Gynecomastia is an embarrassing condition that can occur in boys and men at any time. Sometimes it’s caused by weight gain, other times it’s caused by hormones – every time it’s unwanted. Getting rid of this condition may not be as cut and dry as you may think. Let’s lay down the basics.
Gynecomastia – What is it?
Gynecomastia is a condition in which there is a buildup of fatty tissue in the male breasts and can oftentimes include painful glandular tissue in the chest. This creates the appearance of what is commonly known as “man boobs.”
Why it Happens
It’s common for boys between the ages of 11 and 15 to see the onset of gynecomastia. This is often due to their hormones changing with puberty. Men who see gynecomastia later in life may have hormone fluctuations as well; however, it’s more often caused by weight gain, the use of growth hormones (both prescription and over-the-counter), marijuana use or a side effect from medication. This type of breast tissue is hard to eliminate with diet and exercise alone, which is why we see it so often.
Home Remedies
Because gynecomastia is often an embarrassing condition, men and boys are always trying to find a way to get rid of the appearance of excess fatty tissue. The most common home remedies include a clean, healthy diet and regular exercise. However, this type of fatty tissue can be hard to target with diet and exercise alone. If the condition is caused by the use of marijuana or as a side effect of medication, eliminating those from your life may lessen the appearance of gynecomastia, but this is not always the case.
Getting Rid of Gynecomastia
The most effective and permanent way to get rid of your gynecomastia is with surgery. This type of procedure usually takes place under general anesthesia. The highly-skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon makes a discrete incision on the side of the chest wall, from which they are able to remove any excess fat and glandular tissue.
Recovering from Treatment
After treatment, you’ll have some swelling and discomfort for a few weeks. You’ll have to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling as well as ensure that everything stays flat, and it may be necessary to take some time off of work as well to ensure you heal properly.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
