Gynecomastia is abnormally enlarged breast tissues in males and young boys. It is a common condition resulting from hormonal imbalances. It causes abnormal growth of male breast glands making them appear bigger than normal. Although it is not considered a serious medical issue, it can still have debilitating effects on a person’s life. The patient might also feel pain and tenderness in the breasts in some cases.
Males can get this condition at any stage of their life. It can also be present in newborns. As gynecomastia is caused by excess breast tissue and not by fat deposits in the area, exercise and dietary changes do not improve this condition. Choosing a surgical solution for this condition could be your best bet.
In India, you can book an appointment with the best plastic surgeon in Mumbai to discuss your condition and find a viable solution. Dr. Siddharth Prakash is a renowned Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon practicing at Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai. He is an alumnus of KEM Hospital, Mumbai, and Harvard Medical School, Boston.
What are the Symptoms of Gynecomastia?
You can feel uneven lumps or nodules in one or both of your breasts. These lumps are mostly felt around the nipple area. It is also associated with breast swelling and tenderness.
In case the swelling and tenderness persist, and there is nipple discharge alone or along with them, it is recommended to get it checked by your physician.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
The most common cause of gynecomastia is hormonal imbalances. The main hormones involved in this condition are estrogen and progesterone. In gynecomastia, estrogen production is enhanced which causes breast enlargement. At the same time, the production of testosterone is lower than normal, which is an essential hormone to control the growth of the breast tissue.
Some medications, including antidepressants, chemotherapy agents, anabolic steroids, and some antibiotics, are also known to cause gynecomastia.
It can also be a secondary complication of other medical conditions including the diseases of the liver, kidneys, lungs, testes, and some hormonal glands.
Surgical Treatment for Gynecomastia
The main etiology of gynecomastia is the excessive growth of the glandular tissue but some fat deposition is also present along with it. Surgical treatment involves the liposuction of this extra fat by inserting a tube through a small incision. The glandular tissue is cut out by using a scalpel.
The recovery period of this procedure is short and you will get back to your normal routine within 6 weeks. You will need to wear elastic pressure garments to reduce post-surgical swelling and bruising.
The surgical removal of the enlarged breast tissue is considered a safe method of treatment without any major risks. You can face some minor complications like uneven chest contour, diminished sensation at the surgical site, and chances of insufficient tissue removal.
It is vital to choose an experienced and skillful surgeon to avoid such complications. If you’re a resident of Mumbai or adjacent areas, you can book an online appointment with the best plastic surgeon in Mumbai.
Other Treatment Options
If your condition is caused by a particular medication, you will need to stop that medication after consulting with your physician. Hormonal therapy is also used for the treatment of gynecomastia. If another disease is suspected to cause your enlarged breasts, getting that disease treated would resolve this problem as well.
Conclusion
Although gynecomastia is known as a non-serious medical condition and does not pose any serious medical threat, it has major psychological implications. It can lead to anxiety, depression, reduced self-esteem, and eating disorders. Getting a timely solution for this condition can save you from having a poor quality of life.