Do you have breasts like a woman? The enlargement of breast tissue can be a significant source of physical and psychological discomfort for you. Have you ever thought that excessively developed breast tissue or an undesirable shape can be corrected with surgery? Let’s take a closer look at gynecomastia.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men, which may involve overdeveloped breast tissue, asymmetry, or an undesirable shape of male breasts. If the issue is caused by the breast tissue itself, surgical treatment is possible.
Gynecomastia can be physiological or pathological. Physiological gynecomastia is temporary and occurs after birth, during puberty, and in old age due to fluctuating hormone levels. In infants, it affects 60-90% of boys, but it typically resolves within a few weeks. In puberty, it is most common in 13-14-year-old boys, and it usually disappears once hormone levels stabilize after puberty. However, it can also affect men aged 50-80 due to a decline in testosterone and an increase in fat mass.
On the other hand, pathological gynecomastia can result from illness, genetic factors, or certain medications. If it progresses to a later stage, surgical removal may be required. This form is described in more detail below.
Gynecomastia vs. pseudogynecomastia
Gynecomastia must be distinguished from pseudogynecomastia, which is characterized by an increase in fat deposition in the breast area without the enlargement of glandular tissue. It typically occurs in men who are overweight.
Why does gynecomastia occur?
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance between estrogens and androgens. This imbalance can be triggered by various factors, typically occurring at certain life stages. However, there are also pathological causes of gynecomastia in men, such as:
- Hormonal imbalance – excessive production or effects of female hormones (estrogens) or a decrease in male hormones (androgens).
- Systemic diseases – such as obesity or liver cirrhosis.
- Genetics – hereditary predisposition.
- Medications – such as diazepam, omeprazole, anabolic steroids, and psychotropic drugs.
- Drug use – including alcohol, marijuana, heroin, and amphetamines.
- Tumors – in the testes, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland.
The most common cause is hormonal imbalance, but excess fat accumulation in the breast area due to being overweight also plays a significant role.
How can you recognize gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is usually recognized by bilateral enlargement of the nipples and the areola, including the breast tissue, which can be felt, often with pain. There may also be tension and increased sensitivity in the breasts, although there may be no symptoms at all.
Diagnosis is confirmed through an examination by an endocrinologist and a blood test. The doctor will measure the levels of estrogen and androgen through a blood sample. Since gynecomastia can also be caused by testicular or adrenal tumors, an ultrasound examination will also be performed.
How is it treated?
Not every case of gynecomastia requires treatment. For example, physiological gynecomastia often resolves on its own. In cases of gynecomastia during puberty, it is important to determine the underlying cause, as surgery may not be necessary. Treatment typically involves hormonal therapy and medications that counteract the effects of estrogen – such as androgens or antiestrogens. Excess tissue in boys may also convert into muscle mass during periods of growth or with exercise.
If breast enlargement is the result of obesity (i.e., pseudogynecomastia), weight loss or liposuction may be the appropriate solution. Reducing fat tissue and its volume can be achieved through exercise and strengthening the upper body. However, exercise alone may not always eliminate the problem.
Surgery is recommended when breast enlargement is caused by disease, genetics, medication use, or other factors, and has advanced to the fibrotic phase. In this phase, the tissue becomes firm, and changes are irreversible. Medication can only be effective in the proliferative phase when the glandular tissue is still growing.
You should definitely seek treatment if you experience pain or if the condition is bothering you aesthetically. Surgical removal of the breast tissue provides permanent results.
How is the surgery performed?
For smaller breast enlargement and pseudogynecomastia, liposuction is performed, where excess fat tissue is removed under local anesthesia. In more extensive cases, the surgeon makes a small incision around the areola and removes the glandular tissue under general anesthesia. For more complex cases, breast surgery is often combined with liposuction.
Before surgery, you will undergo endocrinological and ultrasound examinations of the breasts. The surgery lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, and you will be hospitalized for one to two days. After the procedure, it is important to follow a rest regimen for at least 10 days, avoid exercise for three weeks, and wear postoperative compression garments for at least five weeks.
How to prevent gynecomastia?
You can prevent gynecomastia by avoiding products and substances that may trigger it. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol consumption can help prevent the condition.
Get rid of gynecomastia
Are you bothered by the enlargement of your breast tissue, asymmetry, or undesirable shape of your male breasts? Surgical treatment can help you get rid of gynecomastia for good. We offer short waiting times and guarantee permanent results with minimally visible scars. Schedule a non-binding consultation with our specialists.