Home » Gynecomastia 101 » Gynecomastia Symptoms
Gynecomastia Symptoms

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast from a hormonal imbalance of testosterone and estrogen. Men with Gynecomastia tend to have a feminized breast, often referred to as “man boobs”. Gynecomastia can not only have physical affects on men but it can also affect them psychologically and socially. Although Gynecomastia is not typically a serious medical issue, it can cause physiological trauma for the person living with this condition. The appearance of feminized breasts on a man can be a huge source of psychological and social stress as it can cause embarrassment and shame. While Gynecomastia breast reduction surgery is the number one plastic surgery for men in the United States, it is still a condition men rarely talk about publicly.
Symptoms
Generally men with Gynecomastia experience enlarge breast tissue that results in the appearance of a feminized breast as the principal symptom of the condition. Specific signs of the condition are enlarged breast tissue and tenderness. It is important to see a doctor if the patient experiences additional symptoms such as swelling, pain or nipple discharge in one or both of the breasts. A Gynecomastia Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is able to diagnose and treat patients experiencing further symptoms, as well as assess possible treatment plans for patients that are simply unhappy with their appearance due to male breast enlargement.
Consulting an Expert
During a physician exam, the doctor will inquire about the history of the condition and how long the patient has been experiencing breast enlargement. This can be crucial information in understanding the condition because often Gynecomastia resolves on its own when first presenting during puberty. Taking age and sexual development into consideration, along with the specific symptoms the patient is experiencing will allow the doctor to determine the best course of treatment. Normally for older patients the doctor will ask about the presentation of other symptoms that may be connected to the condition, such as genital related symptoms like erectile dysfunction or lowered libido. Furthermore, the doctor will assess the patient to determine if there are other symptoms present such as weight loss or fatigue, discoloration of the skin, cognitive or mood changes which could suggest there are other medical conditions that could be causing breast enlargement as well.
Treatment
The male breast reduction surgery can be an effective treatment solution for men struggling with Gynecomastia. A Gynecomastia gland excision with liposuction is an effective treatment for the condition. Before the procedure, the Gynecomastia specialist will determine the cause for the condition and decide if this treatment plan is the best for the patient.
Choosing The Best Surgeon
While Gynecomastia generally has a main symptom, male breast enlargement, it can be caused by several different factors. Therefore, it is imperative that patients looking to treat this condition consult with a highly trained and experienced plastic surgeon. If you are experiencing symptoms that might be signs of Gynecomastia do not hesitate to contact a Gynecomastia Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
©Copyright 2018 Gynecomastia.org. All rights reserved. Use and access to this site are subject to the terms and conditions as set out in our Legal Statement and Privacy Statement.
The content on Gynecomastia.org is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. It does not replace the need to meet with a physician who will accurately diagnose your condition and suggest treatment options.