Causes and Treatment of Male Breast Enlargement
Male breast enlargement, otherwise known as gynecomastia, is a surprisingly common condition, as it occurs in almost 30% to 50% of healthy pubescent males and adult men. However, this might not be of much comfort to you, particularly if you’re struggling with gynecomastia. This is a debilitating condition, as it can cause significant self-esteem issues, particularly for younger males in their teen years.
Causes of Enlarged Breasts in Men
Male breast enlargement is caused by an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen levels. In some men, the testosterone is unable to inhibit the estrogen, which is why male breasts are formed. Gynecomastia is often a misunderstood health condition, as the medical community is still not sure what triggers the hormonal imbalance. It’s thought that drug-induced gynecomastia accounts for about 25% of all cases; however, the other 25% of cases are still a mystery. With regards to drug-induced gynecomastia, it’s thought that the following drugs can cause male breast enlargement:
•Anti-androgens (particularly those meant to treat prostate cancer)
•Steroids
•AIDS medications
•Anti-anxiety prescriptions and anti-depressants
•Antibiotics
•Cancer treatments
•Heart medications
How to Reduce Enlarged Breasts in Men
Plastic surgery offers the best male breast reduction treatment option, as it effectively removes the tissues and fat that are responsible for creating the breasts.
At Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, California (also serving the greater Orange County areas), Dr. Kyle Song has been providing patients with cosmetic solutions to gynecomastia, including reduction mammoplasty, also known as male breast reduction. During this cosmetic surgical procedure, Dr. Song will remove the excess tissue in the chest area, as well as perform liposuction to remove fat. Dr. Song may also reposition the nipple to create a more natural look, and excess skin may be removed. The best candidates for a reduction mammoplasty are healthy, of relatively normal weight, and have realistic expectations for the outcome of the surgery.
To learn more about your solutions for male breast enlargement, schedule a consultation with Dr. Song at Song Plastic Surgery in Irvine, California (949) 701-4454.