Men

Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the medical term for abnormal, excessive growth of the male mammary gland. This swelling, which may be present on just one, or both of the mammary glands, has an appearance very similar to that of the female breast.

In addition to the physical constraints that this imposes on the afflicted patient, it can lead to embarrassing situations and psychological suffering. An adult man may develop gynecomastia if aberrantly high levels of the female hormone oestrogen are present. Such a disturbance in the normal hormonal balance may arise as a consequence of disease of the liver, pituitary gland, adrenal glands or testicles, or as an undesired side-effect of certain medication. This can lead to a relative increase in the levels of oestrogen, and subsequent growth of the male mammary glands. Gynecomastia is not to be confused with lipomastia. The latter condition is defined by the presence of excess fat around the male mammary glands, which can also cause a greater or lesser similarity with the female breast. Essential for accurate diagnosis is the determination of the patient’s hormone levels.

I can help you to select the operative procedure most applicable to you. In the case of gynecomastia, a subcutaneous mastectomy may represent the most appropriate therapy. This operation involves removal of excess mammary gland and fat tissue. If lipomastia is the problem however, liposuction may be adequate. A word of caution: A temporary increase in size of the male mammary glands during puberty is a normal part of development. In the majority of cases, the mammary glands decrease in size again without any external intervention. Should, however, this process be disturbed in some way, it is highly advisable that medical advice be sought, in order the smooth the path towards a normal social and sexual development.