Gynecomastia is a state that causes unnatural enlargement of one or both the two breasts of men. Many doctors opine that Gynecomastia happens in men because of hormonal changes and overdeveloped breast tissues. In simple words, the outcome of Gynecomastia is also referred to as the ‘man boob’.
Causes
Gynecomastia is triggered by a sudden hormonal change in a man or boy’s body. When a significant amount of testosterone hormone decreases, Gynecomastia gets prominent. Sometimes, an increasing amount of estrogen in a man’s body can cause Gynecomastia. Many people keep a perception that estrogen is entirely a female hormone. But the fact is men also produce it but usually in a smaller quantity. Hence, the level of estrogen in men that are too high can cause Gynecomastia.
There are some other causes that evoke Gynecomastia –
- Certain medicine intake that includes, antiandrogens, anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, antibiotics, medicines to treat AIDS, stomach-emptying medicines, etc.
- Excessive addiction to alcohol, marijuana, heroin, and other illicit drugs.
- Some health issues like kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, hyperthyroidism, tumors, aging, etc.
Symptoms
There are only very few symptoms that can indicate whether a man or boy is suffering from Gynecomastia.
- Pain in breasts
- Breast tenderness
- Swollen breasts
- Nipple sensitivity
Complications
Gynecomastia is simply not a serious or life-threatening problem. But at the same time, for men, it sometimes becomes tough to cope with the condition as almost all men and boys having Gynecomastia sometimes feel a sort of pain in their breasts or may feel embarrassed in front of society.
There are so many cases of Gynecomastia when this situation has gone away on its own. But it does not happen always. If Gynecomastia persists, certain medication or surgery is required.
Treatment
Most plastic and cosmetic surgeons tend to opt for Liposuction as a treatment of Gynecomastia. Liposuction eliminates unnecessary fatty breast tissues. This surgical procedure usually leaves a scar around the edge of the nipples. The scar may be larger according to the majority of the reduction of breast tissues.
Post-operative information
After the surgery, the breasts remain bruised or swollen and the patient might need to wear an elastic pressure garment to get rid of the swelling as early as possible. A person who has gone through surgery as a treatment of Gynecomastia will take at least 6 weeks to resume his work and return to the normal lifestyle.