Gynecomastia is a type of condition under which chest tissue, amongst boys or men, becomes swollen with glandular tissue, bulk localized fat, and excess chest skin. It can affect both chests or only one. Generally, testosterone and estrogen levels are balanced in a normal male body, but if there’s a hormonal imbalance, testosterone levels might decrease, and an increase in estrogen can lead to gynecomastia. The primary function of testosterone is for the development of secondary sexual traits in males, whereas estrogen’s role is to control chest growth.
Gynecomastia can develop in various cases.
Adolescent gynecomastia
In the age group of 10-12 years, there’s usually an evident chest enlargement that is generated due to a hormonal imbalance. Often, the enlarged chest tissue regresses. And a few times, there’s a requirement of surgery if the tissue persists.
Senescent gynecomastia
At age 50 and above, chest enlargement may occur. The reason is the decrease in testosterone resistance levels with advancing age.
Pathological gynecomastia
The primary reason behind this might be the tumors that secrete sex hormone analogs, liver diseases, consumption of certain types of medications, drug abuse, or various other things.
Pseudo gynecomastia
Pseudo-gynecomastia is quite evident in obese males. The appearance may be suggestive of gynecomastia, but constitutes only fibrofatty tissue with the nonappearance of glandular elements. The same can result in social withdrawal, avoidance of athletics and swimming, and social interaction with peers, as well as other ways to avoid these conditions’ psychological effects. Though gynecomastia is not a disease in itself, it can lead to psychological stress and other disorders in teenagers and young adults.
For the diagnosis of this enlarged chest condition in males, chest reduction surgeries are prescribed even for children and younger adolescents. The higher age group, who are suffering from gynecomastia, usually opt for surgery according to their choice. Gynecomastia surgery or the male chest reduction surgery usually helps to remove excess stubborn and unnecessary chest fat.
In male chest reduction surgery, the enlarged male chest is surgically reduced by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, or skin to achieve an ideal masculine chest profile.
Types of Gynecomestia
As conferred by medical science, gynecomastia is classified into two types: true gynecomastia and pseudo-gynecomastia. Both have different sets of conditions for arising. In true gynecomastia, expansion of both tissues takes place, whereas in pseudo-gynecomastia, the occurrence of excess fatty tissue takes place. As conditions are different, different treatments are adopted to cure these issues. Here are some common methods that are usually used to treat gynecomastia .
Methods to Cure Gynecomestia
Mastectomy
A surgical procedure to eradicate further glandular chest tissues. As said, in a mastectomy, the whole breast is removed from the body. No muscles are removed from under the breast. Let us understand the working of mastectomy.
- Local anesthesia is applied.
- An incision is being made in the areola.
- According to the size of enlargements, skin is removed accordingly.
- Excess glandular tissue is removed.
- Tissues are put back under the skin, and the incision is closed with sutures.
Liposuction
Liposuction is an elaborate procedure to retain the former body shape by removing excess body fat. Treatment is in high demand because it can be performed on almost all body parts, including the stomach, buttocks, legs, arms, inner thighs, chin, and male breast tissue. The liposuction procedure involves these four steps: first, administration of local or general anesthesia; second, making an incision along a portion of the areola. Then, the excess fat is removed using a cannula attached to the vacuum. And last, the sutures are placed close to the incision.
Although the treatment required is suggested by the physician, post-treatment care is in your hands. So, do take a proper diet and do as suggested during the recovery process.
A most appropriate suitor for Gynecomastia surgery
- Males who wish to enhance their chest appearance
- Males who don’t feel good about their appearance and chest size.
- Males who constantly face embarrassment because of their chest size.
- Males with good health conditions are hopeful and positive about the results of the surgery.
What happens during the time of consultation?
- The patient is monitored and clinically evaluated via history and physical examination to find our Pathological gynecomestia.
- Various other inspections and check-ups of hormone levels, liver function tests, and abdominal scars are performed if pathological gynecomastia is sensed.
- If the fitness levels are in accordance with the criteria of surgery, then the person is referred for surgery.