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How Does Gynecomastia Affect Boys and Men at Different Ages?

Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.

There are many causes for gynecomastia, or enlarged, excess breast tissue in men. Gynecomastia affects both adolescent and adult men, but causes, symptoms, and treatment for these patients can be different. Here are some of the differences between teenage or adult gynecomastia and what patients can do about it.

Gynecomastia in Teens

In adolescents, gynecomastia is usually caused by exposure to excess estrogen and estrogen like compounds within the body during puberty. As boys enter puberty, the body makes a new form of testosterone in greater quantities. Testosterone is similar to estrogen chemically and the metabolites of testosterone are even more like estrogen. Estrogen induces growth of breast tissue in men and women, whereas androgens like testosterone inhibit breast growth.  Gynecomastia during puberty is relatively normal, and doesn’t always require treatment. In most adolescents, the condition resolves spontaneously within 1-2 years. As many as 90% of teenage boys may temporarily experience gynecomastia. Usually, the chest contour returns to a flat and masculine appearance when teenage boys enter their 20s. If this is not the case, treatment may be necessary. Once the excess breast tissue has been there more than two years, it usually will not resolve without surgery, even if an underlying medical cause is found and treated appropriately.

Gynecomastia in Men

In men, there are a wide variety of causes for gynecomastia. These range from hormonal imbalance to side effects from drugs. Gynecomastia is even more common in adult men than teenage boys. Up to 65% of men between the ages of 27 and 92 experience gynecomastia at some point in their life. For some men, treating the cause of their gynecomastia or losing weight ( in the case of pseudogynecomastia =  excess fat tissue in the breast area) can resolve their symptoms. For others, surgery is necessary to restore a masculine chest contour.

Treating Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia surgery is among the most effective and permanent treatment options for men facing enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon who is trained in creating a masculine chest contour such as Dr. Angelchik. This procedure is also known as a male breast reduction.

Male breast reduction involves removing excess fat and breast tissue to create a flat and masculine-looking chest. This both restores the man’s appearance and, often, improves his confidence. Most men who suffer from gynecomastia make good candidates for the surgery as long as they are generally healthy overall. By following a healthy diet and lifestyle, men can ensure that their gynecomastia surgery results are permanent.

How to Prepare for Gynecomastia Surgery

The first step in the gynecomastia surgery journey is to schedule a consultation. During your consultation with Dr. Angelchik, he will evaluate your health and determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. You can also ask any questions that you have about the procedure or recovery process.

Before your surgery, you may be required to have medical evaluations and lab testing performed. You should also avoid smoking or taking drugs which can cause bleeding such as aspirin before your procedure. Finally, prepare for your recovery period by arranging for someone to drive you home and care for you after surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about gynecomastia surgery and find out if you’re a good candidate for the procedure, schedule a consultation with Dr. Angelchik. Call our office at (602) 375-8888 or request an appointment through our online form.

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If you're interested, please contact us today at 602-375-8888 to schedule your consultation. Our office provides excellent plastic surgery to clients in the Glendale, Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, Surprise and Peoria areas of Arizona.

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