Gynecomastia is a common condition that can affect up to 65 percent of aging men, causing the overdevelopment of male breasts. The condition is often harmless, but it could lead to discomfort and potential self-esteem issues for men if it worsens over time. 

Enlarged breasts can occur for a variety of reasons, which aren’t always under the man’s control, and sometimes, gynecomastia surgery is the only way to prevent the condition from evolving. Dr. Ostad has all the means to help you bring the situation under control. Read our blog and learn everything there is to know about gynecomastia so you can get the proper treatment!

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is an overdevelopment of breast tissue in a man’s anatomy, giving the impression of female breasts. This can prevent men from achieving their desired chest contour regardless of their physical shape. 

The condition is caused by a hormone imbalance, an excess of estrogen that makes the breasts grow abnormally large. Poor nutrition, hypothyroidism, and certain medications could also lead to incorrect breast tissue development.

When Should You Get Treated for Gynecomastia?

If you have the following symptoms, it might be a good moment to consider treatment:

• You have swollen breasts that are larger than those of the average man
• You feel pain and tenderness when you touch your breasts
• Your nipples feel sensitive when they rub against your clothes
• The breast tissue has not gone down, despite dieting and exercise bringing you to a relatively healthy weight

Should the symptoms of gynecomastia affect you, consider it a good moment to seek a consultation. 

What Happens When Gynecomastia Is Not Treated?

Gynecomastia is a condition that often resolves on its own, especially for infants and adolescents. However, when the issue appears in adult men, it is less likely to disappear without specialized treatment. This is often because the adult male body has supposedly finished developing, which means the hormones should have reached a balance. 

When gynecomastia is present in adult males, it should not be left untreated. Doing so could lead to various side effects, including chest sensitivity and discomfort during movement. The chest tissue could grow much larger, especially if the primary cause has not been treated. 

In the early stages, gynecomastia could be addressed with hormonal treatment if the leading cause is an imbalance. Should the appearance of large breasts be caused by excess weight, a correct diet and exercise routine could potentially solve the problem.

How to Obtain Relief from Gynecomastia

Unfortunately, most of the time, once the breast tissue has developed past a certain point, reducing this concern through non-invasive treatments is not possible. When the body is no longer responding to treatment, the most appropriate course is surgery, which involves the following procedures:

• Gynecomastia Surgery 

Also referred to as male breast reduction surgery, the gynecomastia procedure involves the removal of excess breast tissue. Incisions will be made in less visible areas, and once they are closed, the chest will be allowed to heal, offering a more masculine appearance. Scarring is often concealed, but should you want to remove it, you could follow up with scar revision treatments within six months after the surgery. 

• Liposuction 

When gynecomastia is caused by excess fat, liposuction can be a suitable way to reduce its appearance. Dr. Ostad uses tumescent liposuction, which involves using micro-cannulas and specialized solutions to reduce bleeding. This reduces the post-procedure recovery, leading to less notable side effects. Liposuction could also be used alongside gynecomastia surgery to improve the shape of the chest. 

We Can Help You Regain Your Self-Esteem!

Gynecomastia is a condition that can cause significant discomfort for men, both of physical and mental nature. For this reason, it is recommended that a patient be treated as early as possible. Call Dr. Ostad to schedule an appointment and get the proper treatment for gynecomastia!

If you want to learn more about gynecomastia and how to treat it, you can contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. He would be more than happy to offer guidance at his practice in Manhattan. As an alternative, you could use our online contact form to get in touch with us, and we will help you set up an appointment!