GYNECOMASTIA

Gynecomastia is called the development of female-like breasts in males caused by the occurrence of unilateral or bilateral benign excessive breast tissue.

It is consequently an embarrassing and psychologically troubling situation for a man that he looks forward to its immediate correction.

Which are the causes of gynecomastia?

There are many factors responsible for this problem. One of them was considered to be, for years, the stimulation of breast tissue by excess circulating estrogens or at least estrogen-like substances, and this was the basis for its treatment. However, surgical removal of the hypertrophic breast tissue is beyond doubt the best treatment.

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Up to now, hormonal influences are not the only responsible factors. On the contrary, physiologic, pathologic, pharmacologic and idiopathic factors can attribute to this problem.

Physiologic gynecomastia can occur in neonatal, pubertal and elderly years. Neonatal gynecomastia comes from the circulating maternal estrogens transferred by the placental-fetal circulation. Because this situation lasts from weeks to months we give no treatment. As far as teenagers are concerned, they can present various types of gynecomastia which can last from the some months to years, and in some cases it is not so evident. Finally, in elderly people we have got an augmentation of the breast while plasma testosterone levels decrease.

Pathologic gynecomastia results from a number of metabolic and endocrine disorders as well as congenital hypogonabal and increased estrogen states.

Pharmacologic gynecomastia can result from an increased direct estrogenic activity, an increased secretion of estrogen, a decreased testosterone synthesis and decreased androgen sensitivity. We must also mention that there are various drugs related to this problem.

How is gynecomastia best treated?

Since its appearance, various methods have been used in order to treat gynecomastia, to no avail. Therefore we have undoubtly come to the conclusion that the most drastic and permanent solution is liposuction.

This procedure enables fat removal from the areas in need, leaving the other areas untouched. That means that the healing time is shorter, with less physical damage, while the plastic surgeon has the chance to contour the chest more precisely.

What shall I expect after surgery?

In general, there is no postoperative pain, and the healing period lasts for about 3 to 4 days. After the 2 weeks the stiches come out.