Gynecomastia: Causes and Treatments By Abigail Aaronson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The term gynecomastia is unknown to many males, including those who suffer from the condition. Most people refer to it simply as "male breasts." Gynecomastia is the development of abnormally large breast tissue in males, both adolescent and adults. This condition is embarrassing and emotionally distressing to many men unfortunate enough to suffer from it.

Men who have gynecomastia often find themselves the butt of many cruel jokes and feel insecure in situations that require them to reveal their body. Fortunately, there is a solution for the majority of men who suffer from this condition.

Although the cause of gynecomastia is most often attributed to obesity, there are many potential sources that can contribute to breast development. In adolescents hormone imbalance, especially during puberty, can cause the breasts to swell.

Fortunately, if there is no pain or other abnormalities, the condition will often subside over time. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercise routine early on will also help prevent onset of gynecomastia.

If the condition persists into adulthood or begins later on in life, then there may be other factors involved. Tumors, genetic disorders, medication side effects, liver disease, ageing and steroid abuse are all linked to gynecomastia.

If you've attempted diet and exercise but still have not seen results, there could be a greater underlying problem. Consult with a qualified physician to help determine the cause of the condition. Sometimes the solution can be as simple as switching medications.

For some men, the only resolution is plastic surgery. Plastic surgery can help boost confidence, improve self-esteem, and helps ease emotional distress. The procedure is relatively simple. Less severe cases that largely result from excess fat can often benefit from only liposuction. This procedure involves inserting a hollow tube into the target area and then using a sawing motion to extract excess fat cells, leaving the chest smooth and flat.

More extreme cases that involve sagging skin and an enlarged or out of place areola will need to be treated by excision. During this procedure, excess skin is cut away and then stitched back tightly. The areola will be repositioned to a more appealing height and minimized if necessary. Sometimes both liposuction and excision are necessary to achieve optimal results.

The recovery period for gynecomastia correction will vary. If liposuction alone was used, expect one to two weeks of rest and tenderness in the area. There may be minor swelling and bruising, but discomfort is often minimal. Excision patients will normally have more pain and a slightly longer recovery period. They may have to make a return visit for stitch removal and follow-ups.

Both procedures carry risks, including infection, bleeding, and temporary or permanent numbness. There will also be scarring from the incisions, but these can often be well-camouflaged within the natural lines and contours of the body.

Before considering plastic surgery, you should consult with your doctor to rule out any serious medical conditions that may have caused the onset of gynecomastia. It's also important to choose a board-certified and skilled plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.

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