Basic Information About Gynecomastia: What Is It?

Many people live with the pain of having a poor body image. They look in the mirror and do not like what they see. Some of these people are suffering from this because of traumatic events in their childhood. Others suffer because of an affliction or disease. One issue that plagues many men is gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breasts. This is a medical condition in which fatty tissue collects in the breast area resulting in the presence of what appear to be feminine breasts. Though it is usually a benign condition, it can cause embarrassment and low self-esteem in the affected man. Since this is not something that men can control, they feel like there is something wrong with them and that their masculinity is being questioned by those that see the enlarges breasts. These men may have intimacy issues and not be able to relax and enjoy the time they spend with their partners. This can cause relationships to fail. Affected men may also feel as though they cannot pursue athletic goals because their breasts may bounce or be noticeable when running or jumping. Again the man feels people may question his masculinity. Compression garments may be used to control the visibility of the enlarged tissue. Some men are simply overweight and will be able to reverse this condition by losing weight. This is called pseudo-gynecomastia, or false gynecomastia. Examination by a physician is required to properly diagnose gynecomastia. Treatment Options Once a man has been diagnosed with gynecomastia, there are different types of treatments he may explore. If the cause of the disorder is brought on by puberty, it is possible the patient will outgrow the condition. Many doctors give these males a few years before recommending any type of treatment. Certain medications may cause increase in the fatty tissue of the male breast. In such cases, discontinuing the medication may be the only needed treatment. Some medications cause weight gain in certain individuals. Again, the first course of action is to discontinue that particular medication. Other diseases or illnesses can bring on gynecomastia. If male breast enlargement presents itself as a symptom of another health problem, doctors will treat the underlying illness or disease and the condition. After the health problem is taken care of the false gynecomastia goes away. When gynecomastia is diagnosed as a disorder, cosmetic and emotional treatments are readily available. Treatments may begin as soon as the doctor receives confirmation that it is benign and there are no underlying causes. Cosmetic surgery to remove the extra tissue and restructure the skin on the chest is the most popular treatment. Men who decide that they do not want to undergo plastic surgery may choose to wear a compression undergarment. These men choose to live with the condition and do not want any other form of treatment. They may not be aware of other treatments available to them. Medications are available for the treatment of this condition. Every medication carries the risk of side effects. Explore and understand the side effects of starting, maintaining, and stopping the medications. Some medications used to treat gynecomastia only work while the medication is active. Once the patient stops taking the medication, the symptoms reappear. These are all important factors when making a decision on treatment. Liposuction for gynecomastia is successful and permanent when there is no underlying condition causing the disorder. Most men are very happy with the results and continue on with a normal life in every aspect. Down time is only a few days and most people fully recover within a few weeks. The importance of having a physician diagnose the condition and a board certified plastic surgeon perform the surgery is paramount. Improper diagnosis may result in unnecessary or dangerous procedures. A second opinion is highly recommended before undergoing any surgical or cosmetic procedure.