When most people hear about procedures to remove excess breast fat, tissue, and skin, they automatically think about women. In reality, gynecomastia—a condition exclusively affecting men—and the surgical procedures to address it have increased among males.
WHAT IS GYNECOMASTIA
Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of breast tissue in men. This increase results in what is commonly referred to as ‘man boobs’, and is considered a harmless but abnormal condition associated with hormonal imbalance and various metabolic disorders. Many men who suffer from this ailment see the development and enlargement of breast tissue during puberty, but it can also affect men ages 18 to 50. The ‘swollen nipples’ effect that is characteristic of gynecomastia is very difficult to reduce. While dieting and exercising can, for the most part, get rid of the fat around the breast, the area itself is made up of high-resistant glandular tissue. In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is usually recommended.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BURDEN OF GYNECOMASTIA
Gynecomastia is not just a simple cosmetic issue. A study on adolescent males has shown that boys with gynecomastia were found to have significantly lower levels of mental health, self-esteem, and social functioning as compared to those without. There is also a strong stigma associated with gynecomastia, and it is widespread throughout the world. Many assume these growths result from inactivity, laziness, and poor living habits. While these can worsen the growth of male breasts, most cases are due to hormonal issues. The emotional impact of gynecomastia can be debilitating, causing most to turn to surgery for assistance.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT GYNECOMASTIA
As more men begin to realize that exercise and diet cannot completely get rid of gynecomastia, they consider surgery to address it. Gynecomastia surgery typically takes about 1-2 hours to perform and is considered an outpatient procedure. Excess fat is removed via small incisions by liposuction, while glandular tissue and excess skin are excised, resulting in a chest that is immediately more contoured, sculpted, and flatter. The recovery process is typically quite tolerable, and patients may return to work or school within several days after the procedure.
Many patients report an improvement in their confidence and self-image after gynecomastia surgery. Their new flattened and contoured chest allows them to be comfortable in fitted clothing and, at the same time, be more agile during physical activities.
For those who are suffering from this condition and are looking for surgery to help, I encourage you to seek the expertise of an accredited plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in this procedure. Your health, and potentially your life, is worth it.
To learn more about gynecomastia surgery, do contact us at:
Dr Marco Faria-Correa Plastic Surgery
Tel: +65 64648075
E-mail: enquiry@drmarco.com
Web: www.drmarco.com
Disclaimer: The information contained in this post is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your plastic surgeon or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Always speak to your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a procedure.
