Gynecomastia is the abnormal enlargement of male breast tissue. The condition can vary dramatically in terms of degree, with some men noticing a small enlargement and others suffering from extensive enlargement that may even resemble women’s breasts. In addition to the embarrassment of gynecomastia, there can be uncomfortable physical symptoms associated with the condition as well. Treatment of gynecomastia begins with a full evaluation of the condition to determine potential causes, severity and possible complications.
Gynecomastia Symptoms
While the most obvious symptom of gynecomastia is excess breast tissue growth, other symptoms might appear with the condition as well:
- Rubbery mass in the breast
- Swollen tissue
- Nipple sensitivity
- Tenderness in the chest area
Gynecomastia usually appears in both breasts, but the breasts might enlarge at different rates. Some patients may also experience the condition in a single breast, although this is rarer with benign gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Causes
There are several factors why gynecomastia might develop:
- Hormonal imbalance
- As a result of certain medications
- Anabolic steroids
- Alcohol and street drug use
Hormone changes during puberty may lead to adolescent gynecomastia because of an imbalance betweens the hormones estrogen and testosterone. Many boys grow out of it, but it can affect self-esteem during this time in their lives. Low-T or a decrease in testosterone levels as a natural part of aging can also lead to breast enlargement in one or both breasts. While excess glandular breast tissue is the primary cause of “true” gynecomastia, excess fat can also attribute to the appearance of male breast growth.
Some health conditions may also lead to gynecomastia. In these cases, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from your primary healthcare provider. Blood tests or a physical exam can be performed to treat the underlying condition, and may simultaneously address breast enlargement as well. Some of these health concerns include:
- Kidney or liver failure
- Hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency)
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Certain Tumors, including adrenal gland and pituitary gland tumors
Gynecomastia Warning Signs
While it is not uncommon for men to worry when gynecomastia develops, enlarged breasts do not usually indicate cancer or another serious condition. Men should have their gynecomastia checked by a physician right away if any of the following symptoms develop:
- Breast pain
- Additional swelling in the area
- Nipple discharge
- Lump in the breast that feels firm or hard
- An open sore develops over the breast
- Lump or swelling only appears in one breast
Gynecomastia Surgery
The good news is no matter what might lie behind your development of gynecomastia, treatment options are available. In some cases, a wait-and-see approach may be best, since gynecomastia sometimes reverses on its own after patients lose weight or re-balance their hormone levels. For men that do not see improvement in their symptoms, gynecomastia surgery, also known as male breast reduction surgery, may be a good choice.
Male breast reduction is usually performed on an outpatient basis, using local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure involves incisions in inconspicuous areas of the breast, where excess skin and glandular tissue can be removed. Milder cases of gynecomastic may be treated with liposuction alone, which uses a narrow tube to gently suction excess tissue and fat out of the body. In many cases, both liposuction and skin excision are used to successfully reduce the breast size and achieve a more masculine contour.
Before treating gynecomastia, patients will schedule a consultation with Dr. Andrews to assess their medical history and determine whether they are good candidates for this procedure.
Schedule a Consultation
Gynecomastia is rarely a serious medical condition, but it can have severe emotional and psychological consequences. If you are struggling with gynecomastia, contact board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Andrews at Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery at 319-220-4644 to learn more about your options in gynecomastia treatment and develop a personalized treatment plan.
