Dr. Gregory Dumanian is a leading Chicago-based plastic surgeon. Here, he provides additional insight into gynecomastia and discusses how long a person should wait before addressing gynecomastia.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common and treatable condition that impacts both boys and men. It is a condition characterized by an increase or enlargement of the breast tissue. The breasts grow larger and may even grow unevenly. It can be uncomfortable, embarrassing and even painful for some.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Before discussing gynecomastia treatment, it is important to understand the various causes of gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is most often caused by normal hormonal changes or a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal changes commonly occur in male infants, teenage boys and older men. Gynecomastia can have other causes including the following: certain medications, drugs, alcohol, health conditions and herbal products.
How Is Gynecomastia Treated?
There are generally two treatment options available for gynecomastia: time and surgery. Time can be an effective treatment option for teenage boys because as their hormones normalize over time, gynecomastia may eventually go away on its own.
Gynecomastia can also be treated via male breast reduction. Male breast reduction can do more than simply reduce the size of the breasts. It can also enhance the appearance of the chest by flattening and enhancing its contours.
How Long Should I Wait Before Addressing Gynecomastia?
You don’t have to wait to address your gynecomastia. If you are experiencing gynecomastia, you should talk to your physician. He or she will most likely review your symptoms with you and perform a physical exam. The physician may also order lab tests. The more your appearance bothers you, the more you should consider having an evaluation.
Meeting with your plastic surgeon is important. It can help you identify the potential cause of your gynecomastia. This is important when you are considering the next steps. Remember: in some instances, gynecomastia may go away on its own. This means that you may not have to do anything more to address your gynecomastia than simply practice patience.
However, in other instances, you may have to take additional steps to address your gynecomastia. This may include addressing the potential cause of your gynecomastia. If addressing the cause of your gynecomastia doesn’t help, then you may want to talk to your doctor about cosmetic surgery to remove the breast bud and surrounding chest fat to improve the shape of the chest. The scars tend to stay well-hidden around the lower half of the brown circle of the male nipple (areola).
Consult With Dr. Dumanian
Dr. Dumanian is an experienced plastic surgeon who offers gynecomastia surgery in Chicago. Call his Chicago office at (312) 694-2428 to schedule a consultation and learn more about your surgical options.