting :
There are three types of surgical treatment according to the degree of gynaecomastia:
- The 1st degree gynaecomastia – glandular tissue is removed;
- The 2nd degree gynaecomastia – liposuction from the breast area together with glandular tissue removal is performed;
- The 3rd degree gynaecomastia – liposuction from the breast area together with glandular tissue removal and excess skin removal is performed.
This grafting is not recommended for patients under 18, because any signs of gynaecomastia, which appeared during puberty, may disappear naturally after hormone adjustment.
Depending on the volume of the grafting, gynaecomastia can be performed either under intravenous or endotracheal anesthesia and takes 1 – 2 hours. Patients are usually discharged from the clinic on the same day. A special band has to be worn for 3 – 4 weeks, resuming daily activities is allowed 4 – 6 weeks after the grafting. Barely visible scars remain after this grafting.
The results of gynaecomastia correction are visible in two months and patients can enjoy manly chest, attractive bodylines and their increased self-esteem. As in every surgical procedure there are possible complications. These include bruises, inverted nipples, scarring and uneven breast contours caused by insufficient liposuction.
Gynecomastia FAQ’s
Most cases of altered nipple sensation gradually return to normal. Some go back to normal within a few weeks and other cases may take a few months. Other than waiting, there is no grafting or medication that can improve the sensation in the nipple-areola region.
Gynecomastia is triggered by a decrease in the amount of the hormone testosterone compared with estrogen. The cause of this decrease can be conditions that block the effects of or reduce testosterone or a condition that increases your estrogen level. Several things can upset the hormone balance, including the following.
Natural hormone changes :
The hormones testosterone and estrogen control the development and maintenance of sex characteristics in both men and women. Testosterone controls male traits, such as muscle mass and body hair. Estrogen controls female traits, including the growth of breasts.
Most people think of estrogen as an exclusively female hormone, but men also produce it — though normally in small quantities. However, male estrogen levels that are too high or are out of balance with testosterone levels can cause gynecomastia.
- Gynecomastia in infants. More than half of male infants are born with enlarged breasts due to the effects of their mother's estrogen. Generally, the swollen breast tissue goes away within two to three weeks after birth.
- Gynecomastia during puberty. Gynecomastia caused by hormone changes during puberty is relatively common. In most cases, the swollen breast tissue will go away without treatment within six months to two years.
- Gynecomastia in men. The prevalence of gynecomastia peaks again between the ages of 50 and 69. At least 1 in 4 men in this age group are affected.
A wide range of medications have also been associated with the development of gynecomastia. Examples include the diuretic spironolactone (Aldactone), some calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitor drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), some antibiotics, anti-ulcer drugs, and highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV disease, which may cause fat redistribution leading to pseudogynecomastia or, in some cases, true gynecomastia.
Finally, alcohol and some drugs of abuse (for example, marijuana, and heroin) are known causes of gynecomastia. Lavender oil and tea tree oil, when used in skin-care products, have also been associated with gynecomastia.
Judging pain following grafting is very difficult since everyone’s threshold for pain is different. Most patients comment that the gynecomastia grafting was nowhere near as painful or uncomfortable as they thought it would be. Most patients do not have severe pain following vaser liposuction and graftical excision. The pain is most often described as minor or moderate in nature and severity. Yes you’ll have a prescription for a pain medication strong enough to relieve your postoperative discomforts.
When the dressing is removed you'll be in for a surprise. There is often bruising, swelling, molding from the dressing and perhaps your incision may leak a few drops of blood. I'm sure you'll look in the mirror and might be dismayed to find them not quite the same for some reason.
Please do not be concerned. Healing is never quite the same when grafting is performed on both breasts. Healing takes time and patience. Just follow the instructions regarding what you're allowed to do and when, and you'll see them evolve over the postoperative period into the desired shape and size.
Most men are ignorant of the fact that they can indeed get breast cancer and it is often thought of by many as a condition that only affects females. However, men can get breast cancer and if you discover a lump or lumps in your chest area you should see your doctor immediately.
Medical studies have shown that enlarged male breasts due to gynecomastia do not increase the risk of breast cancer in men. It’s not the size of the male breasts that brings about a higher risk threat, it’s more to do with the hormone imbalance that some men with true gynecomastia have.
Among the hormones that can elevate the risk of breast cancer is estrogen, also referred to as the female sex hormone. If your gynecomastia is due to a hormone imbalance, you may have low levels of the male hormone testosterone and high levels of the female hormone estrogen in your body. But, before you start to panic, the increased risk is very, very slight.
Pre-operative tests which are normal blood test are mandatory. Shaving of underam and chest hair need to be done .Do not eat or drink eight 6 hours prior to grafting. Arrive on the day of grafting in comfortable clothing that is not tight or confining. Have a responsible person accompany you.
