A Brief Guide to Gynaecomastia and Male Breast Reduction Surgery

Gynaecomastia is a benign enlargement of the male breasts occurring usually unilaterally or on both sides and has the appearance of female breasts. The literal meaning of this term is ‘female breasts ‘. Gynaecomastia frequently appears in males due to inequality between the female and male sex hormones; estrogens exceed the androgens in the blood, which act on the male breast bud to cause gynaecomastia.

Almost all of the cases of gynaecomastia have no identifiable cause; but certain factors linked with this disorder are:

Physiological

– When born, maternal estrogens cross the placenta and cause gynaecomastia in the child that normally resolves without further action within a few weeks.
– At puberty, half of the boys have asymmetrical gynecomastia, which might be a source of embarrassment for them. It commonly resolves without intervention in 16-18 months. Surgical removal (male breast reduction) is required if it does not resolve in the stipulated time, as fibrous tissue is laid down.

Pathological

– Hyperthyroidism
– Liver disease – it interferes with the metabolism of estrogens, so increasing their levels in the blood.
– Estrogen making tumors (testis and adrenals).
– Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) producing cancers (testis and lung).
– Starvation
– Carcinoma of breast
– Atherosclerosis of testicular artery impairs testosterone production and cause ‘senile’ gynaecomastia.

Medicines – affect metabolic and hormonal pathways causing gynaecomastia.

– Estrogenic drugs like estrogens, digoxin, cannabis and diamorphine.
– Anti-androgens like spironolactone, cimetidine and cyproterone.
– Other drugs like gonadotrophins and cytotoxics.

Gynaecomastia is still considered as a taboo in our society. Very few men developing this condition talk about the subject and teen boys even don’t share it with their parents or mates. They just try to hide in a corner to avoid naive remarks that might affect their self worth badly.

Male breast reduction surgery has started to become more common in the U.S and around the world. In teenagers and adults the classic indication for gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) is the presence of stable enlarged breasts for two years, without any change.

There is a blend of fat and breast tissue in the chest of individuals having gynaecoamastia, certain instruments have been designed so as to remove both sorts of tissues at the same time. A pointed liposuction instrument is utilized for this process. A little nick is made near the armpit and the excessive tissue is removed. This system minimises the scar tissue formation, a very important facet of cosmetic surgery.

After the surgical technique the time needed for recovery can be short; tenderness in the breasts is felt for a number of days which can be addressed by taking analgesic drugs. Patients are normally able to return to light work after 7 toten days and commence some exercise. Driving is permitted commonly after roughly a week to decrease irritation caused by the seat belt.

Where the breast enlargement is essentially due to fat accumulation, this is known as pseudo-gynaecomastia and can be handled in a similar way.

Before starting on any cosmetic surgical procedure, it is vital to discuss the treatment’s suitability with a fully qualified plastic surgeon.

Anna Sola is a longtime article author, publishing articles on a wide selection of subjects including travel and cosmetic plastic surgery. The right way to choose a cosmetic doctor is a specific topic of interest.