Gynecomastia is a condition impacting almost 50 to 60 percent of all adolescent males and a significant percentage of men over 50. San Antonio Cosmetic Surgery invites current and prospective patients and interested parties to read this short piece providing an overview of this condition.
This medical ailment is an abnormal enlargement of male breast tissue. In severe instances, tissue growth can be significant enough to cause the patient a significant degree of shame and possibly a certain level of discomfort. That said, the problem does not typically cause any other discernible physical problems. However, said illness might be precipitated by certain underlying causes warranting medical attention.
In a significant percentage of cases, the issue is elicited by a systemic imbalance of hormones. Afflicted individuals usually possess an increased concentration of the primary female sex hormone, estrogen, and a decreased level of testosterone, the main male sexual hormone. These chemical disparities can be brought forth by several underlying factors including:
Certain health conditions may trigger hormonal changes that cause the development of gynecomastia, including a variety of endocrine system ailments, advanced liver disease, kidney failure, malnutrition, various tumors and, in some cases, the normal aging process.
Researchers have found that chronic or overuse of various herbal products that are found in aesthetic-boosting products like shampoo, lotions, and skin creams has been known to trigger the ailment.
A variety of drugs have been found to be linked to gynecomastia development, such as those often used for issues such as AIDS, prostate problems, mental conditions like anxiety and depression, bacterial infections, certain kinds of cancer, digestive issues, and specific cardiovascular disorders.
Repeated or addictive usage of alcohol and other illicit substances like heroin, marijuana, and amphetamines have been linked to increased incidents of the hormonal distortion.
Obtaining a clear and concise diagnosis is crucial because gynecomastia often mimics other far more serious illnesses like breast cancer and breast tissue infections. To rule out these maladies and pinpoint gynecomastia, a physician will typically perform a thorough examination and might additionally order diagnostic tests like blood cultures, X-rays, mammograms, CT scans, MRI imaging, and biopsies of breast tissue.
In less complicated cases, gynecomastia might disappear on its own accord. However, treatment will often be dictated by the specific underlying condition precipitating the offending hormonal imbalance. That said, common remedial protocols might include:
Should the tissue grow become pronounced, surgery might be the best treatment option. Specific operational procedures include liposuction, in which excess fatty tissue is sucked out of the offending breast or gynecomastia surgery, in which part or all of the impacted breast is removed.
Certain drugs have proven effective in treating gynecomastia. However, it should be noted that said preparations have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for the treatment of the condition.
In certain cases, addressing the underlying issue causing the hormonal imbalance might lead to the condition's elimination or dissipation.
Individuals who believe they might have gynecomastia are encouraged to contact us. Our team of experienced cosmetic surgeons can perform a thorough medical evaluation, determine the underlying cause of the condition and might be able to suggest suitable treatment options. Call San Antonia Cosmetic Surgery to schedule a gynecomastia surgery consultation.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation with the renowned San Antonio plastic surgeon and breast & body specialist Dr. Delio Ortegon. Take your first steps to a more beautiful you.
4910 Golden Quail Suite 140, San Antonio, TX 78240
