How Do You Fix Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that affects an estimated 50-65% of men and boys. If you’re one of the many men who are struggling with this condition, you’ve come to the right place. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we offer surgical options to correct gynecomastia. We have extensive experience in treating this condition and will help you restore your confidence and improve your quality of life.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs when there is an enlargement of the breast tissue in males and can be the result of hormonal changes, weight gain, or certain medications. Although it is not a serious medical condition, enlarged male breasts can be difficult to deal with both emotionally and physically. Fortunately, our practice offers two surgical options for correcting the problem: liposuction and breast reduction.
Liposuction
Liposuction is the most common type of surgery used to correct enlarged male breasts. The procedure involves removing excess fat and tissue from the breasts through a small incision. Liposuction can be performed using general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the extent of the surgery.
During the procedure, our surgeon, Dr. Raghu Elluru, will make a small incision in the breast area and insert a cannula, or thin tube, into the incision. The cannula is then used to suction out excess fat and tissue. Liposuction is considered safe and effective for most men who undergo the procedure. However, liposuction is best for simple cases of enlarged breasts and may not be appropriate for all patients.
Breast Reduction
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess fat and tissue from the breasts, and it can be performed using different techniques. Depending on the severity of the gynecomastia, we may use direct excision in combination with liposuction. Direct excision involves making an incision in the breast and removing excess tissue directly. In most cases, a combination of both techniques is used. The surgery typically takes one or two hours to perform.
In severe cases, the nipple and areola may also be removed and repositioned. The incisions are then closed with stitches and covered with a dressing. Recovery from surgery usually takes a few weeks. Patients may experience some pain and swelling, but this is easily managed and typically goes away. After recovery, the patient will experience a significant reduction in breast size and will have a more masculine chest appearance.
What Causes Enlarged Male Breasts?
There are a number of different conditions that can cause enlarged man breasts. In most cases, it’s due to an imbalance in hormone levels. However, there are also a number of medications that can cause enlarged breasts by altering hormone levels. If you think you may have enlarged man breasts due to one of these conditions or medications, it’s important to speak to us so we can properly diagnose and treat you.
1. Hormonal Imbalance
Hypogonadism
This is a condition in which the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. Testosterone is the hormone that’s responsible for masculinization during puberty. If testosterone levels are too low, it can lead to enlarged breasts.
Hyperthyroidism
This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates metabolism, and an excess can lead to weight gain and enlarged breasts.
Cushing’s Syndrome
This is a condition that’s caused by high levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can lead to weight gain, which can in turn cause enlarged breasts.
2. Medication
Antiandrogens
These are medications that are used to treat conditions like prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). They work by blocking the effects of testosterone, which can lead to enlarged breasts.
Estrogens
These are hormones that are typically given to women during menopause in order to help with hot flashes and other symptoms. However, they can also be used to treat breast cancer in men. While estrogens can help reduce the size of tumors, they can also cause enlarged breasts.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
These medications are used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They work by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters, which can alter hormone levels and lead to enlarged breasts.
Antipsychotics
These medications are used to treat psychosis and other mental health conditions. They work by inhibiting the effects of dopamine, which can alter hormone levels and lead to enlarged breasts.
3. Health Conditions
Liver Disease
The liver is responsible for breaking down and eliminating excess hormones from the body. When the liver is not functioning properly, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to enlarged breast tissue. Liver disease can also cause a build-up of toxins in the body, which can disrupt hormone levels and lead to enlarged male breasts.
Kidney Disease
The kidneys are responsible for filtering hormones from the blood. Like the liver, when the kidneys are not functioning properly, hormone levels can become imbalanced, leading to enlarged breast tissue.
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can disrupt hormone levels and lead to enlarged breast tissue. Lung cancer can also cause a build-up of toxins in the body, which can disrupt hormone levels.
Hormonally Active Tumor
A tumor that produces hormones can also cause male boobs. This is because the excess hormones produced by the tumor can disrupt hormone levels. Hormone-producing tumors are most commonly found in the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, or testicles.
Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter Syndrome is a disorder that affects males and is characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome. The condition can cause a variety of symptoms, including tall stature, small testicles, and infertility. One of the less well-known symptoms is an increased risk for enlarged breasts. This is because the extra X chromosome can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to an increase in the levels of the hormone estrogen.
4. Recreational Drugs
Alcohol
Alcohol itself does not directly cause enlarged male breasts, but it can interfere with the body’s production of hormones and lead to the development of the condition. In addition, alcohol consumption can also exacerbate underlying health conditions that can contribute to enlarged male breasts, such as liver disease.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing this condition, you should talk to us about your alcohol consumption and get tested for any underlying health conditions. Taking these steps can help you lower your risk of developing gynecomastia.
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are synthetic hormones that mimic the effects of testosterone, and they are often used by bodybuilders and other athletes to increase muscle mass. However, when steroids convert to estrogen in the body, they can cause a number of unwanted side effects, including the development of enlarged male breasts. In some cases, this condition may be permanent, even after discontinuing steroid use.
Amphetamines
Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that increase alertness and energy. They’re prescribed to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, they’re also sometimes used illegally as “study drugs” or as party drugs. Amphetamines can cause a number of side effects, including weight loss, increased blood pressure, and heart palpitations.
In rare cases, amphetamines can also lead to male breast enlargement. This side effect is thought to be caused by an increase in the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is responsible for milk production in women who are breastfeeding. The hormone is also present in men, but at lower levels. When levels are increased, it can lead to breast enlargement.
Marijuana
Research has shown that marijuana use can lead to an increase in the levels of the hormone prolactin, which can in turn lead to enlarged male breasts. In addition, marijuana use can also lead to an increase in the levels of estrogen. While not all men who use marijuana will develop enlarged breasts, it is important to be aware of the connection between the two.
Methadone
Methadone is a synthetic opioid that is commonly used to treat pain and addiction. While it is generally considered to be safe, it can cause several side effects, including enlargement of male breasts. In most cases, this is due to the fact that methadone inhibits the production of testosterone. As a result, men taking methadone may develop breasts that are larger than usual.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
At our practice, we offer both liposuction and breast reduction to treat this condition. These procedures can provide patients with significant improvement in their appearance, as well as boost their self-confidence. In addition, we are highly experienced in performing these procedures, so you can rest assured that you will be in good hands. Contact us today at Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, to schedule an appointment.