Men who suffer from gynecomastia can experience a lack of self-esteem along with heightened levels of embarrassment. However, gynecomastia is nothing to be ashamed of as it affects close to half the male population at some point in their lives. Living with this condition does not have to be permanent any longer.
Gynecomastia is an enlargement of the male breast, giving them the appearance of having female breasts. It is caused by an excessive growth of breast tissue or mammary glands. All males are susceptible to this condition as there is no distinct age bracket to categorize those who suffer from this condition. It is best to consult with your doctor to see if there are causes such as medications which may be the reason for breast enlargement.
Types of Gynecomastia
The most common type of gynecomastia occurs when there is a combination of extra breast tissue and extra fatty tissue. This can cause gynecomastia that is either mild or severe. Sometimes the extra tissue lies just underneath the nipple and sometimes it involves the whole breast. Glandular tissue just underneath the areola can cause the nipple to have a puffy look to them. This gives off the appearance of a cone-shaped breast, which is very different from a normal male breast where the nipple and areola lay flat against the chest.
Fatty gynecomastia is yet another variation, commonly seen in overweight men. The most appropriate means of remedying this type of gynecomastia is weight loss. When weight loss efforts prove ineffective, then it is time to seek a surgical solution such as liposuction.
Excessive glandular and/or fatty tissue may be accompanied by skin excess. Some men have “sagging” to their breasts. This may require removal of excess skin at the time of surgery. Your doctor will discuss this with you to minimize scarring but also to give you the look you desire.
Solution for Gynecomastia
Even the most extreme diets and exercise are not guaranteed to cure gynecomastia. Excess glandular tissue is not affected by weight loss. Excess fatty tissue can be helped with diet and exercise, but sometimes it is just “stubborn” and difficult to lose. When natural options are exhausted or ineffective, it’s time to seek out surgery in the form of male breast reduction.
At least two weeks prior to undergoing a male breast reduction procedure, it is recommended that men stop smoking, tanning, and taking any medication or aspirin that will cause their blood to thin. One week off from work is suggested after the procedure while two weeks off are recommended for men whose jobs require a significant amount of manual labor.
Understanding the causes of gynecomastia and realizing that it is rather common can help men deal with this issue much more easily. Ballantyne Plastic Surgery takes the time to work with male clients who are experiencing this common condition. A solution is now just a phone call away as cosmetic surgery in Charlotte has never been easier.