Most people just assume a man’s larger breasts are simply due to weight gain. But in half the cases you’d be wrong with that assumption — around half of men with this condition have gynecomastia. It’s a condition that can really impact a man’s self-esteem.
Dr. Turk can address the condition with male breast reduction surgery.
What leads to gynecomastia?
The causes of adult gynecomastia aren’t fully understood.
In teenagers, gynecomastia is common. Up to 70 percent of adolescent/pubescent boys have enlarged breasts to some degree. In teens, the cause is obvious: rampaging testosterone and estrogen levels. As these levels fluctuate wildly during puberty, so can breast size and other issues that are linked to hormone levels such as facial hair.
In adults, middle-aged and older men can also develop enlarged breasts due to hormone changes that come with aging. But more often gynecomastia comes as a side effect from taking certain medications. These are the medications known to have a link to gynecomastia:
- Anti-anxiety drugs
- Steroids
- Antibiotics
- Heartburn treatment drugs
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- AIDS treatment drugs
Heavy drinking and smoking marijuana can also lead to gynecomastia.
Breast reduction surgery
Men with gynecomastia have a firm, rubbery mass underneath the nipple area. The size of this mass is around 1.5 inches across and it may be sensitive to the touch.
If surgery is required, small incisions are made in the armpits or around the areolae. Through those incisions, excess fat and glandular tissue are removed and excess skin is trimmed. Dr. Turk may also include liposuction to remove fat pockets. If excess fat is the key, the patient may only need liposuction.
If enlarged breasts are keeping you from hitting the beach, there’s no need to tolerate the condition. Have Dr. Turk perform reduction surgery. Call us at (239) 348-4357 to schedule a consultation.
