Overview of Gynecomastia and available surgical treatments

Matters to do with the breast are generally considered to be women issues. However, it is a reality that men also have breasts and the same have issues. The term Gynecomastia specifically refers to the development of large breasts in men, which is an abnormality. This abnormality has largely been noticed in neonates, adolescents and amongst the elderly. 

Although the cause(s) of Gynecomastia remain unclear, there are possible factors thought to increase its occurrence. Certain medications have been noted to trigger the development of the abnormality. While the abnormality is thought to occur in neonates who receive excess female hormones from their mothers, it is believed to affect teenagers and the elderly with metabolic disorders. Most neonates with the condition do however outlive it by the age of 16 years when the condition disappears without treatment.

Gynecomastia can present itself in different forms, which determines type of treatment. One form presents itself as puffy nipples. This is where breast glandular tissue accumulates under the areola, in effect extending the areola, which takes the shape of a dome.

Glandular form of Gynecomastia is largely thought to be self-induced. This is because it mostly affects bodybuilders who are known to use anabolic steroids that increase testosterone levels in the body. Glandular form of Gynecomastia is commonly referred to as pure glandular Gynecomastia.

Congenital Gynecomastia mostly affects teenagers and in most cases becomes prominent by age 12. This is a hereditary form of Gynecomastia that normally disappears without any treatment as a teenager grows. However, some teenagers remain with the abnormality right into adulthood, which necessitates medical intervention.

Although rare, asymmetrical form of Gynecomastia has been noted in some men. This is where only one breast is affected with the other remaining normal both in shape and size.

Although the above are the main forms of Gynecomastia, there are other minor conditions thought to have a link with the abnormality. These include enlarged nipples and pseudo-Gynecomastia.

Generally, Gynecomastia is a harmless abnormality except when its development is linked to an undiagnosed health condition such as testicular cancer and unusual growth of glandular tissue. It however causes psychological problems. Teenagers with the abnormality usually feel out of place when with others and can easily withdraw and keep to themselves. This can seriously affect a teenager’s personality.

Surgery has for a long time remained the only treatment option available for men with Gynecomastia. Surgery usually involves the excision of breast gland to permanently eliminate the development of the same. Failure to remove the breast gland has been noted to encourage recurrence of the abnormality. There are instances where a plastic surgeon may opt to perform liposuction after breast gland excision. This is if a lot of fat deposits are identified during surgery.

Gynecomastia surgery treatment usually produces good results with patients regaining normal size and shape of their breasts. Recovery period differs as teenagers usually heal faster than the elderly. On overage though, three to four weeks is enough for a patient to fully recover.

This is a guest post by David Payne, a Gynecomastia NJ researcher who has also written widely on plastic surgeon New Jersey.

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