GYNECOMASTIA
The growth of breast tissue is a taboo subject for many men. In medicine, the term gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of the mammary gland in men. It is characterized by an increased growth of glandular tissue, which affects both breasts, but can also occur on one side.
The causes of real gynecomastia are usually hormonal disorders. A lack of male hormones and an excess of female hormones can cause the vulnerable breast tissue to produce more glandular tissue, resulting in visible breast enlargement. In some cases, medications or a genetic predisposition can cause gynecomastia.
TYPES OF GYNECOMASTIA
True gynecomastia must be differentiated from other forms that, although very different in appearance, cannot be equated. Nevertheless, there is the possibility of the different types mixing with each other.
Pseudogynecomastia is characterized by an increased deposition of fatty tissue in the male breast. The fat accumulations can be due to being very overweight (obesity) or can also be caused by lipomas.
Lipomastia is a subtype of pseudogynecomastia. In this form, too, the glandular tissue is not enlarged and it is just an increased accumulation of fat in the chest area. The only difference between the two is the greater generality of the term pseudogynecomastia, as it includes all other causes of breast enlargement, apart from the growth of the mammary gland.
Pubertal gynecomastia: This form of gynecomastia occurs in boys during puberty, around the age of 14. This is not a disorder that requires treatment. Regression usually occurs spontaneously after puberty. In rare cases, pubertal gynecomastia persists afterwards.
TREATMENT
In the case of hormone-related gynecomastia, it is possible to treat the symptoms with hormone therapy. However, hormone treatment rarely leads to significant breast reduction. Only a surgical procedure can ensure complete correction of the male breast. Classic liposuction and the additional removal of glandular tissue are combined. In some cases, liposuction alone may be sufficient.
The procedure is usually carried out under general anesthesia. If only liposuction takes place, local anesthesia is also possible. At the beginning of the operation, small incisions are made at the lower edge of the areola. Through these incisions, the excess fatty tissue can be sucked out using fine cannulas. Once liposuction is completed, the mammary glands are surgically removed via the same skin openings. The minimally invasive procedure means no further cuts are necessary. If a man's breasts are particularly pronounced, it may be necessary to also undergo a breast lift in order to achieve the desired result. This takes place immediately after the removal of the glandular tissue. The incisions are then stitched up and a bandage is applied.
RISKS AND RECOVERY
It is completely normal to experience swelling and bruising after gynecomastia correction. These go back on their own over time. To avoid complications such as the formation of bumps and the retention of wound secretions, a compression garment should be worn for more than six weeks. It ensures that the cavities in the chest created by tissue removal do not fill with blood or wound fluid. However, with conscientious aftercare, these complications can easily be avoided. You should avoid exercise for about 6 weeks.
FOR QUESTIONS FOR YOUR SURGEON
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