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Schedule A ConsultationAlthough occurring in 35-40% of men at some point in their lives, gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, isn’t frequently talked about on a widespread scale. This has led to a low level of awareness that gynecomastia can be treated, rather than simply addressing what can be an embarrassing condition.
But beyond the aesthetic and emotional aspects of this condition, are there medical reasons why gynecomastia should be treated? What happens to men who choose not to seek treatment?
In the majority of cases, the cause of male breast enlargement is unknown. It is often considered to be the result of an imbalance of hormones, leading to growth of glandular tissue not normally present in males, or weight gain and excess adipose (fat) tissue in the chest.
Hormone imbalances themselves can be caused by medications, puberty, substance use or abuse, and conditions like hyper- or hypothyroidism. So while most gynecomastia cases are harmless and may eventually resolve on their own, some can be signs of other, more serious conditions.
With a wide variety of causes, gynecomastia does not always result from a more serious underlying condition, and treatment can include losing weight, ceasing the use of steroids or other medications, or simply waiting it out. In chronic cases, in which gynecomastia does not go away, surgical techniques can be used to remove the excess glandular tissue and restore the chest to a masculine contour.
Simply put, if male breast enlargement symptoms are caused by an underlying health condition such as testicular failure, pituitary gland disorders, or cirrhosis of the liver, you should seek medical attention to treat the condition. These disorders and others that could cause gynecomastia can be diagnosed by your primary care physician or a specialist who can recommend a treatment plan.
Do I Need to Treat Gynecomastia?
When not caused by a serious health condition, men with gynecomastia who aren’t concerned about their appearance don’t need to get it treated. However, gynecomastia may not go away on its own, and if the look and shape of your chest is inhibiting your self-confidence or affecting your self-worth, seeking a plastic surgeon to re-sculpt your appearance can have many emotional and social benefits.
Gynecomastia is a real, treatable condition that affects more men than you may think. If you are struggling with the appearance of your chest, you can seek the help of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Cruise, who can diagnose your condition and tell you if you’re a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery. Get in touch today by calling 949-644-4808 or filling out a contact form online.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
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