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Why Men Develop Gynecomastia

By Andy Goodall. Posted November 7, 2016 in Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction)

Most men strive to have a defined pectoral appearance, and the development of a fatty chest can lead to extreme embarrassment. Gynecomastia is a medical condition where men develop excess glandular breast tissue directly under the nipple. Gynecomastia is usually non-cancerous and caused by an imbalance of hormones. Men don’t have to live with an unattractive chest Gynecomastia Surgery Before and After Photosappearance; gynecomastia is easily treatable. Understanding the cause of your gynecomastia will allow you to better prevent its return.

Hormonal Causes

Men who develop gynecomastia may have high levels of estrogen in their system. Gynecomastia can be indicative of an underlying medical condition such as a tumor of the adrenal, testes, or pituitary glands. It may also be a side effect of hyperthyroidism, hypogonadism, kidney disease, or liver failure. It is important to seek medical help to rule out any medical causes of your gynecomastia.

Medication used to treat some illnesses may cause gynecomastia to develop. Common medications include:

  • AIDS medication
  • Anti-anxiety medication
  • Chemotherapy
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Ulcer medication

Drugs and Alcohol

Illegal drug use and alcohol abuse can lead to the development of gynecomastia. Anabolic steroids, amphetamines, heroin, and marijuana are all known to cause gynecomastia. It is important to recognise if drugs or alcohol are the root cause because continual use after correction surgery can lead to the redevelopment of gynecomastia.  

Pseudogynecomastia

Pseudogynecomastia occurs when you have a fatty breast appearance without the presence of excess glandular tissue. This typically occurs in men who are overweight or at an older age. Fatty tissue may accumulate around the nipple because of poor diet, lack of exercise, or a natural slowing of your metabolism. Pseudogynecomastia is easily treated using liposuction. In some cases, excision may be used.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is designed to improve the contour of the male chest to restore a more masculine chest appearance. Small incisions are created along the natural contours of the chest, and glandular tissue is excised from under the skin. Liposuction is used to eliminate fat and help provide a better chest contour.

If you are looking to improve the appearance of your chest, schedule your consultation with Mr Gwanmesia today. Contact our office at 02074741300 or fill out our online contact form for additional information.

Dr Ivo Gwanmesia

Dr Ivo Gwanmesia is one of Harley Street’s most experienced and renowned craniofacial plastic surgeons. With over a decade of professional experience, he has transformed the lives of countless patients from all over the UK & abroad.

Due to his vast and hands-on training in the UK and the US, Dr Ivo now specialises in more than a dozen different aesthetic, craniofacial and transgender procedures. Some of them include face, neck, and brow lifts, upper and lower blepharoplasty, breast reduction & breast uplift as well as facial feminisation surgery, to name a few.

Dr Gwanmesia has also conducted pioneering research, which led to the development of a new technique for the reconstruction of the middle vault of the nose, known as the ‘Fulcrum Spreader Graft’. He was also part of a study comparing the efficacy of the Sheen Spreader Graft and the Fulcrum Spreader Graft. The study has since been published on PubMed and the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.