Male gynecomastia is the pathological enlargement of one or both mammary glands in men, similar to that in women. Although it is not well known, this disorder affects 50% of men, producing an unsightly effect, as well as complexes and pain. This greatly limits the patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Richard Fakin, plastic surgeon, director of Ocean Clínic Madrid and expert in this type of intervention, explains the causes, the symptoms and the most suitable treatments to solve the problem.
Causes that produce it
This pathological growth can occur in one or both breasts. To determine the cause and to be able to offer a diagnosis it is necessary to perform ultrasound tests or palpate the nipple area. After the examination we can group the cases in two:
– Gynecomastia: the patient complains of pain and the tissue is hard due to enlarged mammary glands.
– Pseudogynecomastia: there are no glands, the enlargement has been caused by excessive fat accumulation.
In many cases the causes are of unknown origin. In others, the reason may be due to excessive consumption of anabolic steroids, cannabis, hormonal dysplasia, etc.
The most common symptoms
The most common symptom is a painful feeling in the area. This leads to a considerable loss of quality of life, since in addition to pain it causes very uncomfortable situations, for example, when practicing group sports or going to the beach.
Surgical treatment
The way to eliminate this abnormal enlargement of the mammary gland in men always involves surgery, says Dr. Fakin. However, the treatment will be different depending on the diagnosis.
The treatments used would be the following:
- Body Jet Liposuction: using a water-based solution that allows localized fat to be removed more easily.
- Extraction of the mammary gland: it is performed when liposuction has not been able to solve the problem. It improves the aesthetic result and the scars are imperceptible.
- Periareolar mastopexy: the incision is made along the edge of the nipple. This treatment is reserved for extreme cases.
Any of these surgeries are performed by applying a sedative and the patient will be discharged the same day of the operation. In 2-3 days the patient can return to work and lead a normal life. Finally, periodic check-ups are performed; the first one after two weeks, the second one after one month and the final one after 3 months.