Gynecomastia or male breast enlargement is a common condition where men develop excess breast tissue. It is typically caused by a hormonal imbalance, can be uncomfortable and a cause of embarrassment. The condition usually gets better on its own without treatment. If it doesn’t resolve, treatment is recommended. Understanding how the condition develops, who it affects, and how long it may last can help you determine the best course of action. Gynecomastia treatment in NYC offers a safe and effective solution for the condition. It removes excess breast tissue utilizing liposuction and may include excision through larger incisions, or a combination of both techniques.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Excess male breast tissue is caused by an imbalance between the body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. While testosterone is the primary hormone produced by men, minor levels of estrogen are also produced. Breast tissue can grow when levels of estrogen rise or testosterone fall. There are a number of things that might cause this syndrome:
- Hormonal Changes: Male breast enlargement may result from age, adolescence, or disorders that impact the production of hormones.
- Medication: A number of drugs, including anabolic steroids, antidepressants, and treatments for prostate issues, might aggravate this condition.
- Health Conditions: Hormone changes brought on by adrenal gland or testicular cancers, liver disease, or kidney failure might result in the growth of breast tissue.
- Substance Abuse: Using marijuana, alcohol, and several recreational drugs can raise your chance of getting excess breast in men
Can Gynecomastia Go Away on its Own?
Gynecomastia may or may not go away on its own, depending primarily on the age and underlying cause of the condition. It may go away on its own over time in certain cases, but it may also continue and need medical attention in other cases.
- Adolescents: It is comparatively common in boys going through adolescence because of the hormonal swings. When hormone levels normalize, teenage gynecomastia usually goes away on its own in six months to two years.
- Adults: Gynecomastia in male adults is less likely to resolve on its own, particularly if it is brought on by drugs, medical disorders, or substance abuse. To minimize the breast tissue, men who experience persistent gynecomastia may need to undergo medical evaluation and treatment.
- Older Adults: Breast enlargement in older males can be brought on by hormonal changes that occur with aging, such as a drop in testosterone levels. Like in adults, it might not go away on its own and, if left untreated, could worsen and become a lifelong problem.
Should You Consider Gynecomastia Treatment?
Gynecomastia treatment is the only treatment option when the condition persists after puberty. NYC plastic surgeons utilize the laser-assisted Smartlipo Triplex device to perform male breast reduction. This laser liposuction procedure involves using a small cannula to deliver laser energy to target the excess fat and liquefy it, making it easy to suction out. Smartlipo’s three laser wavelengths—1440, 1064, and 1320 nm—combine to quickly dissolve fat, coagulate tissue, and tighten the surrounding skin. With laser liposuction, the possibility of sagging after the procedure is decreased by facilitating accurate chest shaping and encouraging skin retraction. ThermaGuideTM, ThermaViewTM, and SmartSenseTM intelligent delivery solutions from Smartlipo enable more focused energy delivery and reduce the possibility of overtreatment.
Male breast enlargement can be a temporary condition for some, especially in adolescents, but in many cases, it requires treatment. Factors like age, health conditions, and lifestyle choices can influence whether the condition will resolve on its own. If you have persistent excess male breasts and it’s affecting your confidence or comfort, gynecomastia treatment in NYC could provide the solution.