Monday, September 19, 2011

A Short Guide to Gynaecomastia and Male Breast Reduction Surgery

By Anna Sola


Gynaecomastia is a benign enlargement of the male breasts occurring usually unilaterally or on both sides and has the appearance of female breasts. The literal meaning of this term is 'female breasts '. Gynaecomastia commonly appears in males due to imbalance between the masculine and feminine sex hormones; estrogens exceed the androgens in the blood, which act on the male breast bud to cause gynaecomastia.

Almost all of the cases of gynaecomastia have no identifiable cause; but certain factors linked with this disorder are:

Physiological

- At birth, maternal estrogens cross the placenta and cause gynaecomastia in the baby boy that typically resolves spontaneously inside a few weeks.
- At adolesence, 50% of the boys have asymmetrical gynecomastia, which may be a source of embarrassment for them. It usually resolves spontaneously in 16-18 months. Surgical removal (male breast reduction) is necessary if it doesn't resolve in the specified time, as fibrous tissue is laid down.

Pathological

- Hyperthyroidism
- Liver disease - it interferes with the metabolism of estrogens, so increasing their levels in the blood.
- Estrogen making tumors (testis and adrenals).
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) producing cancers (testis and lung).
- Starvation
- Carcinoma of breast
- Atherosclerosis of testicular artery impairs testosterone production and cause 'senile' gynaecomastia.

Medicines - affect metabolic and hormonal pathways causing gynaecomastia.

- Estrogenic drugs like estrogens, digoxin, cannabis and diamorphine.
- Anti-androgens like spironolactone, cimetidine and cyproterone.
- Other drugs like gonadotrophins and cytotoxics.

Gynaecomastia is still thought of as a taboo in our society. Only a few men developing this condition talk about it and adolescent boys even do not share it with their parents or friends. They just try to hide away in a corner to avoid hurtful remarks that may affect their self esteem badly.

Male breast reduction surgery has started to become popular in the U.S and across the globe. In adolescents and adults the classic indication for gynaecomastia (male breast reduction) is the presence of stable enlarged breasts for two years, without any change.

There is a blend of fat and breast tissue in the chest of individuals having gynaecoamastia, certain instruments have been designed so as to remove both sorts of tissues at the same time. A pointed liposuction instrument is utilized for this process. A little nick is made near the armpit and the excessive tissue is removed. This system minimises the scar tissue formation, a very important facet of cosmetic surgery.

After the medical technique the time required for recovery can be brief; soreness in the breasts is felt for a few days which can on occasion be resolved by taking pain killers. Patients are usually able to resume light work after seven to10 days and commence some exercise. Driving is authorized usually after about a week to minimise irritation due to the seat belt.

Where the breast enlargement is basically due to fat accumulation, this is referred to as pseudo-gynaecomastia and can be dealt with in a similar way.

Before starting on any cosmetic surgical procedure, it is vital to discuss the treatment's suitability with a fully qualified plastic surgeon.




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1 comment:

  1. Get the perfect gynecomastia surgery in India from the VJ Clinics with successful results. We are the only clinic in India that gives you perfect results without making any extra money from you.

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