Gynecomastia
Orlando and Winter Park, Florida
Men sometimes have significant breast tissue, a condition clinically known as gynecomastia. For these men, there is often the potential for life-long psychological effects, leading to chronically low self-esteem, depression, and isolation. Even in relatively mild cases, men who suffer from this condition often feel feminized and insecure in situations where they must remove their shirts, from the locker room to the doctor's office to their bedroom. Fortunately, however, gynecomastia can be corrected.
The treatment for Gynecomastia depends on the cause. Sometimes, the cause of the condition is a serious illness such as:
- Cancer
- Chronic liver disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Gilbert's syndrome
In these cases, sometimes characterized by an asymmetrically enlarged breast, it is necessary to treat the illness before considering whether to seek cosmetic treatment.
However, the most common causes for Gynecomastia are:
- Puberty
- Weight gain
- Aging
- Steroids and other medications that affect hormones
- Hormone imbalance
- Glandular condition
In some cases, Gynecomastia that sets in during puberty is self-correcting. Likewise for men whose breasts grow as a result of weight gain. However, for some men, the fat deposits in the breast tissue are resistant to weight loss. In this case, the only good solution is cosmetic body contouring surgery. If your skin is sufficiently elastic, this may entail only liposuction, but if your skin is unable to spring back once the fat is removed, it may be necessary to excise some skin and reconstruct your prior chest form.
If your Gynecomastia is a result of a glandular condition, then the extra glandular tissue may also have to be removed. This can often be done through the same small incision used for the liposuction.
If you are tired of always feeling self-conscious about your enlarged male breast tissue, call or email Dr. Greenberg, treating patients in Orlando and Winter Park.
