What Is Gynecomastia?

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a condition that affects men. It’s designated by the presence of extra glandular breast tissue, causing enlarged breasts. This can occur during multiple stages in life. It’s not a type of breast cancer, but it can increase the chances for male breast cancer. Although it may be treated by making lifestyle changes, it’s most effectively treated with male breast reduction, a surgical treatment.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. Pubescent boys and older men may develop gynecomastia because of normal changes in hormone levels, though other causes also exist. Middle-aged and older men who have this condition may have attained breast enlargement due to aging (which also shifts hormone levels) or because of certain medicines or drugs. These include:

• Chemotherapy
• Heart Medicines
• Anti-anxiety medicine
• AIDS treatment
• Antibiotics
• Excessive Alcohol Usage
• Amphetamines
• Anabolic steroids
• Testicular tumors
• Prostate cancer

How to Treat Gynecomastia

Men considering gynecomastia treatment should schedule a consultation with Dr. Widenhouse at Port City Plastic Surgery. He will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and determine the correct approach for your gynecomastia treatment, which will offer optimum results. The two treatment paths you can go down are pharmacologic therapy and breast surgery. Pharmacologic therapy is a long-lasting option that is completely non-invasive. By administering antiestrogen pills, the amount of estrogen will lower in the body and testosterone will rise. These two chemicals in the body determine the anatomical masculine and feminine traits in humans. Reduction mammoplasty is considered for patients with macromastia or long-standing gynecomastia or in persons in whom medical therapy has failed. More extensive plastic surgery may be required in patients with marked gynecomastia or who have developed excessive sagging of the breast tissue due to weight loss.

Enlarged male breast tissue is easily removed with gynecomastia surgery, making it one of the most popular options for male breast enlargement. Excess breast tissue is removed using surgical excision and liposuction as needed. It can create a flatter, more masculine chest for many years.

Male Breast Reduction in Charleston, SC

Contact Dr. Widenhouse today to determine if gynecomastia surgery may be the right plan of action for you. Conveniently located in Charleston and Daniel Island, call 843-396-8306 to schedule your consultation!