The word “gynecomastia” comes from the Greek words for “woman” and “breast,” and it describes a common condition that affects boys and men. As the name suggests, gynecomastia is characterized by overdeveloped and enlarged breasts.
The condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance that, in turn, has a variety of causes. They include puberty, certain genetic disorders, illness, and the aging process. Obesity is not a cause of true gynecomastia, but it can cause a similar-looking condition called “pseudogynecomastia.” While losing weight can help a patient with pseudogynecomastia, it won’t help a patient with true gynecomastia.
How is the Condition Treated?
It will often go away on its own, especially if the patient is young. The doctor may decide to monitor the condition. In other cases, the professional will try to determine the cause. If the patient is taking a prescription drug that can cause the condition, like certain antidepressants or heart medications, the doctor will help them find a substitute. If the patient has an illness that might be responsible, they will treat the illness. If none of the non-surgical treatments work, or if the condition is causing the patient pain, tenderness, or embarrassment, the doctor will suggest surgery.
What Does Surgery Involve?
The surgery is a type of breast reduction surgery. The exact techniques will depend on the size of the breasts and the composition of the excess tissue. Excess breast tissue can be either fat, glandular tissue, and/or skin.
If the patient’s breasts are mostly fat, they may need nothing more than a simple liposuction procedure. If they also have excess glandular tissue and/or skin, the doctor will excise the excess tissue. In some cases, the doctor may also have to reposition the areola and nipple to create a more natural and proportionate look.
Recovery from breast reduction takes time, and the final results won’t become apparent for sometime either. The patient may have to wear a compression garment to support their healing breasts, and they should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a set amount of time after the procedure. After a full recovery, the patient can enjoy the amazing results of the procedure.
Getting Started
If you suspect you have gynecomastia, book an appointment at aFresh® Med Spa & Plastic Surgery so that you can learn more about how a simple procedure can help make your oversized breasts a thing of the past. Contact us today to schedule your consultation at our office in Glenview.
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