Gynecomastia is a harmless condition that most men experience at some time in their lives, and it is often so mild that it goes unnoticed. It usually occurs during puberty when hormones levels fluctuate, and then disappears on its own. However there are times when gynecomastia lingers, or it goes away and then reappears later in life. So what exactly is gynecomastia and how is it treated.
About Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of the male breast tissue. The condition can be quite embarrassing for some teen boys and men, sometimes forcing them to opt out of physical activities.
- Causes:Gynecomastia during puberty is linked to hormonal imbalance. This is typified by the predominance of the female hormone estrogen,over the male hormone testosterone. While the condition may also be hormone related when it appears later in life, it is also frequently triggered by medications used for the treatment of conditions such as prostate cancer, and heart disease. Men that are obese also tend to have enlarged breasts.
- Treatment: Gynecomastia can often be left untreated, as long as other possible causes have been ruled out, and the teenage boy or man is not bothered by it. Male breast reduction surgery is usually recommended, especially if the condition is the result of excess breast tissue. In instances where there is a lot of fatty tissue, liposuction may also be necessary. Patients that opt for surgery should be in good overall health, and should be realistic about their surgery results.
If you are in the Minneapolis-St Paul hub and need to learn more about what is gynecomastia, then contact Rocheford Plastic Surgery in Woodbury, MN. You can call 651- 739-1100 and set up a consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford, or contact them via the web at http://www.drrocheford.com/contact-directions/.